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What does it mean that faith is the substance of things hoped for
(Hebrews 11:1)?
The writer of Hebrews opens chapter 11 with a brief description of faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen.” This statement should not be regarded as a complete
definition of faith. Instead, the author focuses on two critical aspects of a
much broader theological concept to introduce a famous gallery of Old Testament
heroes of faith. The first vital facet of faith is that it is “the substance of
things hoped for.”
The word for “substance” (KJV, NKJV)
in the clause faith is the substance of things hoped for, is
alternatively translated as “assurance” (ESV), “confidence” (NIV), and “the
reality” (NLT). In the original Greek, the term conveys the idea of “a firm
foundation,” “the real thing,” “the actual existence,” “the substantial
nature,” and “a resolute trust.” One sense of the word refers to a title deed
or a legal document guaranteeing the right to possess a property.
According to Moulton and Milligan
in Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament, “faith is the substance
of things hoped for” could be translated “faith is the title-deed of things
hoped for” (Robertson, A. T., Word Pictures in the New Testament,
Nashville: Broadman Press, 1960). Another commentary suggests that faith, as
described in Hebrews 11:1, “apprehends reality: it
is that to which the unseen objects of hope become real and substantial.
Assurance gives the true idea. It is the firm grasp of faith on unseen fact”
(Vincent, M. R., Word Studies in the New Testament, Vol. 4, New
York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887, p. 510).
The clause faith is the
substance of things hoped for describes a conviction that already
takes custody—here and now—of what we hope for and what God has promised us in
the future. This present-day ownership of things hoped for and promised in the
future is an inner reality. Right now, amid a global pandemic, financial
crisis, and social unrest, as our world seems to be falling apart, we can stand
on the rock-solid, unshakeable promises of God’s security,
rest, peace, provision, mercy, grace, and salvation. His Word can be trusted.
We can have full confidence in the Lord’s promises because they are real and a
firm foundation for this life.
This “substance” or “assurance”
describes our inward response to God’s trustworthy, unfailing nature. We can be
sure of the Lord’s promises because, as the writer of Hebrews goes on to show,
biblical heroes of every generation have proven them to be true: “By faith Abel
brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as
righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still
speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so
that he did not experience death” (Hebrews 11:4–5). On and on goes the list.
By faith Noah built the ark, saved his family, and became an heir of
righteousness (Hebrews 11:7). By faith Abraham obeyed
God and moved from his homeland (verses 8–10). From the patriarchs to King
David to anonymous champions of faith, believers have trusted in God’s promises
despite enduring unimaginable challenges (verses 17–38).
Faith, being the substance of things
hoped for, is also an outward force. Possessing the reality of hope supplies
believers with the motivation to endure trials and hardships. It results in
decisive obedience—the kind that caused the ancient heroes of faith to act upon
their hope. Faith, as the substance of things hoped for, activates believers to
preach boldly, pray unceasingly, love unconditionally, serve compassionately,
and work tirelessly “as long as it is day” (John 9:4). The inward substance of
faith moves our hearts while the external reality moves mountains.