Hebrews 11:37
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
HEBREWS 11:37
Verse 37 lists additional extreme ordeals: stoning, sawing asunder, being tempted, slain with the sword, wandering in skins, and destitution. These images draw from the martyrdom and hardship long endured by the faithful in Israel’s history and the early church. They emphasize endurance in the face of violent opposition and material deprivation. The verse paints a vivid picture of the cost of discipleship—faith may involve losing status, comfort, and life itself for the sake of God’s kingdom. The “sheepskins and goatskins” reference conjures the experience of prophets and early Christians who chose humble, afflicted living rather than compromise.
Theologically, this verse deepens the doctrine of faith under persecution and the eternal perspective of reward. It shows that faith is robust even when human hope wanes, and it highlights the costly nature of fidelity to God. The broader argument remains: faith’s trust in God sustains the believer through suffering, failing to secure temporary relief but ensuring eternal vindication.
When life costs more than you anticipated—loss of comfort, reputation, or security—remember these examples. Practical steps: lean into trusted community for support, practice spiritual disciplines that anchor your identity in God (word, prayer, worship), and respond to hardship with acts of mercy toward others even while you endure your own pain. Your patient endurance can become a beacon of hope for those around you, showing that faith persists even when relief is not immediate.
Cross-References: Acts 7:54-60; 2 Timothy 3:11; Hebrews 10:32-34; Psalm 44