Understanding the Scriptures
Hebrews 11
| Evidence (v. 1) | Testimony, proof | |
| Framed (v. 3) | Created | |
| Heir (v. 7) | One who has the right to receive or inherit something | |
| Sojourned (v. 9) | To live in a place only for a time, not permanently | |
| Tabernacles (v. 9) | Tents, temporary houses | |
| Conceive seed (v. 11) | Have children | |
| Sprang there even of one (v. 12) | Came children from one person | |
| Persuaded (v. 13) | Convinced, inspired | |
| Figure (v. 19) | Symbol | |
| Come to years (v. 24) | Old enough to be considered an adult | |
| Esteeming (v. 26) | Valuing | |
| Reproach of Christ (v. 26) | Criticism he received for following Christ | |
| He had respect unto the recompence of the reward (v. 26) | He knew that he would eventually be judged and rewarded | |
| Assaying (v. 29) | Trying, attempting | |
| Compassed (v. 30) | Surrounded | |
| Aliens (v. 34) | Foreigners, enemies | |
| Scourgings (v. 36) | Whippings, beatings | |
| Destitute (v. 37) | Without the necessities of life |
Hebrews 11:1—Paul’s Definition of Faith
Elder Howard W. Hunter, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, helped explain Hebrews 11:1 when he said, “Faith makes us confident of what we hope for and convinced of what we do not see. … Those who earnestly seek for God do not see him, but they know of his reality by faith. It is more than hope. Faith makes it a conviction—an evidence of things not seen” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, 138; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, 97). You may also want to read definitions of faith given by other prophets in Alma 32:21 and Ether 12:6.
Hebrews 11:5—Enoch Was Translated
Enoch was translated, which means that God caused a change to come upon his body so he would not experience pain or death until the time of his own resurrection. (For another example, see 3 Nephi 28:4–9.)
Hebrews 11:10–16—What “City” or “Country” Were Ancient Prophets Looking For?
Simply stated, the city or country ancient prophets were looking for was heaven, the celestial kingdom, the place where God dwells. While the earth remains under the effects of the Fall, heaven is not found on earth. However, when God’s people make and keep fully their sacred covenants with Him they establish cities of righteousness called Zion (see Moses 7:18). Those in Zion are privileged to enjoy the presence of God on earth. By establishing Zion, faithful Saints may obtain the city sought by the prophets that Paul mentioned—a city “whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). The scriptures prophesy that in the last days Zion will again be built on earth, including a central city of Zion called the New Jerusalem (see D&C 45:65–67; 84:2–5).
Future Jerusalems
Before the Millennium
A city built by the Saints in the last days
After the Millennium
A holy city that descends to unite with a celestial earth
Studying the Scriptures
Do activities A and B as you study Hebrews 11.
Examples of Faith
-
1.
In your notebook, make a chart listing people of faith. Use what you learned in Hebrews 11 and the example in the following chart.
|
Name |
How Showed Faith |
Blessings Received | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Abel |
v. 4 |
Offered a “more excellent sacrifice” to God |
A witness from God that he was righteous in His sight |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
2.
Choose one of the people who was an example of faith. Write briefly about how that person’s example applies to you and the faith you need to meet the challenges you face today. How were that person’s challenges like your challenges?
“By Faith”
We are told many times in Hebrews 11 that “by faith” those great men and women of the past obtained God’s blessings.
-
1.
Give at least three examples of people you feel could be included in this chapter if it were written in your time and where you live.
-
2.
Using Paul’s pattern from Hebrews 11, write about the three people you chose. Start each example with “By faith,” and then give the name of the person, tell what he or she did that showed great faith, explain why it showed great faith, and list some of the blessings God has promised such a person in this life and the next.
