Hebrews 11:8

KJV

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

KJV (with Strong's)

By faith {G4102} Abraham {G11}, when he was called {G2564} to go out {G1831} into {G1519} a place {G5117} which {G3739} he should after {G3195} receive {G2983} for {G1519} an inheritance {G2817}, obeyed {G5219}; and {G2532} he went out {G1831}, not {G3361} knowing {G1987} whither {G4226} he went {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By trusting, Avraham obeyed, after being called to go out to a place which God would give him as a possession; indeed, he went out without knowing where he was going.

Berean Standard Bible

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.

American Standard Version

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:8 profoundly illustrates the nature of genuine faith through the exemplary life of Abraham. It describes his obedient response to God's call to depart from his familiar surroundings and journey to an unknown destination, a place he was promised to receive as an inheritance. This verse underscores Abraham's radical trust in God's word and guidance, demonstrating that true faith involves active obedience even in the face of uncertainty and a lack of clear foresight regarding the path ahead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the renowned "Hall of Faith" in [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Hall of Faith"), a chapter dedicated to defining and demonstrating faith through the lives of Old Testament patriarchs and prophets. Following a foundational definition of faith in [Hebrews 11:1-3](/hebrews/11-1-3 "Hebrews 11:1-3 - The Definition of Faith"), the author systematically presents a series of individuals—Abel, Enoch, and Noah—who lived by faith. Abraham's inclusion marks a significant turning point, as his story occupies a substantial portion of the chapter ([Hebrews 11:8-19](/hebrews/11-8-19 "Hebrews 11:8-19 - Abraham's Faith Exemplified")), highlighting his pivotal role in redemptive history and his status as the "father of all who believe" ([Romans 4:11](/romans/4-11 "Romans 4:11 - Abraham, Father of Believers")). His narrative serves as a comprehensive case study, embodying the principles of faith introduced at the chapter's outset.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abraham's call, originally recorded in [Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "Genesis 12:1-4 - God's Call to Abraham"), occurred in a polytheistic ancient Near Eastern world. Ur of the Chaldees, his homeland, was a highly developed urban center, rich in culture, commerce, and idol worship. To leave such a place, along with his extended family and established security, for an unspecified destination was an act of immense cultural and personal disruption. The concept of an "inheritance" (κλῆρος, *klēros*, in the Septuagint for Genesis) was deeply rooted in ancient society, signifying land, property, and lineage passed down through generations. For Abraham to abandon his present inheritance for a future, unseen one, based solely on a divine promise, was counter-cultural and demonstrated an extraordinary reliance on the unseen God rather than the tangible securities of his time.

* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Obedient Faith") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Hebrews and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Faith as Active Obedience**, emphasizing that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, responsive action to God's command, even when the outcome is uncertain. This is powerfully illustrated by Abraham's "obeyed" and "went out," highlighting the practical outworking of his trust. Another crucial theme is **Trust in God's Promises Despite Uncertainty**, as Abraham "not knowing whither he went" underscores his absolute reliance on God's character and word over his own understanding or foresight. This aligns with the book's emphasis on persevering in faith, looking to the "things not seen" ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith")). Finally, the concept of **Divine Call and Inheritance** is central, portraying God's sovereign initiative in calling Abraham and promising him an inheritance. This foreshadows the spiritual inheritance available to all believers through Christ, as further developed in [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant and Eternal Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From G4102, meaning persuasion, credence, moral conviction of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God. It signifies reliance upon Christ for salvation and, abstractly, constancy in such profession. In this context, it is the fundamental conviction that undergirds Abraham's actions, demonstrating his unwavering trust in God's character and promises.
* **Obeyed (Greek, _hypakoúō'_):** From G5219, meaning to hear under (as a subordinate), to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority. This word highlights the active, submissive nature of Abraham's response. His faith was not passive belief but an immediate and complete compliance with the divine directive.
* **Knowing (Greek, _epístamai'_):** From G1987, meaning to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with. The negative particle "not" (G3361, _mḗ_) preceding it emphasizes Abraham's lack of precise knowledge regarding his destination. His obedience was not contingent on a detailed itinerary or a full understanding of the journey's end, but on the trustworthiness of the One who called him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By faith Abraham,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the central theme of the verse and the chapter. Abraham's actions are not attributed to personal courage, ambition, or logical reasoning, but solely to his profound faith in God. He is presented as the quintessential example of a life lived by this principle.
* **"when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance,"**: This clause details the nature of God's command and promise. Abraham was not a self-starter in this venture; he "was called," indicating divine initiative. The destination was not immediately clear ("a place which he should after receive"), highlighting the future-oriented and promised nature of his inheritance, which would only be fully realized later. This "inheritance" was the land of Canaan, promised to him and his descendants.
* **"obeyed;"**: This single word encapsulates Abraham's immediate and decisive response. His faith was active and manifested in concrete obedience. Despite the radical nature of the command—leaving everything familiar for the unknown—he submitted to God's authority without hesitation.
* **"and he went out,"**: This phrase reiterates the action of obedience. It signifies the physical departure from Ur, a tangible expression of his internal conviction and trust. The journey began, not as a tentative exploration, but as a definitive act of following God's leading.
* **"not knowing whither he went."**: This concluding phrase powerfully underscores the radical nature of Abraham's faith. He embarked on this momentous journey without a map, a specific destination name, or a clear understanding of the route. His trust was entirely in the Caller, not in the clarity of the path, making his obedience a pure act of faith in the unseen God.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Journey of Faith"). **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting Abraham's initial state ("when he was called to go out") with the lack of specific knowledge about his destination ("not knowing whither he went"). This highlights the tension between divine command and human uncertainty, emphasizing the courageous nature of his faith. **Conciseness** is also evident; the verse packs profound theological meaning into a few carefully chosen words, particularly the powerful declaration "obeyed," which summarizes a lifetime of trust. The use of **Antithesis** is subtle but effective, pitting human ignorance against divine foresight. Abraham's "not knowing" is contrasted with God's clear purpose to give him "an inheritance," underscoring that God's plan unfolds irrespective of human comprehension. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Exemplum**, presenting Abraham as a model for believers to emulate, demonstrating that true faith is characterized by obedient action in response to God's call, even when the path ahead is obscured.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:8 serves as a profound theological touchstone, illustrating that faith is fundamentally an active, obedient trust in God's character and promises, rather than a reliance on human foresight or understanding. Abraham's journey into the unknown, prompted by a divine call and sustained by an unseen promise of inheritance, establishes a paradigm for all who would walk with God. It teaches that God's initiative always precedes human response, and that His call often leads us beyond our comfort zones into a realm where our only security is His faithfulness. This radical dependence on God, even when the destination is obscure, is the essence of a life lived by faith, anticipating a future inheritance that transcends earthly possessions.

