New International Version Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. New Living Translation But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. English Standard Version But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Berean Standard Bible Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Berean Literal Bible But now they stretch forward to a better one, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared a city for them. King James Bible But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. New King James Version But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. New American Standard Bible But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. NASB 1995 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. NASB 1977 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Legacy Standard Bible But now, they aspire to a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He prepared a city for them. Amplified Bible But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them. Berean Annotated Bible Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God {Theos} is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Christian Standard Bible But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Holman Christian Standard Bible But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. American Standard Version But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. Contemporary English Version But they were looking forward to a better home in heaven. This is why God wasn't ashamed for them to call him their God. He even built a city for them. English Revised Version But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. GOD'S WORD® Translation Instead, these men were longing for a better country-a heavenly country. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them. Good News Translation Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them. International Standard Version Instead, they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, because he has prepared a city for them. NET Bible But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. New Heart English Bible Instead, they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Webster's Bible Translation But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. Weymouth New Testament but, as it is, we see them eager for a better land, that is to say, a heavenly one. For this reason God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has now prepared a city for them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleInstead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. World English Bible But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut now they long for better, that is, heavenly, for this reason God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for He prepared a city for them. Berean Literal Bible But now they stretch forward to a better one, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared a city for them. Young's Literal Translation but now they long for a better, that is, an heavenly, wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for He did prepare for them a city. Smith's Literal Translation And now they feel an ardent desire for a better, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called their God: for he prepared for them a city. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut now they desire a better, that is to say, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. Catholic Public Domain Version But now they hunger for a better place, that is, Heaven. For this reason, God is not ashamed to be called their God. For he has prepared a city for them. New American Bible But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. New Revised Standard Version But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut now it is evident, that they desire a better city, that city which is in heaven: therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Now it is apparent that they longed for better than that, which is in Heaven; because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a City for them. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country; wherefore God is not ashamed of them, that he should be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. Godbey New Testament but now they seek a better country, that is, a heavenly. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. Haweis New Testament But now their longing desires are after a better country, that is, the heavenly one: wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called their God: for he hath prepared a city for them. Mace New Testament they desired therefore a better, that is, an heavenly country: so that God is very justly stiled their God: for he had appointed a city for them. Weymouth New Testament but, as it is, we see them eager for a better land, that is to say, a heavenly one. For this reason God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has now prepared a city for them. Worrell New Testament But now they long for a better country, that is, a heavenly one; wherefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared for them a city. Worsley New Testament But they desire a better, that is, an heavenly one; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Faith of Abraham and Sarah…15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. 17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son,… Cross References Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, Colossians 3:1-2 Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” / “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” / And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Exodus 3:6 Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Matthew 22:32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” for He has prepared a city for them. John 14:2-3 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. Revelation 21:2 I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:10-11 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, / shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. 2 Corinthians 5:1-2 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. / For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 1 Corinthians 2:9 Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” Ephesians 2:19 Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Romans 8:23 Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Treasury of Scripture But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: why God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. they desire. Hebrews 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, God is. Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, to be. Genesis 17:7,8 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee… Exodus 3:6,15 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God… Isaiah 41:8-10 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend… for. Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Jump to Previous Ashamed Better City Country Desire Eager Heaven Heavenly Instead Longing Prepare Prepared Ready Reason Seek Shame WhereforeJump to Next Ashamed Better City Country Desire Eager Heaven Heavenly Instead Longing Prepare Prepared Ready Reason Seek Shame WhereforeHebrews 11 1. What faith is.6. Without faith we cannot please God. 7. The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob received God’s promise concerning Canaan, yet they lived there as pilgrims, dwelling in tents and awaiting an inheritance beyond what they possessed in their lifetime. Their faith rested in God’s future fulfillment, not in immediate security or earthly permanence. The promised land pointed beyond itself to the lasting kingdom and new creation God will establish. Jesus commanded His disciples to seek first the kingdom of God, and Revelation describes the renewal of all things when God dwells with His people forever. Php 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await… Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, God repeatedly identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, preserving His covenant name with men whose hope was fixed on Him. Their deaths did not end that relationship, for God is God of the living and will fulfill His promises through resurrection. Faith that trusts God’s word and seeks His eternal inheritance honors Him. Those received through faith in Christ are likewise brought into God’s family as His children. 