Hebrews 11:40 – “since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse brings the “faith chapter” to a powerful conclusion. After listing all the men and women who trusted God through trials, victories, and suffering—and even though they didn’t receive the full promise during their lifetime—this verse explains why.
God had a bigger plan, one that wasn’t finished in their day. The promise they were looking forward to was Jesus Christ, and His coming would bring the fullness of what they longed for. The “better” thing God had planned was salvation through Jesus—eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and full access to Him.
And here’s the amazing part: God’s plan included us. Those who lived before Christ and those who live after are part of the same family of faith. God didn’t finish the story without us. We all share in the same promise, made complete in Jesus.
That’s what “made perfect” means here—not becoming sinless in themselves, but being made complete, whole, and finished in God’s plan through Christ.
Historical Context
The people mentioned throughout Hebrews 11—Abraham, Moses, Rahab, the prophets, and many others—were faithful, but they lived before the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
They were looking ahead to a promise they believed in but didn’t see with their own eyes. They trusted in God’s character and in His Word, knowing He would make good on what He said.
The early Christians who first read this letter were now living after Jesus had come. The writer of Hebrews wanted them to understand that they were part of something much bigger: God’s unfolding plan of redemption.
The Old Testament believers and New Testament believers are united in one story, one salvation, one Savior.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God’s plan is bigger than any one generation. He is writing a story that spans centuries and includes all who put their trust in Him.
It also shows that salvation is found in Jesus alone. Those who came before looked forward to Him. We now look back to Him. But both groups receive the same promise: eternal life through Christ.
And it teaches that God’s people are one people. There isn’t a separate plan for Old Testament saints and New Testament saints. We are all made “perfect” (complete) together through what Jesus has done.
This reminds us that the church is not a new invention—it’s the continuation and fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.
Literary Analysis
This verse completes the thought from verse 39. It uses contrast and fulfillment:
- “Something better for us” – contrasts with the longing and waiting of those before.
- “Only together with us” – shows unity across generations.
- “Made perfect” – brings the whole chapter to its intended end: not just faith in action, but faith fulfilled in Christ.
The structure ties together every example from the chapter and points forward to what comes next in Hebrews 12:1-2, where the focus turns to Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Hebrews 1:1-2 – God spoke through the prophets, but now through His Son.
- Hebrews 10:14 – “By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
- Romans 3:25-26 – God passed over former sins to show His righteousness through Jesus.
- Galatians 3:8-9 – God’s promise to Abraham is fulfilled in all who believe in Christ.
- John 17:20-23 – Jesus prays for all believers to be united as one.
- Ephesians 1:9-10 – God’s plan is to bring all things together under Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 1:20 – All of God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. We’re not just individuals trying to be good people—we’re part of God’s great redemption story that began long ago and will be completed in eternity.
It tells us that even though life may feel unfinished or messy now, God has a plan that ends in perfection—not because we’re perfect, but because Jesus is.
It also encourages us to keep going. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and our faith matters not just for today, but for the next generation too.
God hasn’t forgotten us. He included us in His greatest work.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He connects His people across time. He didn’t just love Abraham, Moses, and the prophets—He loves us just as much. He didn’t want to finish the story without bringing us in.
God’s love is also seen in how He patiently unfolded His plan through centuries, always faithful, never in a rush, and always with redemption in mind.
And finally, His love is seen in how He sent Jesus—not just for one group of people, but for all who believe, from every time and place.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the center of this verse. He is the “better” thing God had planned. He is the reason the faithful of old are made perfect, and He is the One who unites us with them.
Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the promise became reality. What they hoped for, we have seen fulfilled—and what we still wait for (His return), they will also share in.
Christ is the completion of their faith and ours. He is the one who brings the whole story together.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does it encourage you to know that you are part of the same story as Abraham, Moses, and other faithful believers?
- What does it mean to you that God has “something better” planned for us through Christ?
- How does this verse shape the way you view your current struggles or waiting?
- In what ways can you live today with a view toward the bigger picture of God’s plan?
- How does knowing that we are “made perfect” together with others affect your view of Christian unity and fellowship?