the meaning of "faith" in Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11:1 is translated this way in the New King James Version:
By the way, there are hundreds of doublets in the New Testament, in which two or more words express the same or similar meaning. The phrases the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen constitute a synonymous doublet.
Throughout chapter 11 the author of Hebrews illustrates James’ assertion (James 2:20-24) that works are an integral component of faith:
By faith ...
Categories: exegesis, Bible translation, Better Life Bible
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.I sometimes hear people use this verse to support the view that faith does not involve works. They focus on the beginning and end of the verse: Faith is ... not seen. But they misinterpret the meaning of the verse by overlooking a key part of it: Faith is the substance ..., the evidence ...
By the way, there are hundreds of doublets in the New Testament, in which two or more words express the same or similar meaning. The phrases the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen constitute a synonymous doublet.
Throughout chapter 11 the author of Hebrews illustrates James’ assertion (James 2:20-24) that works are an integral component of faith:
By faith ...
... Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than CainIn this context, faith conveys the idea of following God’s advice, so I’ve clarified verses 1-3 for my target audience as follows:
... Noah prepared an ark
... Abraham obeyed & went out, not knowing where he was going
... Sarah bore a child
... Abraham offered Isaac
... Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God
... the people of God passed through the Red Sea on dry land
Our ancestors demonstrated long ago that following God’s advice is the only way the world can be restored to the way it was when God originally created it.
Categories: exegesis, Bible translation, Better Life Bible
posted by Dan Sindlinger at 6:32 AM
5 Comments:
In this context, faith conveys the idea of following God’s advice
Dan, it seems to me that you have clearly demonstrated that obedience to God, including acting in dependence upon him and his promises, is a central part of faith. Your phrase "following God's advice," I think, is intended to cover all that, yes?
Right on, Wayne. Thanks for the clarification.
Dan, when you say that you've "clarified" verses 1-3 with the sentence you quote, do you mean that you've translated them that way and the translation clarifies their meaning? I'm confused as to whether the sentence that begins "Our ancestors..." is your translation of the verses or a clarifying note appended to them. If this is the translation itself, would you then substitute something like "following God's advice" for faith throughout the chapter?
Good questions, Mark.
The answer to your first question is “yes”. The sentence that begins “Our ancestors …” is my translation of verses 1-3, and I do use the expression “following God’s advice” for “faith” throughout the chapter. For example, “Noah followed God’s advice and built a large boat that saved his family.” “Abraham followed God’s advice when he traveled to the land God promised his descendants.” “The walls surrounding the city of Jericho crumbled when the people followed God’s advice and walked around them for seven days.”
When dealing with pistis in sermons or discussion, I find using the word "faithfulness" (like "obedience") seems to communicate better. People understand faithfulness to be a response to God, as you have aptly illustrated.
Regards,
Rich
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