Hebrews 11:35
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
Verse 35 presents a contrasting cadence: “Women received their dead raised to life again,” juxtaposed with others who faced torture and refused deliverance for a “better resurrection.” The immediate context recalls Elijah and Elisha, who raised the dead, and mirrors Jesus’ own ministry in type. The broader point is that faith sometimes manifests in miraculous rescues; at other times, believers endure hardship with steadfast hope, trusting God’s promised future resurrection. The phrase “better resurrection” points to the hope of ultimate restoration beyond present suffering. This dual focus—faith’s capacity for miracles and the sufficiency of God when miracles do not occur—offers a balanced view of how God works in history.
Theologically, this verse anchors eschatological hope: God’s people live with an expectation of resurrection and eternal reward. It emphasizes that deliverance might appear in this life or in the life to come, but the ultimate vindication rests with God. The willingness to suffer rather than compromise remains a faith-affirming posture, illustrating that fidelity to God has value beyond immediate relief.
When prayers for healing or restoration seem unanswered, hold fast to the “better resurrection.” This means cultivating hope that transcends present pain. Practical steps: build a faith community that bears one another’s burdens, develop healthy doses of lament and praise, and invest in eternal perspectives—eternity shaping decisions about money, health, and relationships. Celebrate miracles, but also cultivate resilience in prolonged waiting, trusting God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Cross-References: 1 Kings 17:17-24; Luke 7:11-17; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; Daniel 3; 1 Peter 1:3-5