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They were stoned. They were sawn apart. They were tempted. They were slain with the sword. They went around in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated

Verse Takeaways

1

Faithfulness Unto Death

The verse lists real, brutal forms of martyrdom. Commentators note that stoning was a known Jewish punishment (used on Zechariah), and a strong tradition holds that the prophet Isaiah was "sawn asunder." This highlights a crucial truth from the commentators: faith does not guarantee escape from physical harm. For some believers, God's purpose was fulfilled by their faithful endurance through death, trusting Him for ultimate victory.

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Book Overview

Hebrews

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Commentaries

11

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Hebrews 11:37

18th Century

Theologian

They were stoned. This was a common method of punishment among the Jews. See the notes on Matthew 21:35, 44.

Thus Zechariah, the so…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Hebrews 11:37

They were stoned (ελιθασθησαν). Like Zechariah son of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:20). "A characteristic Jewish punishme…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Hebrews 11:37

19th Century

Bishop

They were stoned.—As Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:20–22), and—according to a Jewish tradition mentioned by Tert…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Hebrews 11:32–39

19th Century

Preacher

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samue…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Hebrews 11:37

Stoning was a characteristic Jewish form of execution. Some people of faith suffered at the hands of their fellow-countrymen. To be “sawed in two” …

John Gill

John Gill

On Hebrews 11:37

17th Century

Pastor

They were stoned
As Naboth, by the order of Ahab, (1 Kings 21:13–19), Zachariah in the court of the Lord…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Hebrews 11:32–38

17th Century

Minister

After all our searches into the Scriptures, there is more to be learned from them. We should be pleased to think how great the number of believers …