A.T. Robertson Commentary Hebrews 11

Now faith is (εστιν δε πιστις). He has just said that "we are of faith" (10:39), not of apostasy. Now he proceeds in a chapter of great eloquence and passion to illustrate his point by a recital of the heroes of faith whose example should spur them to like loyalty now.

The assurance of things hoped for (ελπιζομενων υποστασις).

Hupostasis is a very common word from Aristotle on and comes from υφιστημ (υπο, under, ιστημ, intransitive), what stands under anything (a building, a contract, a promise). See the philosophical use of it in 1:3, the sense of assurance (une assurance certaine, Menegoz) in 3:14, that steadiness of mind which holds one firm (2 Corinthians 9:4). It is common in the papyri in business documents as the basis or guarantee of transactions. "And as this is the essential meaning in Heb 11:1 we venture to suggest the translation 'Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for'" (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary, etc.).

The proving of things not seen (πραγματων ελεγχος ου βλεπομενων). The only N.T. example of ελεγχος (except Textus Receptus in 2 Timothy 3:16 for ελεγμον). Old and common word from ελεγχω (Matthew 18:15) for "proof" and then for "conviction." Both uses occur in the papyri and either makes sense here, perhaps "conviction" suiting better though not in the older Greek.

Therein (εν ταυτη). That is, "in faith," feminine demonstrative referring to πιστις.

The elders (ο πρεσβυτερο). More nearly like "the fathers," not the technical sense of elders (officers) usual in the N.T., but more like "the tradition of the elders" (Mr 7:3,5; Matthew 15:2).

Had witness borne to them (εμαρτυρηθησαν). First aorist passive of μαρτυρεω (cf. 7:8), "were testified to."

By faith (πιστε). Instrumental case of πιστις which he now illustrates in a marvellous way. Each example as far as verse 31 is formally and with rhetorical skill introduced by πιστε. After that only a summary is given.

We understand (νοουμεν). Present active indicative of νοεω, old verb (from νους, intellect) as in Mt 15:17; Romans 1:20. The author appeals to our knowledge of the world in which these heroes lived as an illustration of faith. Recent books by great scientists like Eddington and Jeans confirm the position here taken that a Supreme Mind is behind and before the universe. Science can only stand still in God's presence and believe like a little child.

The worlds (τους αιωνας). "The ages" as in 1:2 (cf. Einstein's fourth dimension, time). Accusative case of general reference.

Have been framed (κατηρτισθα). Perfect passive infinitive of καταρτιζω, to mend, to equip, to perfect (Luke 6:40), in indirect discourse after νοουμεν.

So that (εις το). As a rule εις το with the infinitive is final, but sometimes as here it expresses result as in Ro 12:3 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003).

Hath been made (γεγονενα). Perfect active infinitive of γινομα.

What is seen (το βλεπομενον). Present passive articular participle (accusative case of general reference) of βλεπω.

Of things which do appear (εκ φαινομενων). Ablative case with εκ (out of) of the present passive participle. The author denies the eternity of matter, a common theory then and now, and places God before the visible universe as many modern scientists now gladly do.

A more excellent sacrifice (πλειονα θυσιαν). Literally, "more sacrifice" (comparative of πολυς, much). For this rather free use of πλειων with the point implied rather than stated see Mt 6:25; Luke 10:31; 12:23; Hebrews 3:3.

Than Cain (παρα Καιν). For this use of παρα after comparative see 1:4,9. For the incident see Ge 4:4.

Through which (δι' ης). The sacrifice (θυσια).

He had Witness borne to him (εμαρτυρηθη). First aorist passive indicative of μαρτυρεω as in verse 2, "he was witnessed to."

That he was righteous (εινα δικαιος). Infinitive in indirect discourse after εμαρτυρηθη, personal construction of δικαιος (predicate nominative after εινα) agreeing with the subject of εμαρτυρηθη (cf. Romans 1:22, εινα σοφο).

God bearing witness (μαρτυρουντος του θεου). Genitive absolute with present active participle of μαρτυρεω.

Through it (δι' αυτης). Through his faith (as shown by his sacrifice). Precisely why Abel's sacrifice was better than that of Cain apart from his faith is not shown.

Being dead (αποθανων). Second aorist active participle of αποθνησκω, "having died."

Yet speaketh (ετ λαλε). Cf. Genesis 4:10; Hebrews 12:24. Speaks still through his faith.

Was translated (μετετεθη). First aorist passive indicative of μετατιθημ, old verb to transpose, to change as in 7:12; Acts 7:16.

That he should not see death (του μη ιδειν θανατον). Here again του with the infinitive usually expresses purpose, but in this case result is the idea as in Mt 21:23; Romans 1:24; 7:3, etc. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1002).

He was not found (ουχ ηυρισκετο). Imperfect passive of ευρισκω from Ge 5:24. Was still not found.

Translated (μετεθηκεν). First aorist active of same verb as μετετεθη just before.

Translation (μεταθεσεως). Substantive from the same verb μετατιθημ, used already in 7:12 for change. See also 12:27. Our very word "metathesis."

He hath had witness borne him (μεμαρτυρητα). Perfect passive indicative of μαρτυρεω, stands on record still, "he has been testified to."

That he had been well-pleasing unto God (ευαρεστηκενα τω θεω). Perfect active infinitive of ευαρεστεω, late compound from ευαρεστος (well-pleasing), in N.T. only in Heb 11:5f.; 13:16. With dative case θεω. Quoted here from Ge 5:22,24. The word is common of a servant pleasing his master.