Hebrews 11:35 – “Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is a turning point in Hebrews 11. Up to now, we’ve seen powerful victories, miracles, and deliverance through faith. But now the writer adds another layer: sometimes faith doesn’t lead to escape—it leads to suffering. Yet even in suffering, people remain faithful because they believe something greater is ahead.
The first part—“Women received back their dead”—refers to literal miracles where God raised the dead in response to faith. The second part—“others were tortured”—shifts to those who suffered and didn’t get deliverance in this life, yet chose to stay faithful. They refused release, believing in a future resurrection that would be far better than anything this world could offer.
This verse teaches us that faith doesn’t always remove suffering, but it always looks beyond it. Faith believes that the reward God has promised is worth whatever the cost may be.
Historical Context
The first half refers to two key moments in the Old Testament:
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 – The prophet Elijah raised a widow’s son from the dead.
- 2 Kings 4:18-37 – Elisha raised the Shunammite woman’s son.
In both cases, mothers received their sons back from death by God’s miraculous power through the prophets. These were dramatic moments of faith and joy.
The second half—“others were tortured”—likely points to events not recorded in the main Old Testament books but found in Jewish history, particularly during the time between the Old and New Testaments. In 2 Maccabees 7, a Jewish mother and her seven sons were tortured and killed for refusing to violate God’s law. They chose death over compromise, believing God would raise them again.
The writer of Hebrews draws on this well-known history to show that faith sometimes leads to miracles—and sometimes to martyrdom. But in both cases, the faithful were looking ahead to something better.
Theological Implications
This verse shows us the two sides of faith: deliverance and endurance. Sometimes God works miracles and changes our circumstances. Other times, He gives strength to endure suffering without seeing the outcome in this life.
Both are expressions of true faith.
It also teaches us that the hope of resurrection changes everything. Those who suffer for their faith do so because they believe this life is not the end. “A better resurrection” means eternal life with God—something far greater than temporary relief on earth.
Faith, then, is not about controlling outcomes—it’s about trusting God’s promises, whether we live to see them or not.
Literary Analysis
This verse is divided into two contrasting parts:
- The first part ends a series of victorious and miraculous events.
- The second part begins a shift toward suffering, pain, and endurance.
The turning point is powerful. It reminds readers that faith is not just about triumph. Sometimes it means clinging to hope through terrible trials. The phrase “refusing to be released” is strong—it implies a choice. These believers could have escaped if they gave up, but they held fast to a better promise.
This literary balance reflects the full picture of what it means to live by faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 – Elijah raises the widow’s son.
- 2 Kings 4:18-37 – Elisha raises the Shunammite woman’s son.
- Daniel 3:16-18 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow to an idol, saying, “Even if He does not deliver us…”
- Matthew 10:28 – “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
- Romans 8:18 – “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
- Philippians 3:10-11 – Paul longs to “know Christ… and somehow attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
- Revelation 20:4-6 – Speaks of those who are raised to reign with Christ—the “better resurrection.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse offers deep encouragement—and a serious challenge. It reminds us that following God doesn’t always mean life will go smoothly. Sometimes faith leads to healing and joy. Sometimes it leads to hardship and loss.
But either way, we trust that God is good and His promises are true. This world is not our final home. Those who cling to their faith through suffering are not foolish—they’re focused. They know something better is coming.
For Christians today, this verse calls us to live with eternal perspective. When the pressure is on, we don’t give in or give up. We hold on—because resurrection is real.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen both in the miracles He performs and in the strength He gives when the miracle doesn’t come. He doesn’t abandon His people in the fire. He walks with them through it.
He loves us too much to let our hope rest on things that will pass away. Instead, He points us to a better resurrection—a life that can’t be taken away.
God’s love is not proven only by our rescue—but by His presence, His promises, and the future He’s preparing for us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the center of both parts of this verse.
- In the first part, He is the one who gives life. During His earthly ministry, He raised the dead and comforted the grieving (see Luke 7:11-17, John 11).
- In the second part, He is the one who suffered and died, refusing to escape the cross, so that we could gain eternal life.
Jesus chose suffering so that we could gain the “better resurrection.” And now, He is the risen Lord who promises to raise us up as well (see John 6:40, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
He is with us in both victory and suffering—and He is the reason we can endure with hope.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your view of faith—especially in hard times?
- Have you ever prayed for a miracle and not seen it? How does the second part of this verse help you hold on?
- What does “a better resurrection” mean to you personally?
- How can this verse help you encourage someone who’s suffering or feeling discouraged?
- How does Jesus’ own suffering and resurrection give you hope in your present trials?