Hebrews 11:16 asv — But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God…

American Standard Version

"But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. "

— Hebrews 11:16, American Standard Version

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Hebrews 11:16 in Other Translations

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Hebrews 11 — Context

13

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14

For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own.

15

And if indeed they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.

16

But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.

17

By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;

18

even he to whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19

accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence he did also in a figure receive him back.

Hebrews 11:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Hebrews 11:16 say?
Hebrews 11:16 in the American Standard Version reads: “But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. ”
Where is Hebrews 11:16 in the Bible?
Hebrews 11:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 16.
Who wrote Hebrews?
Hebrews is traditionally attributed to Anonymous. Authorship has been debated since the earliest centuries — candidates include Paul, Apollos, Barnabas, Luke, and Priscilla. The letter itself is anonymous and the most honest answer is that we do not know. It was written c. AD 60–70.
What is the book of Hebrews about?
Hebrews is a sermon-letter showing that everything in the Old Covenant — priests, sacrifices, the tabernacle — pointed to Jesus, who is "better" in every way. It calls a tired church to draw near with confidence, hold fast their hope, and run the race set before them.
What are the major themes of Hebrews?
Hebrews explores themes including Supremacy of Christ, New Covenant, Priesthood, Faith, Perseverance. These themes shape the meaning and context of Hebrews 11:16.
What translation should I read Hebrews 11:16 in?
Hebrews 11:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Hebrews 11:16?
Hebrews 11:16 reads (ASV): “But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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