Hebrews 11:3 – “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse teaches something very foundational: the world didn’t just appear by chance. It was created by God’s command—He spoke, and everything came into being. But the heart of the verse is about how we know that. We know it by faith. We weren’t there when it happened. We didn’t see it. But we believe it because God said it.
This verse reminds us that faith helps us understand things that can’t be seen or fully explained by human reasoning. Faith isn’t blind—it’s trusting what God has revealed, especially when our senses or logic don’t give us the whole picture. Faith takes God at His word, even about the origins of everything.
Historical Context
The early Christians reading the book of Hebrews were surrounded by different views of the world’s beginning. Greek and Roman thinkers had their own philosophies about creation and existence. Some believed in multiple gods, while others believed the world had always existed. The Jewish readers of Hebrews, however, had always been taught from Genesis that God created the heavens and the earth.
Hebrews 11:3 ties their belief about creation into the bigger message about faith. It’s saying: “Remember, the very first thing we know about God—we know by faith.” This gave them a strong foundation to keep trusting God, even in a culture filled with competing ideas.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that faith is not limited to religious feelings—it applies to how we understand reality itself. Faith gives us insight into things science and observation can’t fully explain. It points us to a Creator who made everything from nothing.
It also shows the power of God’s word. The universe came into being because God spoke. That same powerful word is what sustains the world and speaks into our lives today. Believing that truth gives us confidence in the authority of Scripture and the promises of God.
Literary Analysis
Hebrews 11:3 continues the rhythm set in the previous verses: “By faith…” It begins a pattern that runs through the rest of the chapter, highlighting the lives and choices of people who lived by faith. But here, it shifts focus slightly to show not just what faith does, but what it understands.
The phrase “what is seen was not made out of what was visible” challenges the idea that only visible, material things are real. It points to a deeper reality—the invisible power and will of God behind all that exists. This sets up the entire faith chapter to show that the unseen is just as real, if not more real, than what we can touch and see.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
- Psalm 33:6,9 – “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made… For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.”
- John 1:1-3 – “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
- Colossians 1:16 – “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…”
- Romans 1:20 – “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities… have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse gives us confidence to trust God’s Word over popular opinion. It reminds us that we don’t need to have seen something with our eyes to believe that it’s true. Faith in God’s Word tells us that creation has purpose, order, and meaning—not randomness.
It also reminds us to approach life with humility. We don’t have all the answers, but we know the One who does. And we can trust Him, even when our culture questions or mocks our beliefs.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Only a loving God would create such a beautiful and intricate world, and then reveal Himself to the people in it. God didn’t make the universe and walk away. He made it to reflect His power, wisdom, and care—and then invited us to know Him through faith.
This verse also shows that God wants us to understand Him—not by guesswork, but by trusting what He’s said. That’s love. He gives us His Word, and by faith, we can understand truths that go beyond what we see.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the living Word through whom all things were made (John 1:1–3). When Hebrews 11:3 says the universe was formed at God’s command, we remember that Jesus is the One through whom that command went forth. Colossians 1:16 says that all things were created through him and for him.
Not only is Jesus the Creator, He also reveals the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Through Jesus, the unseen becomes known. Faith in Him isn’t a leap into the dark—it’s trust in the One who made the light and brings life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What helps you personally trust that God created the world?
- Why do you think faith is necessary to understand the beginning of the universe?
- How does believing in God as Creator affect the way you see your own life?
- In what ways do you struggle to trust things you can’t see?
- How does knowing Jesus as the Creator shape your understanding of who He is?