And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

HEBREWS 11:36KJV
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Hebrews 11:36 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 11:36 mean?

Hebrews 11:36 describes how some faithful people in the past endured harsh treatment, including public ridicule, beatings, being chained, and even thrown into prison. This verse highlights that faith sometimes led to suffering and mistreatment, not just victories or miracles.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to early Christians, reminding them of those in Israel’s history who trusted God even when it meant facing cruelty and injustice. This verse comes in a section listing examples of faith, showing that true faith can involve enduring pain and shame, not just receiving blessings.

The Greek behind Hebrews 11:36

  • ἐμπαιγμός (empaigmos, "mockings"): This word refers to being made fun of or ridiculed in a cruel way. The Greek here emphasizes not just teasing, but harsh, public shaming that could deeply wound a person’s dignity.
  • μαστιγόω (mastigoo, "scourgings"): This term means being whipped or flogged. In the ancient world, this was a brutal physical punishment, showing that some suffered real bodily harm for their faith.
  • δεσμός (desmos, "bonds"): This word means being bound or chained, often as a prisoner. It points to the loss of freedom and the humiliation that came with being treated like a criminal.
  • φυλακή (phylake, "imprisonment"): This word refers to being locked up in jail. The Greek here makes clear that faithful people sometimes ended up behind bars because of their beliefs.

Why Hebrews 11:36 matters

  • Hebrews 11:36 corrects the idea that faith always leads to success or comfort; it shows that faith can involve real suffering and loss.
  • This verse connects the readers’ own hardships to a long tradition of faithful people who endured mistreatment, encouraging them not to lose heart.
  • By listing these specific types of suffering, the writer emphasizes that God values faithfulness even when the world responds with cruelty, not approval.

Where else these words appear

“trial” Greek G3984 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

“scourgings” Greek G3148 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 3:10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
  • Mark 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
  • Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

“bonds” Greek G1199 · used in 20 verses

  • Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
  • Acts 23:29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
  • Philippians 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

“imprisonment” Greek G5438 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 3:20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
  • Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.