What does Hebrews 11:1 mean?
This verse opens the Bible's great chapter on faith, often called the "hall of faith." The writer of Hebrews was encouraging Jewish Christians who were tempted to give up under pressure. "Substance" can mean assurance or confidence: faith treats God's promises as solid and real, even before they arrive. "Evidence of things not seen" means faith is convinced of realities we cannot yet see, such as God himself, his kingdom, and the life to come. The chapter then lists people like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, who acted on God's word without seeing the outcome. Faith, in this sense, is not wishful thinking, but trust in a God who keeps his word.
Hebrews 11:1 in the World English Bible
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
Context
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Hebrews 11:1 mean?
This verse opens the Bible's great chapter on faith, often called the "hall of faith." The writer of Hebrews was encouraging Jewish Christians who were tempted to give up under pressure. "Substance" can mean assurance or confidence: faith treats God's promises as solid and real, even before they arrive. "Evidence of things not seen" means faith is convinced of realities we cannot yet see, such as God himself, his kingdom, and the life to come. The chapter then lists people like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, who acted on God's word without seeing the outcome. Faith, in this sense, is not wishful thinking, but trust in a God who keeps his word.
What does Hebrews 11:1 say in the KJV?
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) reads: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”