Hebrews 11:7

KJV

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

KJV (with Strong's)

By faith {G4102} Noah {G3575}, being warned of God {G5537} of {G4012} things not {G3369} seen {G991} as yet {G3369}, moved with fear {G2125}, prepared {G2680} an ark {G2787} to {G1519} the saving {G4991} of his {G846} house {G3624}; by {G1223} the which {G3739} he condemned {G2632} the world {G2889}, and {G2532} became {G1096} heir {G2818} of the righteousness {G1343} which is by {G2596} faith {G4102}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By trusting, Noach, after receiving divine warning about things as yet unseen, was filled with holy fear and built an ark to save his household. Through this trusting, he put the world under condemnation and received the righteousness that comes from trusting.

Berean Standard Bible

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

American Standard Version

By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:7 powerfully presents Noah as a foundational example of faith, demonstrating how his obedient response to an unseen divine warning led to the salvation of his household and served as a profound indictment of a disbelieving world. His actions, driven by reverent fear and trust in God's word, resulted in his being declared an heir of the righteousness that comes through faith, setting a precedent for all who would follow God's call despite outward appearances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Hebrews 11, often celebrated as the "Hall of Faith," a testament to Old Testament figures who exemplified unwavering trust in God. The chapter begins by defining faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")). Noah's narrative immediately follows the examples of Abel, whose faith offered a superior sacrifice ([Hebrews 11:4](/hebrews/11-4 "Hebrews 11:4 - Abel's Faith")), and Enoch, who walked with God and was taken without seeing death ([Hebrews 11:5-6](/hebrews/11-5-6 "Hebrews 11:5-6 - Enoch's Faith and God's Pleasure")). Noah's story marks a shift from individual acts of worship or communion to a monumental act of obedience that had global, redemptive, and judicial implications, setting the stage for the subsequent accounts of Abraham's journey of faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Noah lived in a pre-Flood world described in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Corruption of Humanity") as utterly corrupt, filled with violence, and where "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" ([Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Wickedness of Humanity")). The concept of a global flood was unprecedented; there was no prior historical or meteorological event to suggest such a catastrophe. Furthermore, a universal deluge would have been unimaginable to a people who likely had never witnessed significant rainfall, as the earth was watered by a mist or springs ([Genesis 2:5-6](/genesis/2-5-6 "Genesis 2:5-6 - Earth's Early Watering System")). Noah's task of building an ark was not only physically immense but also socially isolating, requiring decades of labor in plain sight of a scoffing, unbelieving populace. His actions stood in stark contrast to the prevailing societal norms and widespread wickedness.
* **Key Themes:** Noah's story in [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Hall of Faith") underscores several profound themes. Primarily, it highlights **Faith in the Unseen**, as Noah believed God's warning about a flood that had "not seen as yet," perfectly illustrating the definition of faith provided earlier in the chapter. Secondly, it emphasizes **Active Obedience**, demonstrating that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but leads to tangible, costly action, as Noah "prepared an ark" in meticulous adherence to divine instructions ([Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Genesis 6:22 - Noah's Obedience")). Thirdly, the theme of **Divine Warning and Human Response** is central, showcasing God's justice and mercy in providing ample warning before judgment, and Noah's "fear" signifying a reverent and obedient apprehension of God's power. Finally, the verse powerfully conveys **Salvation and Judgment**, where the ark becomes the means of salvation for Noah's family while simultaneously serving as a silent yet potent condemnation of the unbelieving world, leading to their destruction. This culminates in the theme of **Righteousness by Faith**, where Noah's obedient trust in God resulted in his being declared righteous, anticipating the New Testament's emphasis on justification through faith, as seen in the life of Abraham ([Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Accounted as Righteousness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Greek, _eulabéomai'_):** From G2125, this word signifies more than mere fright. It denotes a reverent awe, a pious caution, or a careful, respectful regard for God's solemn warning. Noah's "fear" was not paralyzing terror but a holy dread born of reverence for God's authority and a sober understanding of the consequences of disobedience, which compelled him to appropriate action.
* **prepared (Greek, _kataskeuázō'_):** From G2680, this verb means "to prepare thoroughly," "to construct," or "to create." It implies a meticulous and complete readiness, often involving external equipment or construction. This highlights the immense, detailed, and sustained effort Noah put into building the ark, emphasizing that his faith was not passive but manifested in diligent, practical labor according to God's precise instructions.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, this term refers to equity of character or act, and specifically in a Christian context, justification. Noah's faith-driven obedience led to his being declared "heir of the righteousness." This is not righteousness earned by works, but a status bestowed by God due to his trust and obedience, anticipating the New Testament concept of imputed righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet":** This clause establishes the foundation of Noah's action: faith. He received a divine warning (a direct communication from God, _chrēmatízō_) about a future event (the Flood) that had no visible precedent or observable signs. This perfectly aligns with the definition of faith as belief in the unseen and hoped-for.
* **"moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house":** Noah's response to the divine warning was not indifference but a profound, reverent fear (_eulabéomai_). This fear prompted him to active, practical obedience: he "prepared an ark." The purpose of this monumental undertaking was explicitly "the saving of his house," highlighting God's grace in providing a means of salvation for Noah and his immediate family through his faithful obedience.
* **"by the which he condemned the world":** Noah's act of building the ark, driven by faith, served as a silent yet powerful indictment of the unbelieving world. His obedience highlighted their persistent disobedience and rejection of God's warnings. The ark, standing as a visible testament to God's impending judgment and Noah's faith, effectively "condemned" (_katakrínō_) those who chose to ignore God's word and perish in their wickedness.
* **"and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith":** This climactic phrase reveals the ultimate spiritual outcome of Noah's faith and obedience. Through his trust in God's word and his subsequent actions, Noah was not only physically preserved but was also declared an "heir of the righteousness" that comes through faith. This signifies a divine declaration of his right standing with God, not based on his own merit, but on his believing response to God's initiative.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Narrative Example** is central, as Noah's story serves as a prime illustration of faith's practical outworking within the larger "Hall of Faith" narrative. **Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between Noah's obedient faith and the world's pervasive unbelief and wickedness, leading to their respective outcomes of salvation and condemnation. The ark itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing both God's provision for salvation and His instrument of judgment. Furthermore, the phrase "things not seen as yet" utilizes **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future reality that is not yet visible but is certain to come, requiring a present response of faith. The entire verse also embodies **Didacticism**, serving to teach the reader about the nature of true faith and its profound implications for life and eternity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Noah's experience profoundly illustrates the nature of saving faith, which is always a response to God's revelation and results in obedient action. His story bridges the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating that righteousness has always been a gift received by faith, not earned by human effort. This pre-Mosaic example of justification by faith sets a precedent for God's consistent method of relating to humanity, emphasizing that faith is the channel through which divine grace flows, leading to both salvation from judgment and a right standing with God. It underscores God's justice in warning before judgment and His mercy in providing a way of escape for those who believe.

