For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

HEBREWS 11:14KJV
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Hebrews 11:14 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 11:14 mean?

Hebrews 11:14 says that people who speak about being strangers and pilgrims on the earth are making it clear that they are looking for a homeland. The verse highlights that their words show a longing for a place that truly belongs to them, not just any earthly country.

The writer of Hebrews is talking about faithful people from earlier times, like Abraham and others mentioned in this chapter, who lived as foreigners and travelers. By describing themselves this way, they showed that their hopes were set on something beyond their current life—a better place or home that God had promised.

The Greek behind Hebrews 11:14

  • "plainly" (ἐμφανίζουσιν, emphanizousin): This word means to make something clear or obvious. Here, it stresses that their intentions are not hidden; their longing for another country is openly shown by what they say.
  • "seek" (ἐπιζητοῦσιν, epizētousin): This word carries the idea of actively searching or desiring. The verse is not just about wishing, but about earnestly looking for a true home.
  • "country" (πατρίδα, patrida): This word refers to a homeland or native land. It suggests a place of belonging, not just any territory, but somewhere that feels like one’s true home.

Why Hebrews 11:14 matters

  • Hebrews 11:14 clarifies that the faithful people in the chapter were not just wandering without purpose; they were deliberately seeking something better than what they had on earth.
  • The verse emphasizes that their faith was forward-looking, focused on God’s promises rather than present circumstances.
  • This helps the reader understand that the chapter’s examples are about more than just physical journeys—they are about a deeper spiritual longing and trust in God’s future provision.

Where else these words appear

“country” Greek G3968 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
  • Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  • Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

“plainly” Greek G1718 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
  • Acts 25:2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

“seek” Greek G1934 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 11:29 And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
  • Acts 19:39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

“things” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.