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Hebrews 11:3

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Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Through faith {G4102} we understand {G3539} that the worlds {G165} were framed {G2675} by the word {G4487} of God {G2316}, so {G1519} that things which {G3588} are seen {G991} were {G1096} not {G3361} made {G1096} of {G1537} things which do appear {G5316}.

By trusting, we understand that the universe was created through a spoken word of God, so that what is seen did not come into being out of existing phenomena.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.

Commentary

Hebrews 11:3 serves as a foundational statement in the Bible's great "Hall of Faith" chapter, introducing the principle that faith is the lens through which we comprehend the universe's origin and structure. It asserts that the vast cosmos, with all its visible intricacies, was brought into being not from pre-existing, observable materials, but solely through the powerful, authoritative word of God.

Context

This verse immediately follows the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1-2, which declares faith to be "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Before listing historical examples of individuals who lived by faith, the author establishes a primary, universal truth understood through faith: the very act of creation. This sets the stage for understanding how faith enables us to grasp realities beyond our immediate sensory experience, including the invisible God and His mighty works.

Key Themes

  • Faith as a Mode of Understanding: The verse highlights that faith is not a blind leap but a profound way of knowing. It allows us to understand truths about ultimate origins that science, limited to the observable, cannot fully explain.
  • Creation Ex Nihilo (From Nothing): The phrase "things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" is a powerful declaration of creation ex nihilo. God did not merely reorder existing matter; He spoke the universe into existence from nothing, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and power.
  • The Power of God's Word: Creation is attributed directly to "the word of God." This emphasizes the creative, sustaining, and authoritative nature of God's spoken command, echoing John 1:3 and the Genesis account.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "worlds" is aionas (αἰῶνας), which can refer to ages, times, or the entire cosmic order and universe. Here, it encompasses all that exists in space and time. "Framed" comes from katartizo (καταρτίζω), meaning to prepare, complete, restore, or put in order. It suggests a purposeful, skillful, and perfect arrangement by a divine artisan. The "word of God" refers to rhema Theou (ῥήμα Θεοῦ), emphasizing the spoken, active, and effective command of God that brought all things into being.

Practical Application

Hebrews 11:3 invites us to deepen our faith in God as the ultimate Creator. In a world often seeking purely naturalistic explanations for existence, this verse grounds our understanding in divine revelation. If we can accept by faith that God spoke the entire universe into being from nothing, then we can surely trust Him with our present circumstances and future promises. It reinforces the immense power and wisdom of the One in whom we place our trust, reminding us that His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.

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

  • Psalms 33:6 (32 votes)

    By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

  • 2 Peter 3:5 (25 votes)

    For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

  • John 1:3 (24 votes)

    All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

  • Romans 4:17 (17 votes)

    ¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

  • Acts 17:24 (17 votes)

    God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

  • Revelation 4:11 (16 votes)

    Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

  • Hebrews 1:2 (14 votes)

    Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;