Ages

The True Meaning of Hebrews 11:3: Time, Not Planets, Framed by God’s Word
Hebrews 11:3, a well-known verse from the New Testament, is often cited to affirm the power of faith in understanding creation: “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” (NKJV). At first glance, this verse seems to describe the creation of the physical universe—planets, stars, and galaxies. However, a closer look at the original Greek text reveals a deeper, less tangible focus: the ordering of time and existence itself, not just solid, material structures. This insight, often overlooked, highlights a profound theological truth about the dynamic nature of life and history, rooted in God’s invisible command.
The Problem with Translation
The English translation of Hebrews 11:3, particularly in versions like the New King James Version (NKJV) or King James Version (KJV), can mislead modern readers. The word “worlds” suggests a physical cosmos—something solid, like planets or the material universe. Similarly, “framed” evokes the image of a constructed, static structure, like a building or framework. But these terms don’t fully capture the original Greek, which points to something far more fluid and dynamic: the ages, or the unfolding of time and existence.
The Greek word translated as “worlds” is αἰῶνας (aiōnas), the plural form of αἰών (aiōn). In Jewish and Hellenistic thought, αἰών often means “ages,” “epochs,” or the cosmic and temporal order, encompassing both time and eternity. It’s not primarily about physical planets but about the progression of history, the eras of God’s redemptive plan, and the flow of existence itself. Likewise, the word translated as “framed,” κατηρτίσθαι (katērtisthai), from καταρτίζω, means to “prepare,” “set in order,” or “complete.” It suggests an intentional act of ordering or establishing, not necessarily building a physical structure.
Time, Not Structures
The focus on αἰῶνας as “ages” shifts the meaning of Hebrews 11:3. The verse isn’t primarily about God creating planets or a material cosmos but about His ordering of time—past, present, and future—through His word (ῥῆματι Θεοῦ, rhēmati Theou). The latter part of the verse, “so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (μὴ ἐκ φαινομένων τὰ βλεπόμενα γεγονέναι), reinforces this. The “things which are seen” include the visible events of history, the unfolding of life, and even the physical world, all originating from an invisible, non-material source—God’s divine command.
This interpretation aligns with the broader context of Hebrews, which emphasizes God’s work across time. For example, Hebrews 1:2 says God made the αἰῶνας through the Son, and Hebrews 1:3 describes Christ as “upholding all things by the word of His power.” The “ages” are a dynamic framework, not a static structure, where life and history continue to unfold under God’s sustaining power. Time, like life, isn’t a solid “structure” but a living, ongoing reality, which makes this verse’s focus on αἰῶνας particularly significant.

Life’s Continuity and God’s Word
The idea that God “framed” the ages speaks to the continuity of life and existence. The perfect tense of κατηρτίσθαι suggests a completed act with ongoing results: God’s word established the ages, and their unfolding continues. Life, as a dynamic process that “keeps on going,” reflects this divine ordering. Whether it’s the biological persistence of living organisms or the spiritual journey of faith through history, life’s continuity mirrors the ordered ages, rooted in God’s invisible word.
This perspective is “special,” as it highlights a theological truth: what we see—life, history, time—comes from what we cannot see, God’s creative and sustaining power. Unlike science, which explains life’s continuity through natural processes like evolution or reproduction, Hebrews 11:3 attributes it to a divine, non-material source. The verse doesn’t negate scientific insights but offers a complementary lens, emphasizing purpose and divine intent behind the flow of time and life.
Translators’ Bias Toward the Physical
Why do translations like “worlds” and “framed” persist? Translators often aim for accessibility, and “worlds” might resonate with readers picturing the physical universe. In the 17th century, when the KJV was written, “worlds” could carry a broader sense, including time and creation. But for modern readers, it often evokes planets or galaxies, missing the temporal focus of αἰῶνας. Similarly, “framed” suggests a solid structure, whereas κατηρτίσθαι implies ordering or preparing, which applies to time as much as matter.
A more accurate rendering might be: “By faith we understand that the ages were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made from things that are visible.” This captures the dynamic, non-physical nature of αἰῶνας and avoids implying a purely material creation. Not everyone is aware of this nuance, as translations can obscure the verse’s emphasis on time and existence over physical structures.
Theological and Scientific Harmony
Scientifically, time is a dimension that emerged with the Big Bang, alongside space and matter. While science studies time’s effects (e.g., aging, cosmic expansion), it doesn’t address its ultimate origin beyond physical processes. Hebrews 11:3, by contrast, asserts that time and the visible world stem from God’s invisible word, a theological claim outside science’s scope. The verse’s focus on “ages” rather than “planets” aligns with the idea that time, like life, is a divinely ordered reality, not a solid structure.
Conclusion
Hebrews 11:3 is not about God constructing a physical universe like planets or galaxies but about His ordering of the ages—time, history, and existence—through His word. The translation of αἰῶνας as “worlds” and κατηρτίσθαι as “framed” can mislead readers toward a material focus, when the verse actually speaks to the non-physical, dynamic reality of time and life. By faith, we see that the visible flow of history and life comes from an invisible source, God’s command, which continues to sustain the ages. This insight, often overlooked, invites us to view creation not as a static structure but as a living, ongoing process, divinely ordered and profoundly “special.”For further exploration, consider how other translations (e.g., NASB’s “prepared” or NIV’s “universe”) handle Hebrews 11:3, or reflect on how the “ages” connect to your own sense of life’s continuity.