Hebrews 11:36-40 and Financial Prosperity in the Christian Life
Hebrews 11:36-40 concludes the "faith hall of fame" by recounting the severe sufferings endured by many faithful individuals, contrasting sharply with any notion of guaranteed financial prosperity in the Christian life. The passage states, "Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth" (Hebrews 11:36-38 ESV). These verses highlight a history of persecution and material deprivation experienced by those who lived by faith [1].
The literary context of Hebrews 11 is a celebration of faith, demonstrating how individuals throughout salvation history trusted God despite challenging circumstances. The chapter begins by defining faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 ESV). It then provides numerous examples of faith, from Abel to the prophets, many of whom faced significant hardship and even death. Moses, for instance, considered "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt" because he looked to the reward [2]. This perspective underscores that true riches are not necessarily material wealth but spiritual blessings and an eternal inheritance.
The passage explicitly details various forms of suffering, including imprisonment, torture, and execution, as well as destitution and homelessness [1]. These experiences directly contradict the idea that faith automatically leads to worldly prosperity. Instead, the text portrays a reality where faithfulness often results in suffering and loss in the present world.
The concluding verses, Hebrews 11:39-40, state, "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:39-40 ESV). This indicates that the ultimate reward for their faith was not temporal prosperity but a future perfection shared with believers of all ages.
While some biblical texts speak of God's blessing bringing wealth (e.g., Proverbs 10:22) [3], and the godly are sometimes described as flourishing (e.g., Psalm 1) [4], other passages emphasize the uncertainty and temporary nature of riches (Proverbs 27:24; 1 Timothy 6:17) [3]. The book of Ecclesiastes, for example, notes that God gives power to obtain riches, but also that riches can be unsatisfying and fleeting [3, 5]. The "forces of strength" can refer to resources of wealth [7]. However, the overall message of Hebrews 11:36-40, particularly in its depiction of suffering, aligns with the understanding that true riches are spiritual and eternal, not necessarily financial [3]. Christians are also called to do good and share with those in need, which are considered basic Christian sacrifices [6].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Hebrews 11:36 cross-references: Genesis 39:20, Judges 16:25, 1 Kings 22:24, 1 Kings 22:27, 2 Kings 2:23, 2 Chronicles 16:10, 2 Chronicles 30:10, 2 Chronicles 36:16, Psalms 105:17, Jeremiah 20:2, Jeremiah 20:7, Jeremiah 29:26, Jeremiah 32:2, Jeremiah 32:8, Jeremiah 36:6, Jeremiah 37:15, Jeremiah 38:6, Jeremiah 38:28, Jeremiah 39:15, Lamentations 3:52, Matthew 20:19, Matthew 21:35, Matthew 23:34, Matthew 27:26, Mark 10:34, Luke 18:32, Luke 23:11, Luke 23:36, Acts 4:3, Acts 5:18, Acts 5:40, Acts 8:3, Acts 12:4, Acts 16:22, Acts 21:33, Acts 24:27, 2 Corinthians 11:23, Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 4:1,”
- Hebrews “accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward. -- Hebrews 11:26”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Riches — The true riches -- Eph 3:8; 1Co 1:30; Col 2:3; 1Pe 2:7. God gives -- 1Sa 2:7; Ec 5:19. To God belongs this world's riches -- Hag 2:8. God gives power to obtain -- De 8:18. The blessing of the Lord brings -- Pr 10:22. Give worldly power -- Pr 22:7. Described as Temporary. -- Pr 27:24. Uncertain. -- 1Ti 6:17. Unsatisfying. -- Ec 4:8; 5:10. Corruptible. -- Jas 5:2; 1Pe 1:18. Fleeting. -- Pr 23:5; Re 18:16,17. Deceitful. -- Mt 13:22. Liable to be stolen. -- Mt 6:19. Perishable. -- Jer 48:36. Thick clay. -- Hab 2:6. Often an obstruction to the reception of the go”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 11:28: 11:28 Money can be a blessing from God, but it is uncertain. The godly trust in God and flourish (see Ps 1).”
- Ecclesiastes (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:26: True, literally, in the Jewish theocracy; and in some measure in all ages (Job 27:16-17; Pro 13:22; Pro 28:8). Though the retribution be not so visible and immediate now as then, it is no less real. Happiness even here is more truly the portion of the godly (Psa 84:11; Mat 5:5; Mar 10:29-30; Rom 8:28; Ti1 4:8). that he--the sinner may give--that is, unconsciously and in spite of himself. The godly Solomon had satisfaction in his riches and wisdom, when God gave them (Ch2 1:11-12). The backsliding Solomon had no happiness when he sought it in ”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 13:16: 13:16 to do good and to share with those in need: These are basic Christian sacrifices (6:10; 10:24, 34; 13:1-3); they characterize life in the Christian community.”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 36:19: forces of strength--that is, resources of wealth (Psa 49:7; Pro 11:4).”