Hebrews 11:14 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Declare plainly that they seek a country.— This translation by no means comes up to the spirit and beauty of the original. The word πατριδα (derived from πατερ, a father,) does not signify a country in general, but such a country as a man's fatherdwells in, and possesses as rightfully his own; and wherein consequently his children have a right to dwell withhim. This their father's own country is opposed to a strange or foreign country, Hebrews 11:9 wherein they looked upon themselves as strangers, sojourners, pilgrims, or travellers; Hebrews 11:13. Their father's country, and what therefore those obedient children of God might in a sense call their native country, or their proper home, is the blessed place where God their Father will dwell with them for ever; even the city of the heavenly Jerusalem. See Revelation 22:3-5.