Hebrews 11:34
New International Version
quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

New Living Translation
quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.

English Standard Version
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Berean Standard Bible
quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

Berean Literal Bible
quenched the power of fire, escaped the mouths of the sword; acquired strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put to flight foreign armies.

King James Bible
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

New King James Version
quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

New American Standard Bible
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

NASB 1995
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

NASB 1977
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Legacy Standard Bible
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong from weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Amplified Bible
extinguished the power of [raging] fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty and unbeatable in battle, putting enemy forces to flight.

Christian Standard Bible
quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength after being weak, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

American Standard Version
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens.

Contemporary English Version
and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away.

English Revised Version
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
put out raging fires, and escaped death. They found strength when they were weak. They were powerful in battle and defeated other armies.

Good News Translation
put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners.

International Standard Version
put out raging fires, escaped death by the sword, found strength in weakness, became powerful in battle, and routed foreign armies.

Majority Standard Bible
quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

NET Bible
quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, put foreign armies to flight,

New Heart English Bible
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee.

Webster's Bible Translation
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Weymouth New Testament
deprived fire of its power, escaped being killed by the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight foreign armies.

World English Bible
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
quenched the power of fire, escaped the mouth of the sword, were made powerful out of weakness, became strong in battle, caused armies of the foreigners to give way;

Berean Literal Bible
quenched the power of fire, escaped the mouths of the sword; acquired strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put to flight foreign armies.

Young's Literal Translation
quenched the power of fire, escaped the mouth of the sword, were made powerful out of infirmities, became strong in battle, caused to give way camps of the aliens.

Smith's Literal Translation
Quenched the power of fire, escaped the mouth of the sword, were strengthened from weakness, were strong in war, turned away the armies of strangers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered strength from weakness, became valiant in battle, put to flight the armies of foreigners:

Catholic Public Domain Version
extinguished the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered from infirmities, showed strength in battle, turned back the armies of foreigners.

New American Bible
put out raging fires, escaped the devouring sword; out of weakness they were made powerful, became strong in battle, and turned back foreign invaders.

New Revised Standard Version
quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, and became valiant in battle, and routed the camps of enemies;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
They quenched the power of fire, were delivered from the edge of the sword, were strengthened out of weakness, became strong in battle and overturned enemy camps.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Godbey New Testament
obtained promises, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness became filled up with dynamite, became mighty in war, put to flight the armies of the aliens:

Haweis New Testament
extinguished the force of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, they were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in battle, routed the armies of aliens.

Mace New Testament
were proof against the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, show'd their resolution in distress, and their valour in fight, putting to flight the armies of the aliens.

Weymouth New Testament
deprived fire of its power, escaped being killed by the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight foreign armies.

Worrell New Testament
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight armies of aliens.

Worsley New Testament
quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made powerful, became strong in battle, and turned to flight the armies of their enemies.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Faith of Many
33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.…

Cross References
Daniel 3:25-27
“Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!” / Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace and called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire, / and when the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers had gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men. Not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them.

Daniel 6:22-23
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” / The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Judges 7:21-22
Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. / And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.

1 Samuel 17:50-51
Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. / David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.

2 Samuel 22:30-35
For in You I can charge an army; with my God I can scale a wall. / As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. / For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? ...

1 Kings 19:1-3
Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. / So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!” / And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,

2 Kings 6:16-18
“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. / As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha.

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Jeremiah 20:11
But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.

Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, / as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” / After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 12:7-11
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. / “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” / So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision. ...

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


Treasury of Scripture

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Quenched.

Psalm 66:12
Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

Isaiah 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Daniel 3:19-28
Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated…

escaped.

1 Samuel 20:1
And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?

2 Samuel 21:16,17
And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David…

1 Kings 19:3
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

out of.

Judges 7:19-25
So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands…

Judges 8:4-10
And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them

Judges 15:14-20
And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands…

turned.

1 Samuel 14:13
And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.

1 Samuel 17:51,52
Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled…

2 Samuel 8:1
And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.

Jump to Previous
Aliens Armies Battle Camps Caused Deprived Edge Escaped Feeble Fight Fire Flames Flee Flight Foreign Full Fury Grew Killed Mighty Mouth Power Powerful Quenched Raging Safely Strangers Strength Strong Sword Turned Valiant Violence War Waxed Way Weakness Won
Jump to Next
Aliens Armies Battle Camps Caused Deprived Edge Escaped Feeble Fight Fire Flames Flee Flight Foreign Full Fury Grew Killed Mighty Mouth Power Powerful Quenched Raging Safely Strangers Strength Strong Sword Turned Valiant Violence War Waxed Way Weakness Won
Hebrews 11
1. What faith is.
6. Without faith we cannot please God.
7. The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time.














quenched the raging fire
This phrase likely alludes to the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace in Daniel 3. Their faith in God allowed them to withstand the king's decree and emerge unharmed, demonstrating God's power over natural elements. This event is a type of Christ's deliverance from death, showcasing divine protection and the triumph of faith over persecution. The fire, often a symbol of judgment, was rendered powerless against those who trusted in God.

