They were stoned they were sawn asunder were tempted were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute afflicted tormented;Hebrews 11:37 Explainer ## Introduction - In Plain Language: This verse lists the terrible things faithful people suffered — they were stoned, sawed in two, killed by the sword, wandered in rough animal skins, and lived poor, persecuted, and tormented lives. - Big idea: The lives of the faithful often involved real, severe suffering, yet their faith continued through it. - Key points: - The author of Hebrews highlights extreme persecution to honor courage and endurance. - These images (stoning, sawing, sword, rough clothing) show both public execution and long-term hardship. - The point isn’t to glorify suffering for its own sake but to show that faith holds on even without earthly reward. ## Context - Where this verse fits in: Hebrews 11 is the “hall of faith” — a survey of people in Israel’s story who acted by faith. Verse 37 is a dramatic catalog of the kinds of suffering these faithful ones endured. - Story timeline: Written to Jewish-Christian believers in the late first century (most likely) who were under pressure or persecution. The author (anonymous, traditionally called “the writer of Hebrews”) is encouraging them by listing past faithful people who endured hardship rather than abandon God. - Surrounding passage: Verses just before (Hebrews 11:32–36) name judges, prophets, and others who did mighty acts by faith and also suffered: they “obtained promises” and “stopped the mouths of lions,” etc. Verse 37 continues by enumerating harsher fates. Verse 38 follows by saying that these people were “destitute” and the world was “not worthy” of them — praising their faith even when the world rejected them. ## Explanation - Quick take: Hebrews 11:37 catalogs brutal ways faithful people were treated — executions, testing, and long-term poverty and abuse — to show that faith often involves suffering, yet those people are commended for trusting God through it. - In Depth: - The list mixes execution methods (stoned, sawn in two, slain with the sword) with long-term suffering (wandering in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented). That combination shows the range: some suffered sudden martyrdom, others ongoing deprivation. - “Sawn asunder” likely points to an ancient tradition about a prophet (often tied in later tradition to Isaiah) or to practices of violent execution reported in antiquity; the author uses graphic language to emphasize the real cost of faithfulness. - “Wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins” evokes the image of prophets and holy wanderers who wore rough animal skins (a sign of poverty, prophetic life, or itinerant ministry). It underscores homelessness and lack of social standing. - “Tempted” in this context is better read as “tested” or “put to trial” — not sexual temptation but severe trials that prove or pressure faith. - The verse gathers these images to make a pastoral point: faithful people did not always receive visible validation or safety; yet their faith is remembered and honored. The author encourages readers to persevere, trusting God’s ultimate judgment and reward rather than immediate comfort. ## Key Words - λιθοβολέω (lithoboleō) — “to stone”; public execution by throwing stones. - πριονίζω (prionizō) — “to saw”; “sawn in two” refers to an especially violent form of execution in some ancient accounts. - πειράζω (peirazō) — “to test or try”; here it means being put through severe trials. - μάχαιρα (machaira) — “sword”; used as the instrument of killing. ## Background - Ancient cultural/historical notes: - Execution by stoning and by sword were common legal/extra-legal punishments in the ancient world. “Sawn in two” appears in later Jewish and Christian martyr narratives as a vivid symbol of extreme persecution. - Clothing made of sheepskins or goatskins is associated with prophets and itinerant holy men (e.g., Elijah’s rough clothing), but it also signals poverty and marginalization. - The audience of Hebrews would have recognized these images: many early Christians and Jewish prophets lived on society’s margins and faced real danger for their fidelity. - The writer is not giving a precise historical report of each person mentioned but painting a composite picture of the kinds of suffering faithful people faced across Israel’s story. ## Theology - Theological insights (plain language): - Faith is not guaranteed comfort; faith often bears cost and risk, even death. - God honors those who remain faithful, even if the world rejects or destroys them. - Suffering and testing can be part of the faithful journey, and perseverance is itself a form of witness. ## Application To Your Life - For workers: If you face unfair treatment at work for doing what’s right, remember the examples of Hebrews — integrity may cost you now but is seen by God. - For parents: Teach children that following God sometimes means choosing obedience over popularity or easy success; show sacrificial faithfulness in daily life. - For those facing persecution or hardship: This verse acknowledges your pain honestly — you are within a long story of faithful endurance, and your perseverance matters. - For seekers: The passage challenges the idea that faith guarantees comfort; it invites a sober look at what loyalty