Hebrews 11:5

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 11:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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:
Hebrews 11:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5By 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:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“By faith Enoch was translated, etc..] Which is to be understood, not of a spiritual translation from the power of darkness, into the kingdom of Christ, as all converted, persons are translated, and doubtless Enoch was; nor of a rapture, or removal from one part of the earth to another, or from one part of a country to another, as Philip was caught away by the Spirit, after the baptism of the eunuch; but of a translation from earth to heaven; and not for a while only, as Paul was caught up to the third heaven; but as Elijah was, there to continue, and as the living saints will be at the last day; and this was a translation of him, soul and body, to heaven, to eternal glory and happiness, by a…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Faith was the ground of his pleasing God; and his pleasing God was the ground of his translation. translated-- (Gen 5:22, Gen 5:24). Implying a sudden removal (the same Greek as in Gal 1:6) from mortality without death to immortality: such a CHANGE as shall pass over the living at Christ's coming (Co1 15:51-52). had this testimony--namely of Scripture; the Greek perfect implies that this testimony continues still: "he has been testified of." pleased God--The Scripture testimony virtually expresses that he pleased God, namely, "Enoch walked with God." The Septuagint translates the Hebrew for "walked with God," Gen 6:9, pleased God.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“By faith Enoch was translated - The account of Enoch is found in Genesis 5:21-24. It is very brief, and is this, that “Enoch walked with God, and was not, for God took him.” There is no particular mention of his “faith,” and the apostle attributes this to him, as in the case of Abel, either because it was involved in the very nature of piety, or because the fact was communicated to him by direct revelation. In the account in Genesis, there is nothing inconsistent with the belief that Enoch was characterized by eminent faith, but it is rather implied in the expression, “he walked with God.” Compare 2 Corinthians 5:7. It may also be implied in what is said by the apostle Jude Jude 1:14-15,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Enoch was not any longer found among men, though perhaps they sought for him as they did for Elijah, Kg2 2:17. He had this testimony - From God in his own conscience. Hebrews 11:6”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:5 Enoch was taken up to heaven and thus did not face a normal death (see Gen 5:21-24). • “he disappeared, because God took him”: Gen 5:24.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Enoch: Gen 5:22-24; Luk 3:37; Jde 1:14 translated: Kg2 2:11; Psa 89:48; Joh 8:51, Joh 8:52 and was: Kg2 2:16, Kg2 2:17; Jer 36:26; Rev 11:9-12 this testimony: Heb 11:3, Heb 11:4 that he: Heb 11:6; Gen 5:22; Rom 8:8, Rom 8:9; Th1 2:4; Jo1 3:22 Hebrews 11:6”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification