The Meaning of Hebrews 11:5 Explained

Hebrews 11:5

KJV: By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

YLT: By faith Enoch was translated -- not to see death, and was not found, because God did translate him; for before his translation he had been testified to -- that he had pleased God well,

Darby: By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he has the testimony that he had pleased God.

ASV: By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

By faith  Enoch  was translated  that he should  not  see  death;  and  was  not  found,  because  God  had translated  him:  for  before  his  translation  he had this testimony,  that he pleased  God. 

What does Hebrews 11:5 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Whereas Abel suffered murder, Enoch never died, and both demonstrated faith. Enoch set an example of walking by faith all his life that readers would do well to follow. [1] The Lord may return at any time to take modern Enoch"s into His presence just as He took that great saint.

Context Summary

Hebrews 11:1-10 - Faith's Triumphs From Abel To Abraham
Faith is the sixth sense. It makes us as sure of unseen or future things, which we know about only through the divine Word, as we are of things which we can see and touch. When we are aware of the reality of these things, we naturally take them into account when we act. Rothschild laid the foundation of his fortune because he had news that the battle of Waterloo had been won, a day before anyone else in Britain. That fact enabled him to buy up all the depressed money-shares, which rose with marvelous buoyancy as soon as the news was universally disseminated. Faith does this for us!
Noah built the ark because he believed that the flood would befall. Abraham left his country because he realized that Canaan would be his. The pilgrims and martyrs of all the ages have been derided by their companions, who would have acted similarly if only they had looked with faith into the unseen. And God never fails such. He always bears witness with His gifts. [source]

Chapter Summary: Hebrews 11

1  What faith is
6  Without faith we cannot please God
7  The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time

Greek Commentary for Hebrews 11:5

Was translated [μετετετη]
First aorist passive indicative of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi old verb to transpose, to change as in Hebrews 7:12; Acts 7:16. That he should not see death Here again του — tou with the infinitive usually expresses purpose, but in this case result is the idea as in Matthew 21:23; Romans 1:24; Romans 7:3, etc. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1002). He was not found Imperfect passive of ευρισκω — heuriskō from Genesis 5:24. Was still not found. Translated First aorist active of same verb as μετετετη — metetethē just before. Translation Substantive from the same verb μετατιτημι — metatithēmi used already in Hebrews 7:12 for change. See also Hebrews 12:27. Our very word “metathesis.” He hath had witness borne him Perfect passive indicative of μαρτυρεω — martureō stands on record still, “he has been testified to.” That he had been well-pleasing unto God Perfect active infinitive of ευαρεστεω — euaresteō late compound from ευαρεστος — euarestos (well-pleasing), in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:5.; Hebrews 13:16. With dative case τεωι — theōi Quoted here from Genesis 5:22, Genesis 5:24. The word is common of a servant pleasing his master. [source]
Enoch []
Genesis 5:21-24. Comp. 49:14; Wisd. 4:10. [source]
Was translated [μετετέθη]
The verb used of Enoch's translation, lxx, Genesis href="/desk/?q=ge+5:24&sr=1">Genesis 5:24. In Acts 7:16of the transporting of the remains of Jacob and his sons to Sychem. In Galatians 1:6, of the sudden change in the religious attitude of the Galatians. In Hebrews 7:12, of the change in the priesthood. [source]
That he should not see death [τοῦ μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον]
This may signify the purpose of his translation, but probably refers to the result. He was translated so that he did not see death. Comp. Matthew 21:32; Acts 7:19; Romans 7:3. [source]
Was not found because God had translated him [οὐχ ηὑρίσκετο διότι μετέθηκεν αὐτὸν ὁ θεός]
Cited from lxx, Genesis 5:24. For had translated rend. translated. [source]
He had this testimony [μεμαρτύρηται]
Rev properly preserves the force of the perfect tense, “he hath had witness born to him.” The testimony still stands on record. [source]
That he pleased God []
Rend. hath pleased. Comp. lxx, Genesis 5:22, Genesis 5:24. Faith was exhibited by Enoch in walking with God (comp. A.V. Genesis 5:22, “walked with God,” and lxx, εὐαρέστησε pleasedGod). Faith creates close personal relation. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 11:5

