Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Hebrews 11:14

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

And these things (he says) they said, "seeking" their "own country." Ah! how great is the difference! They indeed were in travail-pains each day, wishing to be released from this world, and to return to their country. But we, on the contrary, if a fever attack us neglecting everything, weeping like little children, are frightened at death. Not without reason we are thus affected. …

Homily on Hebrews 24 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

By calling themselves strangers, he says, they show that they are seeking a homeland.

Commentary on Hebrews ↗

Oecumenius

"make it clear." They show. "that they are seeking a homeland." That in heaven, obviously.

The Pseudo-Oecumenian Catena on Hebrews ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

597. – Then (v. 14) he shows that this confession pertains to hope. For one is a guest and a stranger, unless he is outside his country and going to it. Therefore, since they confess themselves guests and strangers, they signify that they are heading toward their native land, i.e., the heavenly Jerusalem: 'But that Jerusalem which is above is free' (Gal. 4:26). And this is what he says, for people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

Commentary on Hebrews ↗