Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

HEBREWS 11:26KJV
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Hebrews 11:26 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 11:26 mean?

Hebrews 11:26 describes how Moses considered suffering disgrace for the sake of Christ to be worth more than all the wealth of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to the reward God would give. The verse highlights Moses’ choice to value spiritual faithfulness over earthly riches, seeing lasting reward as more important than temporary gain.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish Christians how Moses, a key figure in their history, made a conscious decision to identify with God’s people and endure hardship rather than enjoy the privileges of Egyptian royalty. The verse places Moses’ actions in the context of faith, showing that he looked beyond his present circumstances to something greater promised by God.

The Greek behind Hebrews 11:26

  • ὀνειδισμὸν (oneidismon, “reproach”): This word means shame, disgrace, or insult. The verse says Moses valued the “reproach of Christ,” meaning he willingly accepted being disgraced for identifying with God’s people, even before Christ’s time.
  • Χριστοῦ (Christou, “Christ”): Although Moses lived long before Jesus, the writer connects Moses’ suffering with the future Messiah, showing that faith in God’s promises always pointed toward Christ.
  • μίζονα (mizona, “greater”): This word emphasizes that Moses saw the disgrace he suffered as more valuable than Egypt’s treasures, not just equal to them.
  • μισθαποδοσίαν (misthapodosian, “reward”): This word means repayment or recompense. Moses’ motivation was not just to avoid sin, but to gain something far better from God.

Why Hebrews 11:26 matters

  • Hebrews 11:26 clarifies that faith sometimes means choosing hardship and loss in the present because of trust in God’s future promises.
  • The verse connects the Old Testament story of Moses directly to Christ, showing a continuity of faith across the whole Bible.
  • This verse helps readers see that true reward, in the biblical sense, is not measured by earthly wealth or comfort but by what God promises to those who trust Him.

Where else these words appear

“reward” Greek G3405 · used in 3 verses

  • Hebrews 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
  • Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

“reproach” Greek G3680 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
  • 1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
  • Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

“treasures” Greek G2344 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

“riches” Greek G4149 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
  • Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
  • Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.