When Scripture speaks about faith, it does not describe a vague feeling, intellectual agreement, or emotional optimism. The Bible uses words filled with action, loyalty, and endurance. One of the richest of these words is the Hebrew word Emunah.
Understanding Emunah helps unlock the deeper meaning of Hebrews chapter 11 and reveals that biblical faith is not passive belief—it is active trust lived out in obedience.
What Does Emunah Mean Biblically?
The Hebrew word אֱמוּנָה (Emunah) is most often translated as:
Faith Faithfulness Steadfastness Reliability Firmness
Unlike modern usage of the word “faith,” Emunah is not merely belief in ideas. It is faithfulness expressed through consistent action.
At its root is the Hebrew verb אָמַן (aman), meaning:
To support To confirm To make firm To be dependable
This is the same root from which we get “Amen”, meaning “it is sure,” or “so be it.”
Biblical faith, therefore, is a lived commitment, not a mental conclusion.
Emunah in the Old Testament
One of the clearest examples appears in Habakkuk 2:4:
“The righteous shall live by his faith (emunah).”
This verse does not mean the righteous believe the right things. It means the righteous live faithfully—steadfastly trusting God even in uncertainty.
Another example is Exodus 17:12, where Moses’ hands were steady (emunah) during the battle with Amalek. The victory depended on endurance and steadfastness, not momentary belief.
Thus, Emunah always involves:
Perseverance Loyalty to God Trust proven over time Faith expressed through obedience
Emunah and Hebrews Chapter Eleven
Although Hebrews was written in Greek, its theology is deeply Hebrew in thought. The Greek word for faith (pistis) used in Hebrews 11 closely mirrors Emunah.
Hebrews 11:1 states:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
This describes active confidence—not wishful thinking.
Every person listed in Hebrews 11 demonstrates Emunah:
Abel worshiped rightly Noah obeyed without visible evidence Abraham left without knowing the destination Moses chose obedience over comfort Others endured suffering without deliverance
They didn’t just believe God—they lived faithfully toward Him.
Faith as Faithfulness, Not Outcome
One of the most powerful connections between Emunah and Hebrews 11 is found near the end of the chapter:
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises…” (Hebrews 11:13)
Their faith was not validated by results, but by steadfast loyalty to God.
This aligns perfectly with Emunah:
Faith that remains firm even when promises are delayed Trust that continues even when circumstances are painful Obedience without immediate reward
Biblical faith is not proven by success—it is proven by endurance.
Emunah Points Us to Jesus
Hebrews 12 tells us that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the ultimate example of Emunah.
Jesus:
Trusted the Father completely Obeyed even unto death Remained faithful through suffering Secured the promise through resurrection
Our faith is not self-generated—it is anchored in Christ’s faithfulness.
What Emunah Means for Believers Today
To live with Emunah means:
Trusting God when answers are delayed Obeying God when outcomes are unclear Remaining faithful in hardship Standing firm in hope beyond sight
Faith is not what we say we believe—it is how we live when believing costs us something.
Conclusion
Emunah teaches us that biblical faith is not passive belief, but faithful perseverance. Hebrews chapter 11 is not a celebration of spiritual heroes—it is a testimony to lives anchored in steadfast trust.
Faith is not merely believing God can.
Faith is remaining faithful because He is God.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for revealing the depth of true faith through Your Word. Teach us to live with Emunah—steadfast, obedient, and trusting You even when we cannot see the outcome. Strengthen our hearts to remain faithful in trials, patient in waiting, and bold in obedience. Fix our eyes on Jesus, who perfectly lived out faithfulness and secured our hope forever. We give You all glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
To God be all the Glory,
T
Sources Cited
The Holy Bible, Habakkuk 2:4 The Holy Bible, Hebrews Chapters 11–12 The Holy Bible, Exodus 17:12 Brown–Driver–Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, entry for Emunah Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance (Hebrew #530) F.F. Bruce, The Epistle to the Hebrews John Goldingay, Old Testament Theology
Divine Revelations 
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