Hebrews 11:39
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
HEBREWS 11:39
Verse 39 returns to the summary theme: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.” The juxtaposition of commendation with unfulfilled promises underscores the paradox of faith. The hall of fame includes those who did not receive the full, realized promises in this life, yet their faith remains exemplary. The phrase “good report” (or testimony) signals God’s approval of faith, even when outcomes aren’t complete in this era. It invites readers to value integrity and trust over immediate gratification.
Theologically, this verse anchors the tension between present experience and future fulfillment. It reinforces the concept that faith’s ultimate reward lies in what God has promised, which may only be realized in the age to come. The righteous continue to trust God even when waiting for promises to be realized is difficult.
When prayers go unanswered in this life, you can still live by faith, knowing God’s promises are trustworthy. Practical steps: reaffirm your confidence in God’s timing, study Scripture about perseverance, and cultivate a legacy of faith for others by modeling steadfast trust. Let your life be a testimony that faith looks beyond the present and towards the future hope God has prepared.
Cross-References: Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 4:18-21; Hebrews 10:36; 2 Corinthians 5:7