And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

HEBREWS 11:39KJV
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Hebrews 11:39 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 11:39 mean?

Hebrews 11:39 says that all the people mentioned earlier in the chapter were praised for their faith, but they did not actually receive the full promise God had made. Even though they trusted God and were commended for it, the ultimate fulfillment of what God promised was still in the future for them.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish Christians, reminding them of the faithful people from Israel’s history. The verse sums up the stories of these men and women, showing that their faith was real and recognized by God, yet the complete realization of God’s promise—especially the coming of the Messiah—had not happened in their lifetimes.

The Greek behind Hebrews 11:39

  • μαρτυρηθέντες (martyrēthentes, “obtained a good report”): This word means to be witnessed to or testified about, often in a positive sense. Here, it highlights that these people were publicly recognized for their faith.
  • ἐπαγγελίαν (epangelian, “promise”): This word refers to a specific promise, often used in the New Testament for God’s ultimate promise of salvation or fulfillment through Christ. The verse points out that this promise was not yet received by those mentioned.

Why Hebrews 11:39 matters

  • Hebrews 11:39 clarifies that even the greatest heroes of faith did not see the full outcome of God’s promise in their lifetimes, which can correct the idea that faith always brings immediate results.
  • The verse connects the stories of Old Testament believers to the experience of the early Christian audience, showing that waiting and trusting in God’s bigger plan is part of the faith journey.
  • This verse sets up the next point in Hebrews 12, where the writer encourages readers to continue in faith, just as those before them did, looking forward to the fulfillment that comes through Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“received” Greek G2865 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
  • Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
  • Hebrews 11:19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

“promise” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
  • 2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

“report” Greek G3140 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
  • John 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;