2Co 6:16-18 What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols… for He has prepared a city for them. The city is the lasting dwelling God Himself has designed and built, later revealed as the holy New Jerusalem. Unlike the cities and kingdoms of the earth, it belongs to the age to come and cannot be shaken or destroyed. God’s preparation of this city confirms that the patriarchs’ hope was not vague or unrealized; He has provided an eternal home where His redeemed people will live in His presence. Jhn 14:2-3 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)These are the individuals primarily referenced in Hebrews 11, who lived by faith and looked forward to God's promises. 2. Heavenly Country This represents the eternal dwelling place with God, a better and heavenly homeland that the faithful long for. 3. City Prepared by God Symbolizes the eternal city, often understood as the New Jerusalem, prepared by God for His people. Teaching Points Longing for the EternalBelievers are called to set their hearts on eternal things, not just earthly possessions or achievements. Faith and Identity Our identity as Christians is rooted in our relationship with God, who is not ashamed to be called our God when we live by faith. God's Prepared Place Trust in God's promise that He has prepared a place for us, which should inspire hope and perseverance in our faith journey. Living as Pilgrims Like the patriarchs, we are pilgrims on earth, and our ultimate home is with God. This perspective should influence our daily decisions and priorities. God's Approval Living by faith pleases God, and He honors those who earnestly seek Him and His promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Hebrews 11:16?2. How does Hebrews 11:16 inspire us to seek a heavenly homeland today? 3. What does "God is not ashamed to be called their God" mean for believers? 4. How can we demonstrate faith like those in Hebrews 11:16 in daily life? 5. What Old Testament examples illustrate the longing for a better country in Hebrews 11? 6. How does Hebrews 11:16 encourage us to prioritize eternal over earthly pursuits? 7. What does Hebrews 11:16 reveal about God's promise of a heavenly homeland? 8. How does Hebrews 11:16 challenge our understanding of faith and longing for a better country? 9. Why is God not ashamed to be called their God in Hebrews 11:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 11? What Does Hebrews 11:16 Mean Instead, they were longing for a better countryThe faith heroes named earlier—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah—lived as pilgrims, refusing to settle for what this world offered. They “acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Their longing shaped daily choices: Abraham left Ur without a map (Genesis 12:1–4); Moses forsook Egypt’s treasures (Hebrews 11:24–26). Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Like them, we are called to travel light, valuing eternal realities over temporary comforts (Hebrews 13:14). a heavenly one The “better country” is explicitly “a heavenly one.” Jesus points to it when He says, “In My Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Colossians 3:1–2 urges us to “set your hearts on things above.” This heavenly focus keeps hope alive through suffering, just as it did for those tortured yet refusing release “so that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35). The destination is real, literal, and glorious—“a new heaven and a new earth” where “death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:1,4). Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God God’s willingness to associate His name with these believers is striking. He told Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6). Jesus cites the same verse to prove resurrection life (Matthew 22:31–32). When we confess Christ publicly, He acknowledges us before the Father (Matthew 10:32). A faith that looks beyond the present honors God, and He, in turn, delights to identify with such people (Psalm 22:22; Hebrews 2:11–12). for He has prepared a city for them The “city” is not metaphorical but a tangible place God Himself has built. Abraham “was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Revelation 21:2 portrays “the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” In that city, righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13), nations walk in its light (Revelation 21:24), and its gates never close (Revelation 21:25). The promise of this prepared city fuels perseverance: “Let us run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). summary Hebrews 11:16 reveals why believers live as strangers on earth: their hearts are fixed on a real, heavenly homeland. Because they desire what God Himself has prepared, He gladly claims them as His own and guarantees them a city whose foundations cannot be shaken. Our calling is the same—long for that better country, keep eyes on things above, and walk by faith that honors the God who prepares an eternal home for His people. (16) They confess themselves but sojourners (Hebrews 11:13), and thus make it plain that they are still seeking their true home (14); and yet, if. they had sought nothing more than an earthly home, there is one already, which was once theirs, and to which they might return (15); hence it is no earthly but a heavenly-country that they desire. This is the general current of thought in these verses, presenting a very close analogy to the argument of Hebrews 3:7 to Hebrews 4:11; here, as there, words which otherwise might appear to have but an earthly reference are seen to have a higher and a spiritual import. In Hebrews 11:8-9 we have before us only the land of inheritance, but in Hebrews 11:10 the heavenly rest; and in Hebrews 11:13...Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Instead,δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. they were longing for ὀρέγονται (oregontai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 3713: To stretch forth, mid: To hanker after, long for, be eager for, aspire to. a better [country], κρείττονος (kreittonos) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular - Comparative Strong's 2909: Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler. a heavenly [one]. ἐπουρανίου (epouraniou) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 2032: From epi and ouranos; above the sky. Therefore διὸ (dio) Conjunction Strong's 1352: Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. is not ashamed ἐπαισχύνεται (epaischynetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1870: To be ashamed, be ashamed of. From epi and aischunomai; to feel shame for something. to be called ἐπικαλεῖσθαι (epikaleisthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 1941: (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. God, Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. He has prepared ἡτοίμασεν (hētoimasen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2090: To make ready, prepare. From hetoimos; to prepare. a city πόλιν (polin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town. for them. αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Additonal Resources Hebrews 11:16 Blue Letter BibleHebrews 11:16 Bible Gateway Hebrews 11:16 Bible.com Hebrews 11:16 NIV |
    |