New Testament

Hebrews 11:3

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

By faith we understand that the worlds were created by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made from things that are visible.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

What Hebrews 11:3 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse emphasizes the role of faith in understanding the creation of the universe. It asserts that God created everything through His spoken word, meaning that the visible world we see was made from the invisible power of God. This challenges the idea that everything must come from something physical or visible. Instead, it highlights that faith allows us to grasp the reality of God's creative work, which is beyond human observation. The 'worlds' refer to the entire universe, indicating that God's creative authority extends over all existence. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God's power and the unseen realities of faith, reinforcing the idea that faith is foundational to comprehending spiritual truths.

How to apply Hebrews 11:3 to your life

This verse encourages us to strengthen our faith in God's creative power. When facing challenges or uncertainties, we can trust that God is at work in ways we cannot see. By believing in His word, we can find peace and assurance in our lives, knowing that He is the source of all creation and sustains everything.

Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of young Saul guarding the cloaks at the stoning of Stephen

Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Paul

An old color photograph of Bethlehem on a ridge above terraces of olive trees.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Bethlehem

David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Hebrews 11:3

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Hebrews 11:3

At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews

Author
Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Letter and sermon
Original Audience
Jewish Christians

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Hebrews 11:3 mean?

Hebrews 11:3 means that through faith, we can understand that God created the universe by His word. It emphasizes that the visible world comes from the invisible power of God, challenging the notion that everything must have a physical origin.

What is the meaning of 'the worlds were created by the word of God' in Hebrews 11:3?

The phrase 'the worlds were created by the word of God' indicates that God spoke the universe into existence. It highlights the authority of God's word in creation, showing that everything we see was made from what is not visible.

How does Hebrews 11:3 relate to faith?

Hebrews 11:3 relates to faith by showing that it is through faith that we comprehend God's creative work. It suggests that believing in God's word helps us understand spiritual truths that are not visible to the human eye.

What themes are present in Hebrews 11:3?

The themes present in Hebrews 11:3 include faith, creation, the power of God's word, and the concept of invisible realities. It encourages believers to trust in God's authority over all existence and to seek understanding through faith.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.