Neville Goddard on Hebrews 11:4-31 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Hebrews 11 in context

Scripture Focus

4By 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.

5By 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.

6But without faith it 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 diligently seek him.

7By 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.

8By 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 he went.

9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

22By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Hebrews 11:4-31

Biblical Context

The verses present faith as inner conviction in unseen promises, demonstrated by Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham. They live as strangers, seeking a city built by God.

Neville's Inner Vision

To the awakened I AM in you, this catalogue is not distant history but your own inner turning. By faith, you are aligning your inner state with what you cannot yet see, until the seen world becomes but a reflection of the inner belief. Abel's sacrifice speaks of a feeling you offer from the heart, a standard you set in consciousness that testifies of your righteousness when the old proof fails. Enoch's translation is the moment you suddenly find death unnecessary because you have chosen to inhabit God’s present tense, a life that pleases the Source within. Noah's ark is your disciplined imagining: you fear not the world’s noise, you prepare and enter a safe inner vessel where your household learns to follow your lead. Abraham's obedience is a living decision—leave the familiar sense of self and journey to a promised city, not seen yet, but known by your heart. They all died in faith, not having received the promises in time, yet they were persuaded of them, and therefore they spoke from the future as if it were now. So do you, by a simple, continuous practice of feeling the end and dwelling in it.

Practice This Now

Imaginative Act: Pick one promise and, for a few minutes, assume the feeling of its fulfillment as your present reality. Sit with eyes closed, name the promise, and let a vivid scene of it already realized unfold in your mind.