Devine Scripture

Hebrews 11:1

What does Hebrews 11:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 11:1 means

Faith, as the writer defines it, gives present substance to what God has promised for the future, and provides inner certainty about realities we cannot yet see. It is not wishful thinking or vague optimism. Faith takes God at his word and treats his promises as solid and reliable. Because it is anchored in God’s character, faith enables believers to live and act now as though God’s promised future were already breaking in. This confidence pertains to all unseen realities—God himself, his kingdom, his salvation, and his coming reward—and it steadies the heart to endure and obey in the meantime.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now faith is assurance ofthingshoped for, a conviction of things not seen.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now faith is assurance ofthingshoped for, a conviction of things not seen.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the sign that the things not seen are true.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And faith is of things hoped for a confidence, of matters not seen a conviction,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now, faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, the evidence of things that appear not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now faith is [the] substantiating of things hoped for, [the] conviction of things not seen.

Context

This opening sentence sets the tone for the entire chapter. Having urged perseverance, the author now explains what such perseverance rests upon: faith. Before listing examples from Israel’s history, he clarifies the nature of faith as assurance and conviction about God’s unseen promises. This definition becomes the lens through which every subsequent example is to be understood—faith acts on God’s word before the outcome is visible, and thus sustains endurance.

v.1This passage

v.2For therein the elders had witness borne to them.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 3:14

    for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:

  • Hebrews 2:3

    how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard;

  • 2 Corinthians 5:7

    (for we walk by faith, not by sight);

  • Romans 8:24

    For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth?

  • Titus 1:1

    Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

  • Hebrews 10:39

    But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Hebrews 11

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Hebrews 11.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Hebrews 11:1.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary