39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised,
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
39 Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised.
39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 11:39
Commentary on Hebrews 11:39-40
(Read Hebrews 11:39-40)
The world considers that the righteous are not worthy to live in the world, and God declares the world is not worthy of them. Though the righteous and the worldlings widely differ in their judgment, they agree in this, it is not fit that good men should have their rest in this world. Therefore God receives them out of it. The apostle tells the Hebrews, that God had provided some better things for them, therefore they might be sure that he expected as good things from them. As our advantages, with the better things God has provided for us, are so much beyond theirs, so should our obedience of faith, patience of hope, and labour of love, be greater. And unless we get true faith as these believers had, they will rise up to condemn us at the last day. Let us then pray continually for the increase of our faith, that we may follow these bright examples, and be, with them, at length made perfect in holiness and happiness, and shine like the sun in the kingdom of our Father for evermore.