By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

HEBREWS 11:9KJV
Know the Bible

Hebrews 11:9 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 11:9 mean?

Hebrews 11:9 describes how Abraham lived in the land God promised him, but as a visitor or foreigner, not as someone who owned it, and he lived in tents along with his son Isaac and grandson Jacob, who were also heirs to the same promise. The verse highlights that Abraham’s trust in God led him to accept a life of temporary dwelling, waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to early Christians, using Abraham’s story to show what it looks like to live by faith. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are pictured as travelers in a land that was promised to them, but they never settled there permanently. This verse is part of a larger section showing how people in the past trusted God’s promises, even when they did not see them fully come true in their lifetimes.

The Greek behind Hebrews 11:9

  • "sojourned" (παρῴκησεν, paroikēsen): This word means to live as a foreigner or temporary resident. The verse emphasizes that Abraham did not settle as a citizen but lived as an outsider, highlighting his trust in God rather than in earthly security.
  • "tabernacles" (σκηναῖς, skēnais): This word refers to tents or temporary shelters. The use of this word underlines the unsettled, nomadic life Abraham and his family led, showing their willingness to wait on God’s timing rather than build permanent homes.
  • "promise" (ἐπαγγελίας, epangelias): This word means a pledge or assurance given by God. The verse stresses that Abraham and his descendants lived their whole lives based on God’s word, even though they did not see the promise fulfilled in their day.

Why Hebrews 11:9 matters

  • Hebrews 11:9 clears up the idea that faith always leads to immediate or visible rewards; instead, it shows that faith sometimes means waiting and living with uncertainty.
  • The verse connects Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as a family united by the same promise, emphasizing that God’s promises can span generations and are not always fulfilled in one person’s lifetime.
  • This verse deepens the theme of Hebrews 11, which is about trusting God’s promises even when the outcome is not yet seen, encouraging readers to have a long-term view of faith.

Where else these words appear

“sojourned” Greek G3939 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

“him” Greek G4789 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
  • Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
  • 1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

“country” Greek G245 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
  • Acts 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

“Isaac” Greek G2464 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
  • Romans 9:10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;