* [Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "Genesis 12:1-4 - God's Call to Abraham")
* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18-21 "Romans 4:18-21 - Abraham's Faith in God's Promise")
* [2 Corinthians 5:7](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's story in Hebrews 11:8 offers a timeless challenge and profound encouragement for believers today. In a world that often demands certainty, detailed plans, and visible outcomes, Abraham's journey reminds us that God's call frequently leads us into the unknown. His example compels us to consider whether our faith is merely intellectual assent or a dynamic, obedient trust that propels us to act even when the path ahead is unclear. It invites us to relinquish our need for control and comprehensive understanding, instead embracing the adventure of following God's voice, confident that His guidance is perfect and His promises are sure. This verse encourages us to step out, not knowing "whither we went," but knowing *Whom* we follow, trusting that the One who calls will also lead us to the promised inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to step out in faith, even when the path is unclear?**
* **What specific "comfort zones" or "known territories" might God be asking you to leave behind in order to follow Him more fully?**
* **How does Abraham's "not knowing whither he went" challenge your own desire for certainty and control in your spiritual walk?**
* **What promises of God are you currently holding onto, even though their fulfillment might seem distant or uncertain?**

### FAQ
**What was the "inheritance" Abraham was promised?**

Answer: The "inheritance" promised to Abraham was multifaceted. Primarily, it referred to the physical land of Canaan, which God covenanted to give to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land")). However, as the book of Hebrews clarifies, Abraham's vision extended beyond a mere earthly territory. He was also looking for a "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Hope for a Heavenly City")), indicating a spiritual and eternal inheritance. This spiritual inheritance includes a covenant relationship with God, a vast spiritual lineage (all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike), and ultimately, participation in God's eternal kingdom through the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:8, while celebrating Abraham's faith, ultimately points beyond him to the ultimate object and fulfiller of faith: Jesus Christ. Abraham's obedient journey into the unknown foreshadows Christ's own radical obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Just as Abraham left his homeland for a promised inheritance, Christ "emptied Himself" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")) to secure an eternal inheritance for all who believe. Abraham's faith, reckoned as righteousness ([Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Reckoned as Righteousness")), prefigures the righteousness freely given to us through faith in Christ ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). Moreover, Abraham's "inheritance" finds its ultimate reality in Christ, who is the true "heir of all things" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")) and through whom believers become "heirs according to the promise" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Believers as Heirs in Christ")). Thus, Abraham's journey of faith serves as a profound type, pointing to the greater journey of salvation accomplished by Christ and the spiritual inheritance we receive by trusting in Him.

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 12:1

¶ Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Genesis 12:4

¶ So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

Acts 7:2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

Acts 7:4

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

Matthew 7:24

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Matthew 7:25

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently: