Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What Hebrews 11:1 says

This verse begins the great chapter on faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 in context

1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Hebrews 11, verses 1–4. Read the whole chapter with John Brown’s notes in the Self-Interpreting Bible.

Hebrews 11:1 in the catechisms

The Reformation catechisms and confessions cite Hebrews 11:1 once as a proof text.

How to memorise Hebrews 11:1

Hearers breaks the verse into clauses and teaches each clause in four steps. Then it brings each clause back just before you forget it.

  1. 01

    Read

    Read the verse with the clauses marked. Listen to it read aloud.

  2. 02

    Trace

    Type the first letter of each word, with the words shown faintly.

  3. 03

    Fade

    Half of the words go. Type the text again, and fill the gaps from memory.

  4. 04

    Recall

    All the words go. Type it or say it aloud. Each clause gets its own grade and its own review date.

More verses to memorise