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

World English Bible

"But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."

— Hebrews 11:16, World English Bible

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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 embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14

For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.

15

If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return.

16

But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

17

By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his one and only son;

18

even he to whom it was said, "In Isaac will your seed be called;"

19

concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Figuratively speaking, he also did receive him back from the dead.

Hebrews 11:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Hebrews 11:16 say?
Hebrews 11:16 in the World English Bible reads: “But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
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 (WEB): “But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” 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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