2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

Other Translations of Hebrews 11:2

King James Version

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

English Standard Version

2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

The Message

2 The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.

New King James Version

2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

New Living Translation

2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2

Commentary on Hebrews 11:1-3

(Read Hebrews 11:1-3)

Faith always has been the mark of God's servants, from the beginning of the world. Where the principle is planted by the regenerating Spirit of God, it will cause the truth to be received, concerning justification by the sufferings and merits of Christ. And the same things that are the object of our hope, are the object of our faith. It is a firm persuasion and expectation, that God will perform all he has promised to us in Christ. This persuasion gives the soul to enjoy those things now; it gives them a subsistence or reality in the soul, by the first-fruits and foretastes of them. Faith proves to the mind, the reality of things that cannot be seen by the bodily eye. It is a full approval of all God has revealed, as holy, just, and good. This view of faith is explained by many examples of persons in former times, who obtained a good report, or an honourable character in the word of God. Faith was the principle of their holy obedience, remarkable services, and patient sufferings. The Bible gives the most true and exact account of the origin of all things, and we are to believe it, and not to wrest the Scripture account of the creation, because it does not suit with the differing fancies of men. All that we see of the works of creation, were brought into being by the command of God.