Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Hebrews 11:7 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse highlights the importance of faith and obedience in the story of Noah. Despite never having seen a flood or an ark before, Noah had faith in God's warning and obeyed by preparing an ark. His faith was so strong that he was willing to go against the world and its disbelief in order to follow God's instructions. By his actions, Noah not only saved his family from the impending flood but also demonstrated his righteousness before God. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of faith and obedience in the face of uncertainty and opposition. It shows that through faith, we can inherit the righteousness that comes from trusting in God's guidance, even when it goes against the norms of the world.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from Hebrews highlights the theme of faith and obedience. Noah exhibited great faith by believing in God's warning about the impending flood despite not seeing any signs of it yet. His faith moved him to take action by building an ark to save his family. This act of obedience not only ensured the physical salvation of his household but also symbolically condemned the wicked world around him. By following God's instructions and demonstrating unwavering faith, Noah became a model of righteousness that is attained through faith. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that faith in God's promises and obedience to His word are essential components of living a righteous life.
Hebrews 11:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
By faith Noah, being warned [of God] concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
World English Bible
By faith, Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Douay-Rheims
By faith Noe, having received an answer concerning those things which as yet were not seen, moved with fear, framed the ark for the saving of his house: by the which he condemned the world and was instituted heir of the justice which is by faith.
Geneva Bible (1599)
By faith Noe being warned of God of the things which were as yet not seene, mooued with reuerence, prepared the Arke to the sauing of his housholde, through the which Arke hee condemned the world, and was made heire of the righteousnes, which is by faith.