Faith [π ι σ τ ι ς]. Without the article, indicating that it is treated in its abstract conception, and not merely as Christian faith. It is important that the preliminary definition should be clearly understood, since the following examples illustrate it. The key is furnished by ver. 27, as seeing... [ Continue Reading ]
For by it [ε ν τ α υ τ η γ α ρ]. Lit. for in this. Rend. therein : in the sphere and exercise of faith : as believers. Comp. 1 Timothy 5:10. For introduces a proof of the preceding statement concerning the nature of faith. Faith has power to see and realize the unseen, for the experience of the fath... [ Continue Reading ]
Neither does this verse belong to the list of historical instances from Genesis, in which men exercised faith. It is merely the first instance presented in O. T. history of an opportunity for the exercise of faith as the assurance and conviction of things not seen. Like ver. 2, it is closely connect... [ Continue Reading ]
Abel offered unto God (Abel proshnegken tw qew). For the phrase see ch. Hebrews 9:14. A more excellent sacrifice [π λ ε ι ο ν α θ υ σ ι α ν]. Greater in value in God's eyes. For pleiwn in this sense, see ch. Hebrews 3:3; Matthew 6:25; Luke 11:31; Luke 12:23. In Paul never in this sense. Others expla... [ Continue Reading ]
Enoch. Genesis 5:21-24. Comp. Sir. 44 16; 49 14; Wisd. 4 10. Was translated [μ ε τ ε τ ε θ η]. The verb used of Enoch's translation, LXX, Genesis 5:24. In Acts 7:16 of the transporting of the remains of Jacob and his sons to Sychem. In Galatians 1:6, of the sudden change in the religious attitude of... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul exhibits faith as the element of personal righteousness in Abraham. In these verses (8 - 22) faith, according to the opening definition in this chapter, is that assurance and conviction of unseen things which caused Abraham and the patriarchs to rely confidently upon the future fulfillment of t... [ Continue Reading ]
He sojourned in [π α ρ ω κ η σ ε ν ε ι ς]. The verb lit. to dwell beside or among. Paroikov, a foreigner dwelling in a state without rights of citizenship. In Class. only in the sense of neighbor. See on Luke 24:18. The verb of rest with the preposition of motion (only here) signifies that he went i... [ Continue Reading ]
For he looked for a city which hath foundations [ε ξ ε δ ε χ ε τ ο γ α ρ τ η ν τ ο υ ς θ ε μ ε λ ι ο υ ς ε ξ ο υ σ α ν π ο λ ι ν]. The sense is impaired in A. V. by the omission of the articles, the city, the foundations. Passing over the immediate subject of God's promise to Abraham - his inheritan... [ Continue Reading ]
Sarah. Faith prevailing against natural impossibilities. See Romans 4:19-22. Both Abraham and Sarah doubted at first (Genesis 17:17; Genesis 18:12); but both became persuaded of the truthfulness of the promise. Herself [α υ τ η] She who at first doubted. To conceive seed [ε ι ς κ α τ α β ο λ η ν σ... [ Continue Reading ]
As good as dead [ν ε ν ε κ ρ ω μ ε ν ο υ]. Comp. Romans 4:19. As good as is an addition of A. V. The Greek reads and that a dead man. Comp. nekrwsin deadness applied to Sarah, Romans 4:19. Stars - sand. See Genesis 22:17; Genesis 32:12. By the seashore [π α ρ α τ ο χ ε ι λ ο ς τ η ς θ α λ α σ σ η ς... [ Continue Reading ]
In faith [κ α τ α π ι σ τ ι ν]. See on ver. 7. Not having received [μ η κ ο μ ι σ α μ ε ν ο ι]. See on ch. Hebrews 10:36. They died according to faith, inasmuch as they did not receive. They died under the regimen of faith, and not of sight. For the phrase komizein tav ejpaggeliav to receive the pr... [ Continue Reading ]