* [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Accounted as Righteousness")
* [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")
* [Galatians 3:6-9](/galatians/3-6-9 "Galatians 3:6-9 - Justification by Faith for All Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Noah's faith journey offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. We, too, are often called to trust God for "things not seen as yet"—His promises for the future, His unseen spiritual realities, or His guidance that defies worldly logic. Our faith, like Noah's, must be active, compelling us to obey God's commands even when they seem inconvenient, costly, or counter-cultural. In a world increasingly dismissive of divine warnings and spiritual truths, our obedient lives can serve as a quiet yet powerful testimony, a condemnation of unbelief, and a beacon of hope for those seeking salvation. We are reminded of the profound responsibility and privilege of spiritual leadership within our homes, striving to lead our families in the way of righteousness, trusting that God honors faithful diligence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "things not seen as yet" is God calling me to trust Him for in my life today?**
* **In what areas of my life might my faith be passive, and what specific actions can I take to demonstrate active obedience?**
* **How does my life, like Noah's, serve as a witness or a "condemnation" to the world around me?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, reverent fear of God that leads to faithful action?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that Noah "condemned the world"?**

Answer: Noah condemned the world not by actively pronouncing judgment, but by his actions. His obedient faith in building the ark, in stark contrast to the world's pervasive unbelief and wickedness, served as a living indictment against them. The very existence of the ark, a visible testament to God's warning and Noah's trust, highlighted the world's refusal to believe and repent. His righteous response underscored their unrighteousness, making their condemnation self-evident and just. This is similar to how a righteous life lived in obedience to God can expose the sinfulness of those who reject God's ways, as seen in [Matthew 12:41](/matthew/12-41 "Matthew 12:41 - Nineveh's Repentance Condemns That Generation").

**How did Noah become "heir of the righteousness which is by faith"?**

Answer: Noah became an "heir of the righteousness which is by faith" because his trust in God's word and his subsequent obedient actions were counted by God as righteousness. This concept, foundational to biblical theology, means that God declared Noah to be in a right standing with Him, not because of perfect moral performance, but because of his believing response to God's revelation. It anticipates the New Testament teaching of justification by faith, where God's righteousness is imputed to those who believe, as exemplified by Abraham in [Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Accounted as Righteousness"). Noah's faith was the channel through which he received this divine declaration of righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Noah's story, culminating in his becoming "heir of the righteousness which is by faith," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Just as Noah's ark provided salvation from a global flood, Christ is the greater Ark, providing salvation from the deluge of sin and God's righteous judgment for all who enter into Him by faith. Noah's faith led to the saving of his house through physical means; Christ's perfect faith and obedience, culminating in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, secure eternal salvation for all who believe in Him, constituting a new spiritual household, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Furthermore, Noah's righteousness was a conferred status based on his faith; in Christ, believers receive not merely an imputed righteousness but become partakers of His divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")) and are declared perfectly righteous in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The condemnation Noah's ark brought upon the unbelieving world points to the ultimate judgment that awaits those who reject Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the ultimate salvation offered to those who, like Noah, respond to God's warning with reverent faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 6:13

¶ And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Genesis 7:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

1 Peter 3:20

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Ezekiel 14:14

Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver [but] their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.

Romans 4:13

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Luke 17:26

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Ezekiel 14:20

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall [but] deliver their own souls by their righteousness.