Hebrews 11:5

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

By faith {G4102} Enoch {G1802} was translated {G3346} that he should {G1492} not {G3361} see {G1492} death {G2288}; and {G2532} was {G2147} not {G3756} found {G2147}, because {G1360} God {G2316} had translated {G3346} him {G846}: for {G1063} before {G4253} his {G846} translation {G3331} he had this testimony {G3140}, that he pleased {G2100} God {G2316}.

By trusting, Hanokh was taken away from this life without seeing death — “He was not to be found, because God took him away” — for he has been attested as having been, prior to being taken away, well pleasing to God.

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God:

Commentary

Commentary on Hebrews 11:5 (KJV)

Hebrews 11:5 (KJV): "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse appears in Hebrews chapter 11, often called the "Hall of Faith." The author is listing examples of individuals from the Old Testament who demonstrated faith. Enoch is an early figure mentioned in Genesis 5, living before the great flood. His inclusion here highlights that faith has been central to God's relationship with humanity from the beginning.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faith as the means of pleasing God: The verse explicitly states that Enoch "pleased God." The preceding clause attributes this pleasing to his "faith." This reinforces the chapter's overarching theme that faith is essential for a right relationship with God, as further emphasized in the following verse (Hebrews 11:6).
  • God's unique action: Enoch's "translation" (being taken directly by God without dying) is a rare event in scripture, shared only perhaps with Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). This extraordinary outcome is presented as a direct result of his faithful walk with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "translated" (μετατίθημι - *metatithēmi*) means to transfer, carry over, or remove from one place to another. In Enoch's case, it signifies a divine act of taking him from the earthly realm into God's presence without experiencing physical death. The phrase "pleased God" (εὐαρεστέω - *euarestéō*) literally means "to be well-pleasing."

Cross-References

  • Genesis 5:24: "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." This is the Old Testament account referenced here, confirming Enoch's unique departure.
  • Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." This verse directly follows and expands on the principle demonstrated by Enoch's life.

Practical Application

Enoch's story, though unique in its outcome, provides a powerful illustration of the principle that a life of faith is a life that pleases God. While we may not be "translated" as Enoch was, the verse encourages us that walking faithfully with God is what He desires, and it leads to His favor and blessing, even if the specific expression of that blessing differs. Our focus should be on living a life that receives the testimony that we, too, please God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 5:21 (14 votes)

    ¶ And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:

  • Genesis 5:24 (14 votes)

    And Enoch walked with God: and he [was] not; for God took him.

  • Jude 1:14 (9 votes)

    And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

  • 2 Kings 2:11 (9 votes)

    And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

  • Hebrews 11:6 (8 votes)

    But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

  • Psalms 89:48 (6 votes)

    What man [is he that] liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.

  • Revelation 11:9 (6 votes)

    And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.