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Hebrews 11:14

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For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

For {G1063} they that say {G3004} such things {G5108} declare plainly {G1718} that {G3754} they seek {G1934} a country {G3968}.

For people who speak this way make it clear that they are looking for a fatherland.

Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own.

For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own.

Commentary

Hebrews 11:14 is a profound statement within the renowned "Hall of Faith" chapter, emphasizing the eternal perspective of believers who trust in God's promises. It highlights that the actions and confessions of the faithful throughout history clearly demonstrate their yearning for a spiritual, ultimate homeland, not merely an earthly dwelling.

Context of Hebrews 11:14

This verse directly follows the writer's discussion of Abraham and Sarah, who, by faith, lived as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Hebrews 11:13). Their nomadic lifestyle and reliance on God's future provision, rather than settling down permanently, served as a powerful testimony. The phrase "such things" refers to this very confession of being temporary residents on earth, which implicitly and explicitly declares their pursuit of a better, eternal country.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Pilgrim's Progress: The verse underscores the Christian life as a journey or pilgrimage. Believers, inspired by faith, recognize that their true home is not in this present world, but in a future, heavenly reality. This mindset frees them from an over-attachment to earthly possessions and ambitions.
  • Heavenly Hope and Eternal Home: At its core, Hebrews 11:14 speaks to the deep, God-given desire for an eternal dwelling. The "country" they seek is not a literal nation on earth, but the spiritual realm where God dwells, often referred to as the heavenly Jerusalem or the city of God.
  • Faith's Declaration: The actions and words of the faithful serve as a clear declaration of their inner convictions. Their lifestyle, marked by detachment from worldly security and a reliance on divine promise, plainly reveals their ultimate aspiration. This declaration is not just verbal but embodied in their very way of life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "declare plainly" comes from the Greek word emphanizō (ἐμφανίζω), which means "to make manifest," "to show clearly," or "to reveal." It signifies that their seeking of a country was not a hidden desire but an evident truth, made visible through their choices and attitudes. The word "country" is patrida (πατρίδα), meaning "fatherland" or "homeland," emphasizing a place of belonging, origin, and ultimate rest, far superior to any earthly nation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 11:14 serves as a powerful reminder to live with an eternal perspective. It challenges us to assess where our true allegiances lie and what we are truly seeking. Are we building our lives around temporary earthly comforts, or are our words and actions declaring our hope for a heavenly home? This verse encourages us to embrace our identity as sojourners, not clinging too tightly to the things of this world, but instead, fixing our eyes on the ultimate prize: the eternal presence of God. It encourages a life of faith that impacts our priorities, values, and how we interact with the world, knowing that our citizenship is in heaven.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 2 Corinthians 4:18 (5 votes)

    While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:7 (5 votes)

    (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

  • Hebrews 11:16 (2 votes)

    But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

  • Romans 8:23 (2 votes)

    And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

  • Romans 8:25 (2 votes)

    But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

  • Hebrews 13:14 (2 votes)

    For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

  • Philippians 1:23 (2 votes)

    For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: