'A Better Resurrection' (Hebrews 11:35)

[charity]

'Women received their dead raised to life again:
and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection: ... '
(Hebrews 11:35)

Hello there,

In this glorious chapter in Hebrews, which gives examples to us of those who lived by faith during Old Testament times, is including those who were tortured for the hope that was within them, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain - a better resurrection.

How do you understand what is meant by this term, 'a better resurrection'?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[theophilus]

Here is how the ESV translates that verse:

Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.

Here is a comparison of that verse in different translation: Hebrews 11:35 - Bible Gateway

There seems to be some disagreement as to whether the word means resurrection or life. I am certain that the Greek scholars on this forum will soon be expressing their opinions of this subject.

 

[charity]

Here is how the ESV translates that verse:
Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.

Here is a comparison of that verse in different translation: Hebrews 11:35 - Bible Gateway

There seems to be some disagreement as to whether the word means resurrection or life. I am certain that the Greek scholars on this forum will soon be expressing their opinions of this subject.

'Women received their dead raised to life again:
and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection: ... '
(Hebrews 11:35)

Hello @theophilus

Thank you for taking the time to respond to the OP. I do not believe that the different versions differ in regard to the fact that this refers to RESURRECTION. For though using the words 'to a better life' instead of 'a better resurrection', the ESV none the less also uses the words, 'rise again', which can only refer to the act of resurrection. Don't you agree?

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[charity]

'These all died in faith,
.. not having received the promises,
.... but having seen them afar off,
...... and were persuaded of them,
........ and embraced them,
........... and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
.. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out,
.... they might have had opportunity to have returned.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:
.. wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:
.... for He hath prepared for them a city.'
(Heb 11:13-16)

Hello again,

So what is 'a better Resurrection' in this context?
Is there a better resurrection to strive for? Does it have anything to do with running the race of Hebrews 12:1? Is this better resurrection related to a 'better' country and a 'better' city namely the heavenly city in Hebrews 11:16? Which is 'The bride, the Lamb's wife' of Revelation 21:9? (For this was the hope in view of those men of faith in Hebrews 11 wasn't it? As 'overcomers' within their generation). (Revelation 20:6)

* As enduring to the end in order to gain 'the prize of the high calling', was spoken of by Paul, in Philippians 3:11-14, in relation to the heavenly calling of the church of the One Body of which Christ is the Head?

* Of 'reigning' with Christ, instead of simply 'living' with Him. For we will all 'live' but we will not all 'reign' with Christ, will we? (2 Timothy 2:12)

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[quietthinker]

'Women received their dead raised to life again:
and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection: ... '
(Hebrews 11:35)

Hello there,

In this glorious chapter in Hebrews, which gives examples to us of those who lived by faith during Old Testament times, is including those who were tortured for the hope that was within them, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain - a better resurrection.

How do you understand what is meant by this term, 'a better resurrection'?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

I'm persuaded it's speaking of the great hope that will become a present never-ending reality for all who believe when Jesus returns

 

[marks]

'Women received their dead raised to life again:
and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection: ... '
(Hebrews 11:35)

Hello there,

In this glorious chapter in Hebrews, which gives examples to us of those who lived by faith during Old Testament times, is including those who were tortured for the hope that was within them, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain - a better resurrection.

How do you understand what is meant by this term, 'a better resurrection'?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Hi Chris,



I think it's clear this is in fact speaking of resurrection.

I associate this with Jesus' saying, Blessed are you when you are persecuted, for great is your reward in heaven. Those who do not accept deliverance, preferring to stand with Christ, will be rewarded all the more for a surer stand.

What that reward will look like, I can't say with any certainty.

Much love!

 

[marks]

Star differs from star in glory. Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of sky, and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars of heaven forever.

Much love!

 

[Enoch111]

There seems to be some disagreement as to whether the word means resurrection or life.

You cannot trust any modern version translation as is evident here. The word is definitely "resurrection" [ἀναστάσεως (anastaseōs)]
not "life".

Strong's Concordance
anastasis: a standing up, i.e. a resurrection, a raising up, rising
Original Word: ἀνάστασις, εως, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: anastasis
Phonetic Spelling: (an-as'-tas-is)
Definition: a standing up, a resurrection, a raising up, rising
Usage: a rising again, resurrection.

Any previous resurrections were only temporary. The "better" resurrection if the final resurrection of the saints at the Resurrection/Rapture.

 

[charity]

@theophilus
@quietthinker
@marks
@Enoch111

Hello there,

Thank you all for your input on this subject.

Looking through your responses, my mind went to the difference between the two resurrections mentioned in Revelation 20:4-6, which gives an example of two very different resurrections because of what they lead to. Those who have a part in the first resurrection, [which takes place before the 1000 year reign of the Overcomers with Christ] is the reward for faithful service rendered at great physical cost (v.4). Those who attain to it are considered blessed and holy (v.6), and will become Priests of God and of Christ and reign with Christ for 1000 years.

The rest of the dead live not again until the thousand years are finished (v.5), and will be subject to the great white throne judgement. They will be judged according to their works, and have the possibility of facing the second death, from which there is no return. (Revelation 20:11-14)

This is just an example of just two resurrections, one of which is so much better than the other, and is obtained by those who are faithful, even unto death.

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

.

 

[brionne]

'Women received their dead raised to life again:
and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection: ... '
(Hebrews 11:35)

Hello there,

In this glorious chapter in Hebrews, which gives examples to us of those who lived by faith during Old Testament times, is including those who were tortured for the hope that was within them, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain - a better resurrection.

How do you understand what is meant by this term, 'a better resurrection'?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Hi Charity,

Paul is speaking of the people who had been resurrected on earth, back to life in the flesh.
Some early examples are in the days of Elijah the prophet. 1 Kings 17:17-24 Elijah resurrects a widows son
Jesus resurrected people in his day, ie the resurrection of Lazarus, the widows son, the roman officers daughter etc.

those who were resurrected eventually died again.

But the situation would change when those who are resurrected would be 'permanently' alive in their Resurrection.

This has not happened yet. Earthly resurrections will happen in the future, and then they will be a 'better resurrection' because there will be no more death thereafter.

 

[charity]

Hi Charity,

Paul is speaking of the people who had been resurrected on earth, back to life in the flesh.
Some early examples are in the days of Elijah the prophet. 1 Kings 17:17-24 Elijah resurrects a widows son
Jesus resurrected people in his day, ie the resurrection of Lazarus, the widows son, the roman officers daughter etc.

those who were resurrected eventually died again.

But the situation would change when those who are resurrected would be 'permanently' alive in their Resurrection.

This has not happened yet. Earthly resurrections will happen in the future, and then they will be a 'better resurrection' because there will be no more death thereafter.

'Women received their dead raised to life again:
and others were tortured,
not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection:'
(Heb 11:35)

Hello @brionne,

Thank you for this response.

Yes, I had that thought too: and acknowledge that those resurrections that you refer to were what were intended by the words, 'women received their dead raised to life again:'. However, the text moves on doesn't it, to, 'and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:' This I believe refers to the resurrection yet to come (as you say), but that it has the further prospect of the added reward for faithful service, which will be the hope of those who loved not their life unto death (Revelation 12:11), of reigning with Christ for 1,000 years of His reign, and becoming priests of God and of Christ (Revelation 20:6), along with such as Abraham, who lived as a pilgrim on earth, desiring 'a better country', and 'a city whose builder and maker is God' (Hebrews 11:10 & 16; Hebrews 13:14), the New Jerusalem, the Bride, the Lamb's wife (Revelation 21:9).

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris