A.T. Robertson Commentary Hebrews 11:13

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." — Hebrews 11:13 (ASV)

In faith (κατα πιστιν). Here a break in the routine πιστε (by faith), "according to faith," either for literary variety "or to suggest πιστις as the sphere and standard of their characters" (Moffatt).

These all (ουτο παντες). Those in verses 9-12 (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob).

Not having the promises (μη κομισαμενο τας επαγγελιας). First aorist middle participle of κομιζω, to obtain, as in 10:36; 11:39. And yet the author mentions Abraham (6:15) as having obtained the promise. He received the promise of the Messiah, but did not live to see the Messiah come as we have done. It is in this sense that we have "better promises."

Greeted them (ασπασαμενο). First aorist middle participle of ασπαζομα, to salute (Matthew 5:47). Abraham rejoiced to see Christ's day in the dim distance (John 8:56).

Strangers (ζενο). Foreigners. "To reside abroad carried with it a certain stigma" (Moffatt). But they "confessed" it (Genesis 23:4; Genesis 47:9).

Pilgrims (παρεπιδημο). Late double compound (παρα, επι, δημος), a sojourner from another land, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 1:1; 2:11.