and escaped the edge of the sword
This phrase reflects the numerous instances in the Old Testament where God's people were delivered from imminent death by the sword. Examples include David's escape from Saul (1 Samuel 19:10) and Elijah's escape from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-3). These stories highlight God's providence and protection over His chosen ones, emphasizing that faith can lead to divine intervention in life-threatening situations. The sword, a symbol of human power and judgment, is often rendered ineffective against those who rely on God.

who gained strength from weakness
This phrase underscores the biblical theme that God's power is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Figures like Gideon, who led a small army to victory (Judges 7), and Samson, who regained his strength to defeat the Philistines (Judges 16:28-30), exemplify this truth. Their stories illustrate that reliance on God, rather than human strength, leads to true empowerment. This concept is a precursor to the New Testament teaching of Christ's strength being perfected in our weaknesses.

became mighty in battle
This phrase refers to the transformation of ordinary individuals into formidable warriors through faith. Examples include Joshua, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 6), and Deborah, who inspired Barak to victory (Judges 4). These accounts demonstrate that faith can turn the tide of battle, with God granting victory to those who trust in Him. The battles often symbolize spiritual warfare, where faith is the key to overcoming adversaries.

and put foreign armies to flight
This phrase highlights the victories achieved by God's people over their enemies, often against overwhelming odds. Instances such as the defeat of the Midianites by Gideon (Judges 7) and the Philistines by Jonathan (1 Samuel 14) illustrate how faith can lead to the rout of foreign powers. These victories serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to protect and deliver His people. They also foreshadow the ultimate victory of Christ over the forces of evil.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
These three Hebrew men are known for their faith in God, which led to their miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace, as described in the Book of Daniel. Their account exemplifies "quenched the fury of the flames."

2. David
Known for his escape from King Saul's attempts on his life, David's experiences illustrate "escaped the edge of the sword." His reliance on God during these times is a testament to faith in action.

3. Gideon
A judge of Israel who, despite his initial weakness and doubt, was empowered by God to lead a small army to victory against the Midianites. His account is a prime example of "gained strength from weakness."

4. Samson
Known for his supernatural strength, Samson's victories over the Philistines, especially in his final act of bringing down the temple, demonstrate "became mighty in battle."

5. Joshua
Under his leadership, the Israelites put foreign armies to flight, notably in the conquest of Canaan. His faith and obedience to God's commands were crucial in these victories.
Teaching Points
Faith Overcomes Fear
The examples in Hebrews 11:34 show that faith in God can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, such as fiery trials or powerful enemies.

God's Strength in Our Weakness
Like Gideon, believers can find strength in their weaknesses when they rely on God's power rather than their own abilities.

Divine Deliverance
The deliverance experienced by these biblical figures reminds us that God is capable of rescuing us from dire situations when we trust in Him.

Courage in the Face of Adversity
The courage displayed by these individuals encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even when facing persecution or danger.

Victory Through Obedience
Joshua's success in battle underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands as a pathway to victory in life's battles.(34) The violence.--Rather, the power (Daniel 3.).

Escaped the edge of the sword.--Though it would not be difficult to trace the application of this and the following clauses to the heroes of Israel celebrated in the Old Testament history (the perils of David and Elijah and the "weakness" of Samson and Hezekiah will occur to the mind of all), it seems likely that the writer's thought is resting mainly on the history of the Maccabaean times. That the following verse relates to narratives contained in the Second Book of Maccabees is generally acknowledged; and no words could more truly characterise the general contents of the First Book than those of the present verse.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
quenched
ἔσβεσαν (esbesan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4570: (a) I extinguish, quench, (b) I suppress, thwart. A prolonged form of an apparently primary verb; to extinguish.

[the] raging
δύναμιν (dynamin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

fire,
πυρός (pyros)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4442: Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'.

[and] escaped
ἔφυγον (ephygon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5343: To flee, escape, shun. Apparently a primary verb; to run away; by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish.

[the] edge
στόματα (stomata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4750: The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword.

of [the] sword;
μαχαίρης (machairēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3162: A sword. Probably feminine of a presumed derivative of mache; a knife, i.e. Dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment.

[who] gained strength
ἐδυναμώθησαν (edynamōthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1412: To empower, fill with power, strengthen. From dunamis; to enable.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

weakness,
ἀσθενείας (astheneias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 769: From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty.

became
ἐγενήθησαν (egenēthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

mighty
ἰσχυροὶ (ischyroi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2478: Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

battle,
πολέμῳ (polemō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4171: A war, battle, strife. From pelomai; warfare.

[and] put
ἔκλιναν (eklinan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2827: A primary verb; to slant or slope, i.e. Incline or recline.

foreign
ἀλλοτρίων (allotriōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 245: From allos; another's, i.e. Not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile.

armies [to flight].
παρεμβολὰς (parembolas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3925: From a compound of para and emballo; a throwing in beside, i.e., battle-array, encampment or barracks.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 11:34 Quenched the power of fire escaped (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 11:33
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