John 8:51 If a man keep my word [εαν τις τον εμον λογον τηρησηι]
Condition of third class with εαν — ean and constative aorist active subjunctive of τηρεω — tēreō Repeated in John 8:52. See John 8:43 about hearing the word of Christ. Common phrase in John (John 8:51, John 8:52, John 8:55; John 14:23, John 14:24; John 15:20; John 17:6; 1 John 2:5). Probably the same idea as keeping the commands of Christ (John 14:21). He shall never see death Spiritual death, of course. Strong double negative ου μη — ou mē with first aorist active subjunctive of τεωρεω — theōreō The phrase “see death” is a Hebraism (Psalm 89:48) and occurs with ιδειν — idein (see) in Luke 2:26; Hebrews 11:5. No essential difference meant between οραω — horaō and τεωρεω — theōreō See John 14:23 for the blessed fellowship the Father and the Son have with the one who keeps Christ‘s word. [source]
Galatians 1:6 Removed [μετατίθεσθε]
A.V. misses the sense of the middle voice, removing or transferring yourselves, and also the force of the continuous present, are removing or going over, indicating an apostasy not consummated but in progress. The verb is used in Class. of altering a treaty, changing an opinion, desertion from an army. For other applications see Acts 7:16; Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5. Comp. lxx, Deuteronomy 27:17; Proverbs 23:10; Isaiah 29:17. Lightfoot renders are turning renegades. [source]
Hebrews 7:12 A change [μετάθεσις]
A transfer to a new basis. Only in Hebrews. See Hebrews 11:5; Hebrews 12:27. The inferiority of the Levitical priesthood is inferred from the fact that another priesthood was promised. If perfection was possible at all under the Mosaic economy, it must come through the Levitical priesthood, since that priesthood was, in a sense, the basis of the law. The whole legal system centered in it. The fundamental idea of the law was that of a people united with God. Sin, the obstacle to this ideal union, was dealt with through the priesthood. If the law failed to effect complete fellowship with God, the priesthood was shown to be a failure, and must be abolished; and the change of the priesthood involved the abolition of the entire legal system. [source]
Hebrews 12:28 Acceptably [εὐαρέστως]
N.T.oolxx. Ἑυαρεστεῖν tobe well pleasing, Hebrews 11:5, Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 13:16. For the adjective εὐάρεστος well-pleasingsee on Titus 2:9. [source]
Hebrews 11:5 Was translated [μετετετη]
First aorist passive indicative of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi old verb to transpose, to change as in Hebrews 7:12; Acts 7:16. That he should not see death Here again του — tou with the infinitive usually expresses purpose, but in this case result is the idea as in Matthew 21:23; Romans 1:24; Romans 7:3, etc. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1002). He was not found Imperfect passive of ευρισκω — heuriskō from Genesis 5:24. Was still not found. Translated First aorist active of same verb as μετετετη — metetethē just before. Translation Substantive from the same verb μετατιτημι — metatithēmi used already in Hebrews 7:12 for change. See also Hebrews 12:27. Our very word “metathesis.” He hath had witness borne him Perfect passive indicative of μαρτυρεω — martureō stands on record still, “he has been testified to.” That he had been well-pleasing unto God Perfect active infinitive of ευαρεστεω — euaresteō late compound from ευαρεστος — euarestos (well-pleasing), in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:5.; Hebrews 13:16. With dative case τεωι — theōi Quoted here from Genesis 5:22, Genesis 5:24. The word is common of a servant pleasing his master. [source]
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore [τοιγαρουν]
Triple compound inferential participle We as well as “these all” of Hebrews 11:39 and all the more because of the “something better” given us in the actual coming of Christ. Compassed about (εχω — echontes perikeimenon). Literally, “having (περικειμενον — echontes present active participle of περικειμαι — echō) lying around us” (νεπος μαρτυρων — perikeimenon present middle participle of Νεπελη — perikeimai old verb as in Luke 17:2). Cloud of witnesses (μαρτυρες — nephos marturōn). Old word (Latin nubes), here only in the N.T., for vast mass of clouds. τεαται — Nephelē is a single cloud. The metaphor refers to the great amphitheatre with the arena for the runners and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. The αποτεμενοι — martures here are not mere spectators (αποτιτημι — theatai), but testifiers (witnesses) who testify from their own experience (Hebrews 11:2, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 11:5, Hebrews 11:33, Hebrews 11:39) to God‘s fulfilling his promises as shown in chapter Heb 11. Laying aside (ογκον παντα — apothemenoi). Second aorist-middle (indirect, from ourselves) participle of ενεγκειν περω — apotithēmi old verb as in Colossians 3:8 (laying off old clothes). The runners ran in the stadium nearly naked. Every weight (πορτοσ βαρος — ogkon panta). Old word (kin to την ευπεριστατον αμαρτιαν — enegkein class="normal greek">ευ — pherō) like περιιστημι — phortos class="normal greek">τρεχωμεν — baros Here every encumbrance that handicaps like doubt, pride, sloth, anything. No trailing garment to hinder or trip one. The sin which doth so easily beset us (τρεχω — tēn euperistaton hamartian). “The easily besetting sin.” There are a dozen possible renderings of this double compound verbal from δι υπομονης — eu well, and τον προκειμενον ημιν αγωνα — periistēmi to place around or to stand around (intransitive). The Vulgate has circumstans nos peccatum (the sin standing around us). Probably this is the true idea here, “the easily encompassing (or surrounding) sin.” In this case apostasy from Christ was that sin. In our cases it may be some other sin. The verbal adjective reminds one of the ring of wild beasts in the jungle that encircle the camp-fire at night each ready to pounce upon a careless victim. Let us run (προκειμαι — trechōmen). Present active volitive subjunctive of ημιν — trechō “let us keep on running.” With patience (di' hupomonēs). Not with impatience, doubt, or despair. The race that is set before us (ton prokeimenon hēmin agōna). Note the article and the present middle participle of prokeimai old compound (already in Hebrews 6:18, and also in Hebrews 12:2). Dative case (hēmin) of personal interest. [source]
Hebrews 12:27 And this word [το δε]
He uses the article to point out “ετι απαχ — eti hapax ” which he explains The removing For this word see Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5. For the transitory nature of the world see 1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 John 2:17. “There is a divine purpose in the cosmic catastrophe” (Moffatt). Made Perfect passive participle of ποιεω — poieō Made by God, but made to pass away. That those things which are not shaken may remain Final clause with μη — mē and the first aorist active subjunctive of μενω — menō The Kingdom of God is not shaken, fearful as some saints are about it. [source]
Hebrews 13:16 To do good [της ευποιιας]
Genitive case. Late compound from ευποιος — eupoios Genitive case. See 2 Corinthians 9:13 for use for contribution, beneficence. Moffatt notes that the three great definitions of worship and religious service in the N.T. (here, Romans 12:1.; James 1:27) are all inward and ethical. Forget not Prohibition with μη — mē and the present middle imperative of επιλαντανω — epilanthanō (Hebrews 6:10; Hebrews 13:2). Here with the genitive case. Is well pleased Present passive indicative of ευαρεστεω — euaresteō (Hebrews 11:5). With the associative instrumental case τυσιαις — thusiais (sacrifices). [source]
Hebrews 7:12 The priesthood being changed [μετατιτεμενης της ιεροσυνης]
Genitive absolute with present passive participle of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi old word to transfer (Galatians 1:6). A change Old substantive from μετατιτημι — metatithēmi In N.T. only in Heb. (Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5; Hebrews 12:27). God‘s choice of another kind of priesthood for his Son, left the Levitical line off to one side, forever discounted, passed by “the order of Aaron” (την ταχιν Ααρων — tēn taxin Aarōn). [source]

