Difference between revisions of "Defining faith"
(Meanwhile, "οὐ βλεπομένων" is typically translated narrowly as "unseen" or "not seen," but it should be given a more powerful translation in this context to capture the full meaning: "the infinite.") |
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The term "evidence", "proof", and "conviction" are awkward, failing to convey the power of [[faith]]. The Greek term is ἔλεγχος (elenchos), appearing nowhere else in this sense in the entire [[Bible]]. It is used at {{bibleref|2Timothy|3|16}} in the sense of reproof for correction. | The term "evidence", "proof", and "conviction" are awkward, failing to convey the power of [[faith]]. The Greek term is ἔλεγχος (elenchos), appearing nowhere else in this sense in the entire [[Bible]]. It is used at {{bibleref|2Timothy|3|16}} in the sense of reproof for correction. | ||
| − | A better translation here would be as "recognize" or "realize", rather than "proof". | + | A better translation here would be as "recognize" or "realize", rather than the legal or mathematical term "proof". |
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| + | Meanwhile, "οὐ βλεπομένων" is typically translated narrowly as "unseen" or "not seen," but it should be given a more powerful translation in this context to capture the full meaning: "the [[infinity|infinite]]." | ||
[[category:Bible]] | [[category:Bible]] | ||
[[category:Christianity]] | [[category:Christianity]] | ||
Revision as of 05:17, May 20, 2023
Defining faith is an issue of translation of the Bible and fully understanding Christianity. Faith is a concept central to Christianity and yet a precise definition can be a bit elusive.
Different translations of Hebrews 11:1 articulate the definition there in varying ways:
- Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (ESV)
- Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. (NASB)
- Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. (HCSB)
- Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)
- Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)
flaws in above translations
The term "evidence", "proof", and "conviction" are awkward, failing to convey the power of faith. The Greek term is ἔλεγχος (elenchos), appearing nowhere else in this sense in the entire Bible. It is used at 2Timothy 3:16 in the sense of reproof for correction.
A better translation here would be as "recognize" or "realize", rather than the legal or mathematical term "proof".
Meanwhile, "οὐ βλεπομένων" is typically translated narrowly as "unseen" or "not seen," but it should be given a more powerful translation in this context to capture the full meaning: "the infinite."