Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
What does Hebrews 11:1 mean?
Faith always has been the mark of God's servants, from the beginning of the world.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Hebrews 11:1-2 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for - On the general nature of faith, see the notes on Mark 16:16 . The margin here is, "ground or confidence." There is scarcely any verse of the New Testament more important than this, for it states what is the nature of all true faith, and is the only definition of it which is attempted in the Scriptures. Eternal life depends on the existence and exercise of faith Mark 16:16 , and hence, the importance of an accurate understanding of its nature. The word rendered "substance" - υποστασις hupostasis - occurs in the New Testament only in the following places.
Key words
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,.
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,.
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,.
Context in Hebrews 11
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Hebrews 11 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as faith, endurance, and final exhortation. Hebrews presents Jesus as the final revelation of God, the great high priest, the once-for-all sacrifice, and the mediator of the better covenant. Read this chapter with the wider themes of Christology, priesthood, and sacrifice in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.
Who quoted Hebrews 11:1?
Find out who used Hebrews 11:1 in their speeches and writings. Which famous people quoted Hebrews 11:1?
John F. Kerry used Hebrews 11:1 in Remarks to the 124th Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention in New Orleans.
APP: Remarks to the 124th Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention in New Orleans »
Jill Biden used Hebrews 11:1 in Remarks by the First Lady at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
APP: Remarks by the First Lady at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky »
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