In our modern culture, “faith” is often described as believing something without proof. We are sometimes told that asking questions shows doubt and weakness.. That true spirituality means turning off our minds and simply believing harder.
But when we turn to Scripture, we discover something very different.
From Genesis to Revelation, biblical faith is never portrayed as blind optimism or emotional hopefulness. Instead, it is presented as informed, tested and a trust based in relationship with a faithful God who has proven Himself again and again.
So what does the Bible really mean by “faith”? Is it believing without evidence, or trusting based on God’s character and covenant?
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches.
Faith According to Hebrews
The most well-known definition of faith appears in Hebrews:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
— Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Two important words stand out in this scripture.
Substance (hypostasis) means foundation, reality, or assurance.
Evidence (elegchos) means proof, conviction, or verification.
Biblically, faith is not imagined hope. It is confidence grounded in something solid.
Faith means trusting God’s promises because He has demonstrated His faithfulness in the past, even when the outcome has not yet appeared.
The Hebrew Foundation: Emunah
In the Old Testament, the primary word translated as “faith” is:
Emunah (אֱמוּנָה)
It means:
- Firmness
- Steadiness
- Reliability
- Faithfulness
- Dependability
It comes from the root ’aman, which means “to support,” “to confirm,” or “to make firm.” From this same root comes the word Amen, meaning, “It is true. It is trustworthy. So be it.”
Faith in Habakkuk
“Look at the proud: he is inwardly not upright; but the righteous will attain life through trusting faithfulness.”
— Habakkuk 2:4
Here, “trusting faithfulness” or “faith” is emunah.
This verse does not mean, “The righteous live by believing things without proof.”
It means:
“The righteous live by steady, faithful trust in God.”
Faith is perseverance rooted in confidence in the One who is faithful.
The New Testament Word: Pistis
In the New Testament, “faith” is usually translated from the Greek word:
Pistis (πίστις)
It means:
- Trust
- Confidence
- Loyalty
- Faithfulness
- Covenant commitment
In ancient Greek, this word was used in legal contracts and relationships. It described reliability between people.
It was not blind belief. It was trust based upon relationship.
The CJB bible that you see quoted from the most on this website, often translates “faith” as “trust.” In my opinion, it provides a better understanding of exactly what our faith really is: Trusting God.
Abraham’s Example
“He believed in Adonai, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
— Genesis 15:6
Again the word “believed” comes from aman.
Abraham trusted God because he had already seen God’s guidance, protection, and provision. His faith was built on experience and relationship.
God Builds Faith Through Evidence
Throughout Scripture, God consistently provides reasons to trust Him.
Salvation Through Faith
“For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God’s gift.”
— Ephesians 2:8
This means salvation comes through trusting God’s promise in Messiah, not merely agreeing with theological facts.
Faith is personal reliance on Him, trusting He is who He says He is!
Remembering God’s Works
“I am Adonai your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the abode of slavery.”
— Exodus 20:2
Before giving commands, God reminds Israel of His proven faithfulness.
He reminds them of what He has already done, to bring about obedience to His instructions.
God Invites Examination
“Come now,” says Adonai, “let’s talk this over together. Even if your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow; even if they are red as crimson, they will be like wool.”
— Isaiah 1:18
“Bring the whole tenth into the storehouse, so that there will be food in my house, and put me to the test,” says Adonai-Tzva’ot.
“See if I won’t open for you the floodgates of heaven and pour out for you a blessing far beyond your needs.”
— Malachi 3:10
The God of Scripture does not demand unthinking loyalty. He invites honest evaluation and He proves Himself to us!
Signs Were Given for Belief
“But these which have been recorded are here so that you may trust that Yeshua is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by this trust you may have life because of who he is.”
— John 20:31
Miracles and testimonies were meant to strengthen trust, not replace it.
Faith Always Leads to Obedience
Biblical faith is never passive. it brings change, obedience…it creates a new creature from the old.
“Thus, faith by itself, unaccompanied by actions, is dead.”
— James 2:17
If faith were only intellectual belief, this verse would make no sense. Instead, faith means trusting God enough to follow Him.
True faith changes how we live.
Faithfulness and Obedience
“For the word of Adonai is true, and all his work is trustworthy (emunah).”
— Psalm 33:4
God Himself models faithfulness. His people are to reflect that same steady loyalty.
Scripture Warns Against Blind Belief
The Bible does not praise uncritical belief. We are to study, test and be wise about it.
“One who doesn’t think believes every word, but the cautious understands his steps.”
— Proverbs 14:15
“But do test everything — hold onto what is good,”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21
“Now the people here were of nobler character than the ones in Thessalonica; they eagerly welcomed the message, checking the Tanakh every day to see if the things Sha’ul was saying were true.”
— Acts 17:11
Blind faith is described as foolishness. Biblical faith is thoughtful and discerning.
Faith as Covenant Relationship
Faith in Scripture is based upon relationship.
“and this is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know him in whom I have put my trust, and I am persuaded that he can keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.”
— 2 Timothy 1:12
Faith is knowing God personally and trusting His character.
Like marriage, covenant faith involves:
- Commitment
- Loyalty
- Endurance
- Growth
- Dependence
It is lived out daily, and defines ever aspect of our lives.
What Biblical Faith Really Means
When Scripture speaks of faith, it describes:
- Trust built on God’s faithfulness to us
- Loyalty rooted in covenant between God and us
- Confidence shaped by history both in Scripture and our lives
- Obedience flowing from relationship with God and our Messiah
- Perseverance through hardship because we know He is with us
Biblical faith is not closing your eyes. It is opening your heart to what God has already shown you and done in your life.
Walking in Trust
Israel trusted God because of the wonders of Egypt and the Red Sea. Abraham trusted God because of fulfilled promises. The disciples trusted Messiah because of His works.
None of them blindly believed. They believed in the goodness of God’s faithfulness.
Biblical faith says:
“I trust You. Not because I understand everything, but because You have proven Yourself trustworthy.”
Prayerful Reflections
I encourage you to take time to pray and go through the following questions. Journal your answers and reflections.
- How have you seen God’s faithfulness in your own life?
- Do you view faith more as “belief” or as “trust and obedience”?
- Are there areas where God is calling you to trust Him more deeply?
- How does remembering God’s past works strengthen your faith today?
- What practical step of obedience might God be asking from you right now?
I also to encourage you to journal every answered prayer you ever receive. When you find yourself struggling, pull your journal out and read them. See how quickly you – and your faith – are encouraged!
Father,
Thank You for being faithful in every generation. Help us to confidently trust You, because You are good, true, and trustworthy. Teach us to remain steadfast in our faith, rooted in Your Word and Your works. Strengthen our hearts to obey You in love.
In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
