Hebrews 11:16
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Study Note
Study Note
The declaration that the patriarchs 'desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one' and that 'God is not ashamed to be called their God' interprets the Abrahamic sojourn as a pilgrimage toward an eschatological homeland rather than a temporary inconvenience. The letter reframes the 'stranger and exile' status of Genesis 23:4 not as deprivation but as evidence of forward-looking faith oriented to what God has prepared. The remarkable phrase 'God is not ashamed' (ouk epaischynetai) attributes to God an affective response — pride in his people's faithfulness — that grounds the covenant relationship in mutual commitment rather than merely divine obligation. The verse stands as one of the most encouraging formulations of divine solidarity with those who live by faith in what they have not yet received.
Other Translations
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.
but now they long for a better, that is, an heavenly, wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for He did prepare for them a city.
But now their desire is for a better country, that is to say, for one in heaven; and so it is no shame to God to be named their God; for he has made ready a town for them.
Cross References
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; …
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they …
And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the …
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also …
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom …
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the …
But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, …
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to …