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NASB | Hebrews 11:13 ¶ All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 11:13 ¶ All these died in faith [guided and sustained by it], without receiving the [tangible fulfillment of God's] promises, only having seen (anticipated) them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. [Gen 23:4; Ps 39:12] |
Subject: Did Enoch die? |
Bible Note: Hello Ed, Let me try again to explain. In doing so, I will honestly say I've never encountered the apparent contradictions you see with reconciling Enoch, Elijah, John 3:13, Hebrews 9:27 and 11:13. You said, "if accept that understanding we must then handle the apparent contradiction now created with John 3." I honestly see no contradiction if we take a closer look at the grammar of the text. I previously posted a reply to you in which I noted, "The word "translated" [metathemi] in Heb 11:5, differs in both meaning and sense from that of "ascended", [anabaino] in John 3:13. Again, effect(ing) a change of location in space, with the implication that the two locations are significantly different does no violation to what is stated in John 3:13. Metathemi simply describes the action that, "By faith he was taken up so that he would not see death". Significantly, the verb here is also in the passive mood, which shows (indicates) the action was performed on him (Enoch) by an outside force. He didn't do this himself! However, "ascended" [anabaino] in John 3:13 is a completely different action. Here it conveys the meaning 'to move up—‘to come up, to go up, to ascend.’ The upward movement may be of almost any gradient, for example, in going up a road to Jerusalem (Gal. 1:17) or in going up into a tree (Lk 19:4) or in ascending into heaven (Acts 2:34).' The verb is in the active sense, denoting action performed by the individual himself. So, Enoch, though definitely "translated", did not "ascend" to heaven. A significant, but important distinction I believe." Now Heb. 9:27. Here are 2 things I will note that IMO, clear up any alledged contradiction. 1. The Book of Hebrews was written in the 1st Century to contemporary (Jewish) Christians. Enoch and Elijah had already been 'translated' some 1500 years before! They are not in view of the intent and focus of this passage! 2. The author's use of the verb 'appointed' [apokemai] is in the present tense, so I would understand this to mean that he is speaking to those presently facing ultimate death, not referencing (including) OT saints such as Enoch or Elijah. So, I would still respectfully maintain that scripture teaches that only Enoch and Elijah did not see death but were glorified and transcended this mortal life to be with God. Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |