IV.
This passage starts with what we could call a definition of faith.

Take some time to look at verse 1 in several translations and notice the differences in the translations.

V.
Hebrews 11:1–4a, 7a, 8, 17–18, 20–23, 32, 39–40 (NRSVue)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks.

By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.”

By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.

VI.
Below are several translations –

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (New Revisied Standard Version, updated edition)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (King James Version)

Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. (Common English Bible)

Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. (Contemporary English Version)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (English Standard Version)

To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. (Good News Translation)

Now faith means putting our full confidence in the things we hope for, it means being certain of things we cannot see. (Phillips Translation)

Now faith is the realization of what is hoped for, the proof of things not seen. (Lexham English Bible)

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. (The Message)

Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. (New American Standard Bible)

Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. (New Century Version)

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. (New English Translation)

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (New International Version)

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. (New Living Translation)

Have I included your most often used translation(s)? Have I left out a favorite translation of yours?

Does any one of these help you get a better grasp of how faith operates for you?

How would you describe or explain faith to someone?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}