What Is Faith?
What Is Faith? Faith is confident trust in God and His promises — believing what He has said even when circumstances seem impossible.
Key verse: Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Faith is confident trust in God and His promises — believing what He has said even when circumstances seem impossible.
Faith is confident trust in God and His promises — believing what He has said even when circumstances seem impossible.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Hebrews 11:1 provides the Bible's classic definition: 'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' Faith is not wishful thinking or blind belief — it is grounded confidence in the trustworthy character of God. Biblical faith has three components: knowledge (knowing what God has said), assent (agreeing that it is true), and trust (personally relying on it). Hebrews 11, often called the 'Hall of Faith,' showcases examples: Abel offered a better sacrifice by faith, Noah built the ark by faith, Abraham left his homeland by faith, Moses chose suffering over Egypt's pleasures by faith. Faith is essential for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) and for pleasing God — 'without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him' (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is not the absence of doubt but the choice to trust God despite doubt. It grows through hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17) and is perfected through trials (James 1:2-4).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Faith?
What the Bible teaches about faith, believing in God, and trusting His promises.
Key Scripture References
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
While the Bible doesn't give a complete answer, it reveals that God uses suffering for growth, discipline, compassion, and ultimately His glory.
What Is the Gospel?
The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Bible Verses About Faith
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Bible Verses About Faithfulness
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Hebrews 11:1 — Meaning & Devotional
Faith
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Hebrews. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Hebrews on day 351 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Faith?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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