Robertson Word Pictures - Hebrews 11:3 - 11:3

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Robertson Word Pictures - Hebrews 11:3 - 11:3


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

By faith (pistei). Instrumental case of pistis which he now illustrates in a marvellous way. Each example as far as Heb 11:31 is formally and with rhetorical skill introduced by pistei. After that only a summary is given.

We understand (nooumen). Present active indicative of noeō, old verb (from nous, intellect) as in Mat 15:17; Rom 1:20. The author appeals to our knowledge of the world in which these heroes lived as an illustration of faith. Recent books by great scientists like Eddington and Jeans confirm the position here taken that a Supreme Mind is behind and before the universe. Science can only stand still in God’s presence and believe like a little child.

The worlds (tous aiōnas). “The ages” as in Heb 1:2 (cf. Einstein’s fourth dimension, time). Accusative case of general reference.

Have been framed (katērtisthai). Perfect passive infinitive of katartizō, to mend, to equip, to perfect (Luk 6:40), in indirect discourse after nooumen.

So that (eis to). As a rule eis to with the infinitive is final, but sometimes as here it expresses result as in Rom 12:3 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003).

Hath been made (gegonenai). Perfect active infinitive of ginomai.

What is seen (to blepomenon). Present passive articular participle (accusative case of general reference) of blepō.

Of things which do appear (ek phainomenōn). Ablative case with ek (out of) of the present passive participle. The author denies the eternity of matter, a common theory then and now, and places God before the visible universe as many modern scientists now gladly do.