What do the individual words in Hebrews 11:5 mean?

By faith Enoch was translated - not to see death and not was he found because had taken up him - God Before for the translation he was commended to have pleased - God
Πίστει Ἑνὼχ μετετέθη τοῦ μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον καὶ οὐχ ηὑρίσκετο διότι μετέθηκεν αὐτὸν Θεός πρὸ γὰρ τῆς μεταθέσεως μεμαρτύρηται εὐαρεστηκέναι τῷ Θεῷ

Πίστει  By  faith 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: πίστις  
Sense: conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it.
Ἑνὼχ  Enoch 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἑνώχ  
Sense: the son of Jared and father of Methuselah.
μετετέθη  was  translated 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: μετατίθημι  
Sense: to transpose (two things, one of which is put in place of the other).
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἰδεῖν  to  see 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: εἶδον 
Sense: to see with the eyes.
θάνατον  death 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: θάνατος 
Sense: the death of the body.
ηὑρίσκετο  was  he  found 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εὑρίσκω  
Sense: to come upon, hit upon, to meet with.
διότι  because 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: διότι  
Sense: on this account that, because.
μετέθηκεν  had  taken  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: μετατίθημι  
Sense: to transpose (two things, one of which is put in place of the other).
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεός  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
πρὸ  Before 
Parse: Preposition
Root: πρό  
Sense: before.
μεταθέσεως  translation 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: μετάθεσις  
Sense: transfer: from one place to another.
μεμαρτύρηται  he  was  commended 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: μαρτυρέω  
Sense: to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.
εὐαρεστηκέναι  to  have  pleased 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Infinitive Active
Root: εὐαρεστέω  
Sense: to be well pleasing.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεῷ  God 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.