Meaning of Hebrews 11:40

Hebrews 11:40 concludes the chapter's extensive catalog of Old Testament faithful, highlighting a crucial theological point: the Old Testament saints, despite their profound faith and significant achievements, did not reach their ultimate perfection or experience the full realization of God's redemptive plan in isolation. Instead, their perfection is inextricably linked to the church, the New Covenant community, which would come into being through the finished work of Jesus Christ. This verse asserts that God, in His divine providence, had "planned something better" that encompassed both the faithful of the Old Covenant and the believers of the New Covenant, suggesting a unified and perfected whole that transcends historical epochs. Their ultimate consummation and perfection are not achieved independently but are realized "together with us," the New Testament believers, implying a shared destiny and a completed work of redemption that incorporates all who are united to Christ.

Context and Background

The author of Hebrews has spent chapter 11 meticulously recounting the triumphs and enduring faith of numerous individuals and groups from the Old Testament, from Abel to the unnamed heroes who endured persecution. These figures are presented as exemplars of faith, demonstrating unwavering trust in God's promises despite facing immense hardship, persecution, and even death. However, the author consistently points out that these individuals, while possessing a commendable faith, did not receive the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in their lifetime. They lived and died in faith, "not having received the things promised, but having seen them afar off" (Hebrews 11:13). This sets the stage for Hebrews 11:39-40, which serves as a summary statement about these Old Testament saints.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Providence and Planning: The verse emphasizes God's sovereign and benevolent plan, which extends beyond individual generations. He "planned something better," indicating a progressive unfolding of His redemptive purposes.
• Incompleteness of Old Testament Faith (in isolation): While the faith of the Old Testament saints was genuine and saving, its ultimate perfection and full manifestation were not realized until the coming of Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant.
• Unity of the Church: The core message is the interconnectedness of all God's people across history. The perfection of the Old Testament saints is contingent on their union with the New Testament church.
• The Superiority of the New Covenant: The "something better" God planned points to the advancements brought by Christ's sacrifice and the New Covenant, which offers a more complete and perfect salvation and access to God.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has profound implications for Christian understanding of salvation and community. It underscores that the Christian faith is not a new religion entirely separate from the Old Testament, but rather the fulfillment and perfection of God's ongoing covenantal relationship with humanity. For believers today, it offers assurance that God's plan is comprehensive and inclusive, uniting all His faithful people into one body in Christ. It also calls for a recognition of our shared heritage with the Old Testament saints and a responsibility to live in light of the greater revelation and promises we have received. The "together with us" aspect highlights the communal nature of salvation and the importance of the church as the body through which God's purposes are realized.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Hebrews 11:40 is a pivotal verse that bridges the Old and New Testaments. It explains why the Old Testament faithful, despite their extraordinary faith, are not presented as the final stage of God's redemptive work. The narrative arc of Scripture moves from creation, through the fall, the covenant with Israel, the coming of the Messiah, His atoning sacrifice, the establishment of the Church, and ultimately to the final consummation of all things. This verse affirms that the Old Testament saints are integral to this unfolding narrative, their faith anticipating the Messiah and their perfection being realized in the eschatological community brought about by His work. It points towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the new heavens and new earth, where all the redeemed, from all ages, will be perfected together.

Analogies

One analogy to understand this concept is a building project. The Old Testament saints represent the foundational stones and the initial blueprints laid down by the Master Builder. Their faith was essential for establishing the structure. However, the building was not complete until the final architectural elements and the finishing touches were added. The New Testament church, empowered by the Holy Spirit and united in Christ, represents these later stages, bringing the entire edifice to its intended perfection and completeness. Another analogy is a grand symphony; the Old Testament saints played their vital parts, but the full, harmonious masterpiece, with all its movements and resolutions, is only achieved when the New Testament era and the Church join in.

Relation to Other Verses

• Hebrews 11:39-40: This verse directly follows Hebrews 11:39, which states, "And all these, having gained approval through faith, did not receive what was promised." Verse 40 then explains why they did not receive the full promise in their lifetime.
• Galatians 3:28-29: This passage speaks of spiritual unity in Christ, transcending earthly distinctions: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise." This echoes the idea of unity and shared inheritance across different groups and eras.
• Ephesians 2:11-22: This passage describes how Christ has broken down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity in Himself. The Old Testament saints are part of the "ancestors" and "prophets" (v. 11) upon whom the church is built, with Christ as the cornerstone.
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-28: This passage speaks of Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep, and how at His coming, the final enemies will be put down, and Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father. This points to the ultimate consummation where all believers are perfected.
• Revelation 7:9-10: This vision describes a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes and crying out in praise. This is a vivid depiction of the perfected saints from all ages united in worship.