Declare plainly [ε μ φ α μ ι ζ ο υ σ ι ν]. o P. See on John 14:21. Occasionally in LXX Rend. "make it manifest." They seek a country (patrida ejpizhtousin). The verb is found in LXX, chiefly in the sense of seeking after God or another deity. See 2 Kings 1:3; 2 Kings 1:6; 2 Kings 3:11; 2 Kings 8:8;... [ Continue Reading ]
If they had been mindful [ε ι ε μ ν η μ ο ν ε υ ο ν]. In N. T. habitually remember. So invariably in LXX The meaning here is, that if, in their declaration (ver. 14) that they were seeking a country, they had called to mind the country from which they came out, they could have returned thither, so t... [ Continue Reading ]
Now they desire [ν υ ν ο ρ ε γ ο ν τ α ι]. Nun now is logical : as the case now stands. For ojregontai desire, see on 1 Timothy 3:1. Is not ashamed [ο υ κ ε π α ι σ χ υ ν ε τ α ι]. Because they have commended themselves to God by their faith, so that he acknowledges them as his own. Comp. ch. Hebrew... [ Continue Reading ]
When he was tried offered up [π ρ ο σ ε ν η ν ο χ ε ν π ε ι ρ α ζ ο μ ε ν ο ς]. The full sense of the statement is missed in A. V. The meaning is that while the trial is yet in progress, Abraham hath already offered up his son, before the trial has come to an issue, by the act of his obedient will,... [ Continue Reading ]
Blessed [ε υ λ ο γ η σ ε ν]. See on John 12:13. Concerning things to come [κ α ι π ε ρ ι μ ε λ λ ο ν τ ω ν]. A. V. Omits kai which gives an emphasis to the following words. Isaac pronounced a blessing, and that concerning things to come; things beyond the lifetime of Jacob and Esau. See Genesis 27:... [ Continue Reading ]
When he died [α π ο θ ν η σ κ ω ν]. Rend. "when dying." It is quite superfluous to explain this as emphasizing the strength in contrast with the weakness of approaching death; or that, in the birth of Joseph's two sons before Jacob's death, Jacob discerned a monition to adopt them into the direct li... [ Continue Reading ]
When he died [τ ε λ ε υ τ ω ν]. Comp. Genesis 1:26, LXX The verb means to finish or close, with life understood. Always in this sense in N. T. See Matthew 2:19; Matthew 9:18; Luke 7:2, etc. Never used by Paul. Rend. "when near his end." Made mention of [π ε ρ ι - ε μ ν η μ ο ν ε υ σ ε ν]. See on ver... [ Continue Reading ]
Of his parents [υ π ο τ ω ν π α τ ε ρ ω ν α υ τ ο υ]. Lit. by his fathers. Comp. Exodus 2:2. Paterev fathers, according to a late Greek usage, is employed like goneiv parents. Similarly the Lat. patres and soceri, including both parents, or father and mother in law. Proper [α σ τ ε ι ο ν]. Only her... [ Continue Reading ]
Faith was exhibited by Enoch in walking with God (comp. A. V. Genesis 5:22, "walked with God," and LXX, eujaresthse pleased God). Faith creates close personal relation. Hebrews 11 :6To please [ε υ α ρ ε σ τ η σ α ι]. The aorist gives the sense of at all, stating the verbal idea without time, as a u... [ Continue Reading ]
To suffer affliction with [σ υ ν κ α κ ο υ χ ε ι σ θ α ι]. N. T. o, o LXX, o Class. The verb kakoucein to treat ill, ver. 37; ch. 13 3; LXX, 1 Kings 2:26; 1 Kings 11:39. Rend. "to be evil entreated." Than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season [η π ρ ο σ κ α ι ρ ο ν ε χ ε ι ν α μ α ρ τ ι α ς α... [ Continue Reading ]
Esteeming the reproach of Christ [η γ η σ α μ ε ν ο ς τ ο ν ο ν ε ι δ ι σ μ ο ν τ ο υ χ ρ ι σ τ ο υ]. The participle gives the reason for his choice of affliction instead of sin : since he esteemed. "The reproach of Christ" is the reproach peculiar to Christ; such as he endured. The writer uses it a... [ Continue Reading ]