Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.

Study Bible

Now faith
The word "faith" in Greek is "pistis," which conveys a sense of trust, confidence, and assurance. In the context of Hebrews, faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated trust in God and His promises. Historically, faith has been the foundation of the relationship between God and His people, as seen in the lives of the patriarchs and prophets. This opening phrase sets the stage for a profound exploration of what it means to live a life anchored in the certainty of God's character and His word.

is the assurance
The Greek word for "assurance" is "hypostasis," which can also be translated as "substance" or "confidence." It implies a firm foundation or reality. In the ancient world, this term was used in legal contexts to denote a title deed or guarantee. Thus, faith is portrayed as the tangible reality of what we hope for, providing a solid foundation upon which believers can stand. This assurance is not based on visible evidence but on the trustworthiness of God Himself.

of what we hope for
Hope in the biblical sense is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation. The Greek word "elpizomenon" suggests an anticipation of something good. In the context of Hebrews, this hope is rooted in the promises of God, including eternal life, redemption, and the coming kingdom. The early Christians, facing persecution and trials, clung to this hope as a source of strength and encouragement, knowing that their faith was not in vain.

and the certainty
The word "certainty" is translated from the Greek "elegchos," which means "proof" or "conviction." It carries the idea of evidence that is convincing and undeniable. Faith provides believers with an inner conviction of the reality of things not seen. This conviction is not based on physical evidence but on the spiritual insight granted by the Holy Spirit, affirming the truth of God's promises and the unseen realities of His kingdom.

of what we do not see
This phrase emphasizes the unseen nature of the spiritual realm and God's promises. The Greek word "blepomenon" refers to things that are not visible to the human eye. Throughout Scripture, believers are called to walk by faith and not by sight, trusting in the invisible God who is at work in the world. This unseen reality includes the presence of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the future fulfillment of God's promises. The early church understood that their present sufferings were temporary and that their true home was in the heavenly realms, unseen but assured by faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hebrews (Audience)
The letter to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to revert to Judaism. The author encourages them to hold fast to their faith in Christ.

2. Faith (Concept)
Central to this passage, faith is described as assurance and certainty, foundational to the believer's relationship with God.

3. Old Testament Saints (Context)
Hebrews 11, often called the "Faith Chapter," lists numerous Old Testament figures who exemplified faith, such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses.

Teaching Points

Understanding Faith
Faith is not a vague hope but a confident assurance in God's promises. It involves trust in what God has revealed, even when it is not visible.

Faith and Hope
Faith is closely linked to hope. It is the assurance of what we hope for, meaning that our hope in God's promises is grounded in the certainty of faith.

Living by Faith
Believers are called to live by faith, trusting in God's character and promises, even when circumstances are challenging or unclear.

Faith in Action
True faith manifests in obedience and action. The examples in Hebrews 11 show that faith leads to tangible steps of obedience.

Encouragement in Trials
Faith provides strength and encouragement during trials. It assures us of God's presence and future fulfillment of His promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 challenge or affirm your current understanding of faith?

2. In what ways can you apply the concept of "assurance of what we hope for" in your daily life?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in what you could not see. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How do the examples of faith in Hebrews 11 inspire you to live out your faith more fully?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to live by faith, especially during difficult times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 15:6
This verse describes Abraham's faith being credited to him as righteousness, illustrating the principle of faith as trust in God's promises.

2 Corinthians 5:7
This verse speaks about living by faith and not by sight, reinforcing the idea of trusting in the unseen.

James 2:17
This verse discusses how faith without works is dead, emphasizing that true faith results in action.