Faith Defined Hebrew

The word faith in the New Testament is dependent upon the meaning of Hebrew words translated from the Old Testament, since the Old Testament passages are quoted in the New Testament. A transformation from Hebrew to Greek words leaves room for some twisting of definitions.

Comparing passages where the word "faith" is used in both Testaments gives us an idea of the original sense of the word.

Here is the same passage from both testaments:

Hab_2:4 Behold,H2009 his soulH5315 which is lifted upH6075 is not uprightH3474 H3808 in him: but the justH6662 shall liveH2421 by his faith.H530

Rom_1:17 ForG1063 thereinG1722 G846 is the righteousnessG1343 of GodG2316 revealedG601 fromG1537 faithG4102 toG1519 faith:G4102 asG2531 it is written,G1125 (G1161) TheG3588 justG1342 shall liveG2198 byG1537 faith.G4102

Notice the sister passages are easily compared, the Hebrew word Thayers H530 and the Greek is G4102.

Both words were chosen by the Holy Spirit, but we must not let denominations use their own definition of what each means. I believe the Hebrew word sets a standard for the meaning. The Greek word should follow that meaning.

The Hebrew usage is never translated belief. It is more associated to faithfulness, such as God keeping his promises.

H530

אמנה / אמוּנה

'ĕmûnâh

Total KJV Occurrences: 49

faithfulness, 18

1Sa_26:23, Psa_36:5, Psa_88:10-11 (2), Psa_89:1-2 (2), Psa_89:5, Psa_89:8, Psa_89:24, Psa_89:33, Psa_92:2, Psa_119:75, Psa_119:90, Psa_143:1, Isa_11:5, Isa_25:1, Lam_3:23, Hos_2:20

truth, 13

Psa_33:4 (2), Psa_89:49, Psa_96:13, Psa_98:3, Psa_100:5, Psa_119:30, Pro_12:17, Isa_59:4, Jer_5:1, Jer_5:3, Jer_7:28, Jer_9:3

faithfully, 5

2Ki_12:15, 2Ki_22:7, 2Ch_19:9, 2Ch_34:12 (2)

set, 5

1Ch_9:22, 1Ch_9:26, 1Ch_9:31, 2Ch_31:15, 2Ch_31:18

faithful, 3

Psa_119:86, Psa_119:138, Pro_28:20

faith, 1

Hab_2:4

stability, 1

Isa_33:6

steady, 1

Exo_17:12

truly, 1

Pro_12:22

verily, 1

Psa_37:3

As you see the Old Testament word is never translated belief, but is more associated with faithfulness to the words or promises of God.

Is that why translators used the word faith vs belief, because it had a different emphasis? Faithfulness vs simple belief.

Keep in mind Hab 2:4 is juxtaposing pride with faith.

Lifted up vs humbly following, true faith has an absence of pride as you give yourself over to the will of God.