Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

HEBREWS 11:35KJV
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Hebrews 11:35 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 11:35 mean?

Hebrews 11:35 describes how some women saw their loved ones brought back to life, while others suffered torture and refused to escape it, hoping for a better resurrection. The verse highlights both miraculous deliverance and steadfast endurance among people of faith.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish Christians, reminding them of examples from Israel’s history to encourage faithfulness. The verse points to stories like those of Elijah and Elisha, where women received their dead back, and also to unnamed others who endured suffering instead of accepting release, believing in a greater future hope. This shows that faith can look like both receiving miracles and enduring hardship.

The Greek behind Hebrews 11:35

  • ἀνάστασις (anastasis, G386) means "resurrection." The phrase "better resurrection" suggests that those who suffered were looking beyond a temporary return to life, hoping for a lasting, ultimate resurrection.
  • βασανίζω (basanizō, G5178) is translated "tortured." This word often carries the sense of severe physical suffering, emphasizing the real cost some endured for their faith.
  • ἀπολύτρωσις (apolutrōsis, G629) means "deliverance" or "release." The verse notes that some refused this deliverance, choosing to remain faithful even if it meant continued suffering.

Why Hebrews 11:35 matters

  • Hebrews 11:35 clarifies that faith is not only about receiving blessings or miracles but also about enduring hardship with hope.
  • The verse connects the experiences of Old Testament believers to the struggles of the early Christian audience, showing that suffering for faith is not new or meaningless.
  • By mentioning both miraculous resurrections and steadfast endurance, the verse broadens the reader’s understanding of what living by faith can look like.

Where else these words appear

“deliverance” Greek G629 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
  • Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

“obtain” Greek G5177 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
  • 1 Corinthians 15:37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

“accepting” Greek G4327 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
  • Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

“better” Greek G2909 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
  • Hebrews 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
  • Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.