Hebrews 11:16 – “Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse gives us a clear look at what motivated the people of faith mentioned earlier in Hebrews 11. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob lived their lives looking forward—not backward. They weren’t just looking for a physical land on earth. They were longing for something far greater—a place that God Himself had prepared for them.
They were aiming for a “better country,” which the verse describes as a “heavenly one.” That means their hope wasn’t tied to this world. They understood that God’s promises reached beyond this life and pointed to something eternal.
And here’s something amazing: because they lived with that kind of faith and longing, “God is not ashamed to be called their God.” That’s a powerful statement. It means that God takes joy and honor in those who trust Him and look forward to the future He promises. He’s not embarrassed by their weakness or their waiting—He delights in their faith.
Historical Context
The people this verse is referring to—Abraham and his family—were called to live as strangers in a land God had promised them. They lived in tents, moved around often, and never truly settled in what would one day become the land of Israel.
They had left their homeland and didn’t turn back, as verse 15 says. But even more than that, they understood that their true home wasn’t found anywhere on earth. Their faith helped them see that God had something better waiting for them.
The readers of the book of Hebrews were also facing hardship. Many were tempted to turn back to their old way of life or compromise their faith to avoid persecution. This verse reminded them: if you’re longing for heaven and trusting in God’s promises, you’re walking in the footsteps of the faithful. And God is proud to be your God.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that the heart of true faith is focused on eternity. It’s not just about getting through this life. It’s about believing that God is preparing something better for His people—something permanent and perfect.
It also reminds us that God sees and honors the faith of those who live with that perspective. The phrase “God is not ashamed to be called their God” shows us that God gladly identifies with people who trust Him like that. That’s grace. It’s not that they earned His approval—it’s that they believed His promise and lived like it was true.
Finally, the mention of a “city” prepared by God ties into the picture of heaven—our eternal home, where God will dwell with His people forever.
Literary Analysis
This verse acts as a turning point in the flow of thought. It contrasts two ideas: looking back at an earthly home (v. 15) versus longing for a heavenly one (v. 16). The word “instead” sets up that contrast clearly.
The language of longing is emotional and personal. These people weren’t just waiting—they were yearning. “Longing” implies desire, hope, and deep expectation.
The second half of the verse gives God’s response to their faith. The phrase “not ashamed” is powerful, especially considering how often people fail. God is proud to be called their God—not because of their perfection, but because of their trust.
The “city” mentioned is symbolic of heaven, but it’s more than a place—it represents God’s presence, His kingdom, and our forever home.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 14:2-3 – Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you… that you also may be where I am.”
- Revelation 21:2-3 – Describes the New Jerusalem, the holy city where God will dwell with His people.
- Philippians 3:20 – “But our citizenship is in heaven.”
- Hebrews 13:14 – “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-2 – Paul talks about longing for our eternal dwelling with God.
- Genesis 17:7–8 – God says, “I will be their God,” a promise He gladly fulfills for those who trust Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that if you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite belong here, that’s okay—you weren’t made for here. You were made for something more.
As believers, we’re called to live with our eyes on heaven, not just on what we can see and touch today. Life on earth is full of ups and downs, but our hope is anchored in the future God has promised.
It also tells us that God is not ashamed of us when we live by faith. Even when we struggle, even when we wait, He delights in those who trust Him. That’s incredibly encouraging.
And it gives us confidence: if God is preparing a place for us, we can live today with purpose, knowing our true home is ahead.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God doesn’t just tolerate us—He welcomes us. He loves to be called “our God.” He’s not distant or ashamed of His people. He is near, proud, and invested.
His love is seen in how He prepares a place for us. He doesn’t ask us to wander aimlessly. He gives us a future and a home. He knows our hearts long for more, and He meets that longing with a promise—and with His own presence.
God’s love shows up in His desire to dwell with His people. The “city” He prepares is not just a nice place—it’s where He is. That’s what makes it better.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the reason we can call God our God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made the way for us to be part of God’s family. He paid the price for our sin so we could belong to God and live forever in the home He’s prepared.
In John 14, Jesus comforts His disciples with the promise that He’s going to prepare a place for them—and that He will come back to bring them there. That place is the heavenly country spoken of in this verse.
Jesus is the builder of the city. He is the one who welcomes us in and says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He makes it possible for God to look at us and say, “I’m not ashamed to be your God.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you to “long for a better country—a heavenly one”?
- Have you ever felt out of place in this world because of your faith? How did you respond?
- How does this verse help you view suffering, waiting, or loss in light of eternity?
- What does it mean that God is “not ashamed” to be called your God?
- How does the promise of a heavenly city shape the way you live today?