to God may involve and a hope beyond immediate circumstances. - Reflection questions: - Where am I being called to faithfulness even if it’s costly? - How do I respond when following Jesus risks reputation, comfort, or safety? - Short prayer: Lord, give me the courage to hold fast when faith is costly; strengthen me to endure trials and trust You even when the world rejects me. ## Translation Comparison - KJV: “They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;” - NIV: “They were stoned; they were sawn in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—” - ESV: “They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—” - NRSV: “They were stoned; they were sawn in two; they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—” - Why differences matter: Translators choose words to capture tone and nuance. “Sawn asunder” (KJV) and “sawn in two” (modern versions) are equivalent but differ in style. “Tempted” vs. “persecuted/mistreated” reflects different readings and how translators resolve a hard Greek word or sentence break: is the focus on being “tested” (peirazō) or more broadly on persecution? “Sheepskins and goatskins” vs “skins of sheep and goats” is minor wording, but “destitute, afflicted, tormented” vs “destitute, persecuted and mistreated” shows nuance in how translators render the emotional tone — from legal/clinical (afflicted) to social hostility (persecuted). ## FAQs - Q: Who exactly is the author talking about in Hebrews 11:37 — specific people or general examples? A: Hebrews 11 is a mixture of named individuals (Abraham, Moses, Gideon, etc.) and general figures or groups. Verse 37 reads like a summary statement that collects various fates faith-filled people experienced. The author is not necessarily giving a forensic list tying each method to a specific named person; rather, he’s assembling vivid images from Israel’s memory and tradition to show the harsh realities those who trusted God sometimes faced. Some readers and ancient traditions do link particular images to particular figures (e.g., “sawn in two” linked by later tradition to Isaiah), but the immediate point for the original readers is pastoral: the saints suffered in many dreadful ways, and yet their faith is commended. The verse speaks to the reality that faithfulness can mean both sudden martyrdom and long seasons of poverty and abuse. - Q: Does Hebrews 11:37 teach that suffering is proof of true faith? A: Not exactly. The verse shows that many faithful people suffered; it honors their endurance and trust. But Hebrews does not present suffering as the only proof of genuine faith. The broader argument of Hebrews celebrates faith demonstrated in obedience and trust (Hebrews 11:1, 6, etc.), and sometimes that faith led to visible rewards and sometimes to suffering. Suffering may be evidence that a person lived out faith in costly ways, but suffering alone is not the sole proof of authenticity. The point is pastoral encouragement: if you suffer for righteousness, you are in company with many honored in Scripture — but faith is known by trust, obedience, and perseverance, not by suffering alone. ## Cross References - Acts 7:58 — Stephen is stoned; an example of New Testament martyrdom (connects to “stoned”). - 2 Timothy 3:12 — “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” - 1 Peter 4:12–16 — Encouragement to rejoice in suffering for Christ, treating trials as a sharing in Christ’s suffering. - Matthew 5:10–12 — Beatitudes promise blessing for those persecuted for righteousness’ sake. ## Deeper Study - Commentary synthesis (high-level): Most commentators see Hebrews 11:37 as the author’s deliberate, graphic summary of persecution experiences to encourage readers. The list mixes legal execution, violent death, and ongoing deprivation; its purpose is rhetorical and pastoral rather than strictly historical. Scholars note the verse borrows from a variety of traditions (Israelite prophets, Jewish martyr stories, and early Christian suffering) to present a continuity: God’s people have always been called to faith that may cost them everything. - Group study prompts: - Read Hebrews 11 as a whole and mark every place the author mentions suffering. What patterns do you see? - Discuss modern examples of faithful people who suffer. How does the church support those who endure hardship? - Compare Hebrews 11:37 with Acts 7 (Stephen) and 2 Corinthians 11:23–27 (Paul’s hardships). What similarities and differences appear? ## Related verses (compare and contrast) - Acts 7:58 — Stoning of Stephen; a concrete NT example of a martyrdom image found in Hebrews 11:37. - 2 Corinthians 11:23–27 — Paul lists his many sufferings (beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments); compare the variety and purpose of suffering in early Christian witness. - Matthew 5:10–12 — Jesus blesses those persecuted for righteousness; contrasts promise of future reward with present cost. ## Talk to the Bible Try the “Talk To The Bible” feature to explore this verse more interactively. Suggested prompts: - “Show me other New Testament passages that echo Hebrews 11:37’s view of suffering.” - “Compare Hebrews 11:37 and 2 Corinthians 11:23–27 line by line and explain differences in emphasis.” - “What do ancient Jewish traditions say about someone ‘sawn in two’? Is there a historical source for that image?”
