Bible Strands
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — An anonymous author writing to Jewish Christians under pressure, likely tempted to abandon their position. This verse is the definition that grounds the catalog of "ancients" commended in the verses that follow (Hebrews 11:2).
The words — ὑπόστασις (hupostasis) carries the sense of a firm foundation or standing-under, not a vague feeling; ἔλεγχος (elegchos) elsewhere means proof or reproof, here the evidential weight behind what is unseen. Together they frame faith as a cognitive claim, not an emotion.
The thread — Paul presses the same axis in 2 Corinthians 5:7 ("we walk by faith, not by sight") and 2 Corinthians 4:18 (seen is temporary, unseen is eternal), and in Romans 8:24 ("hope that is seen is no hope at all").
Why it lands — The verse demands that a person stake their life on what they cannot verify by sight, and it sets the standard by which every example in Hebrews 11:2–40 is measured.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
- 2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
- Romans 8:24 For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see?
- Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
- Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
- 1 Peter 1:7 so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
- Psalms 27:13 Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
- Hebrews 11:27 By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.
- Hebrews 6:18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.
- Hebrews 6:12 Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.