Worlds framed by the word of god
Hebrews 11:3
ESVBy faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
NIVBy faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
NASBBy faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible.
CSBBy faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
NLTBy faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
KJVThrough 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.
NKJVBy faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
What does it mean that the worlds were framed by the word of God (Hebrews 11:3)?
Answer
Faithis the undeniable theme of Hebrews 11. As Christians, we are called to live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Building on his previous teaching about the necessity of faith to endure (Hebrews 10:39), the author begins the chapter by describing the nature and quality of faith (Hebrews 11:1–3). One foundational quality of faith is a firm conviction about invisible, non-tangible realities. For example, one must have faith to believe God created the world out of nothing: “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Hebrews 11:3, NKJV).
Not only did God form the entire world and everything in it from nothing (Romans 4:17), but He did it by merely speaking. He commanded all things into existence, forming and shaping them through His authoritative, creative word. Seventeenth-century Bible translators penned, “The worlds were framed by the word of God” (KJV). In the original language, the term translated as “worlds” speaks of “everything that exists anywhere.” Framedmeans “created,
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 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.
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faithit is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligentlyseek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither h
Hebrews 11:3
3By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
3By faith
This chapter uses the words “by faith” 21 times. We will see outstanding examples of people who lived their lives by faith during difficulties.
we understand [exercise of the mind to discern]
Christians perceive by faith that God created the universe. It is not something they can see for themselves by empirical evidence. Verse 3 illustrates verses 1 and 2. “Understand” is intellectual perception, not sense perception. Intellectual perception is clearly a part of faith. We can “understand” God’s creation “by faith” (Ro 1:20). Discernment allows us to apply the principles of God’s Word to a given situation.
that the worlds [ages] were framed [equipped]
God created the world or ages by speaking a word. The ages are all that exists in time and space; whether visible or invisible, “ages” implies purpose behind creation. God operates with divine continuity in history. Nothing in history is random, but it is all by divine design. Not
What does "worlds framed by God's Word" mean?
Definition and Background
In Hebrews 11:3, we read in part, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed by God’s command…” This passage has often been cited, translated, or paraphrased as “the worlds were framed by the word of God.” The phrase seeks to convey that all of creation, including the cosmos in its entirety, came into being through the very utterance and command of the Creator. The synonyms “worlds” can be understood broadly as the totality of all realms-physical, spiritual, and everything in existence.
When Scripture speaks of things being “framed” or “formed,” it highlights both the intentional blueprint and the sustaining power of God’s Word. This concept stands in contrast to the notion that the universe arose from mere chance or an impersonal force. Rather, it emphasizes a personal, divine act of imaginative power in which things were brought into existence “so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible” (Hebrews 11:3, latter phrase).
Biblical Context of “Framed by God’s Word”
One of the fou