Meaning of Hebrews 11:11

Hebrews 11:11 highlights Sarah's faith in God's promise of a child, even in her advanced age and barrenness, by focusing on her internal conviction of God's faithfulness rather than her physical limitations. This verse is a powerful testament to the nature of faith as an assurance of things hoped for and a conviction of things not seen, as defined in the preceding verse. Sarah's act of receiving strength to conceive, despite the biological impossibility, demonstrates that faith is not passive belief but an active reliance on God's character and His spoken word, leading to a supernatural enablement that transcends human reason and circumstance.

Context and Background

The author of Hebrews is presenting a "hall of faith" in chapter 11, recounting the deeds of various Old Testament figures who demonstrated extraordinary faith. Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is placed among these exemplary individuals. Her story, found primarily in Genesis chapters 17, 18, and 21, details God's covenant with Abraham, which included the promise of numerous descendants and the specific assurance that Sarah, despite her age and infertility, would bear a son who would be the heir of this covenant. At the time of this promise, Sarah was ninety years old, and Abraham was one hundred. The narrative in Genesis 18 specifically records Sarah's initial laughter of disbelief upon hearing the promise, reflecting her human assessment of the situation. However, Hebrews 11:11 focuses on a later stage, or perhaps a reinterpretation of her faith, emphasizing her consideration of God's faithfulness as the foundation of her eventual conception.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes in Hebrews 11:11 are:

• Faith as Assurance and Conviction: The verse exemplifies the definition of faith given in Hebrews 11:1. Sarah's faith was an assurance that God would fulfill His promise (things hoped for) and a conviction that He was able to do so, even when all natural evidence suggested otherwise (things not seen).
• God's Faithfulness: The core of Sarah's faith, as stated, was her belief in God's faithfulness. This means she trusted in His character, His promises, and His ability to act, irrespective of the humanly insurmountable obstacles.
• Supernatural Enablement: The verse explicitly states she was "enabled to bear children." This points to a divine intervention that overcame her biological barrenness, illustrating that faith often leads to God's supernatural power working in and through believers.
• Belief Over Circumstance: Sarah's faith triumphed over her perceived limitations. Her internal conviction about God's faithfulness was stronger than her external reality of old age and infertility.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers profound spiritual lessons:

• Trusting God Beyond Our Understanding: It teaches believers to trust God even when His promises seem impossible according to human logic or circumstances. Our faith should be rooted in God's character, not our present situation.
• The Power of God's Promises: It underscores the reliability of God's promises. When God speaks, He is able to bring it to pass, and our faith activates His power.
• Receiving God's Provision: It shows that God can provide for needs that are seemingly beyond natural human capacity, whether it be spiritual fruitfulness, healing, or strength in times of weakness.
• A Model for Enduring Faith: Sarah's journey, from initial doubt to eventual faith and fulfillment, serves as an encouragement for those who may struggle with doubt but ultimately choose to believe God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Sarah's story is foundational to the Abrahamic covenant, which is a cornerstone of the Old Testament and the precursor to the New Covenant in Christ. The lineage through which God chose to bring His Son, Jesus, passed through Sarah and Abraham. Therefore, her faith in the promise of a child was instrumental in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. The faithful continuation of this lineage, despite numerous challenges, demonstrates God's persistent faithfulness to His covenant people.

Analogies

• A Seed in Barren Ground: Imagine a farmer who, despite having infertile soil and no seeds, is promised a bountiful harvest by a renowned agricultural scientist. If the farmer trusts the scientist's expertise and commitment, he might still prepare the ground and wait expectantly, believing the scientist will provide the means for growth. Sarah's faith is akin to this, trusting the Divine "Scientist" who can bring life from what appears dead.
• A Builder with Unseen Materials: Consider a builder tasked with constructing a magnificent palace on a site where no materials are visible. If the builder has absolute trust in the architect's plans and the unseen resources that will be provided, they can begin the work with confidence. Sarah's faith was in the unseen power and faithfulness of God, enabling her to anticipate the "building" of her family.

Relation to Other Verses

• Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This verse defines faith, and Sarah's experience is a prime example of it in action.
• Genesis 17:15-16: "God said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her; yes, I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.'" This passage records God's specific promise to Sarah, the basis of her faith.
• Romans 4:19-21: Paul discusses Abraham and Sarah's faith in Romans 4, stating, "Without weakening in the faith, he acknowledged the death of his own body, which was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." This passage further elaborates on their faith, emphasizing Abraham's conviction and Sarah's parallel belief.
• Galatians 3:6-9: Paul connects Abraham's faith to the blessing of believers, stating, "So also Abraham 'believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.' Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham... and in you all the nations of the earth will be blessed. So those who rely on faith are blessed." This highlights how the faith of Abraham and Sarah paved the way for the blessings received by New Testament believers.