Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 11:2

"For therein the elders had witness borne to them." — Hebrews 11:2 (ASV)

“The ancients” (lit., “the elders”; GK 4565), a term that may be used of age or dignity, refers to the religious leaders of past days and means much the same as “the forefathers” in 1:1. These men had witness borne to them on account of their faith. As this chapter unfolds, the writer will go on to bring out some of that testimony and link the heroes of old specifically with faith. This chapter in Hebrews is distinguished from all others by its consistent and single-minded emphasis on faith.