1NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, just as it was the substance of things which have come to pass; and it is the evidence of things not seen, 2And in this way it became a testimonial of the elders.

3For it is through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen came to be from those which are not seen.

4It was by faith, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice to God than Cain, and because of this, he received a testimonial that he was righteous, and God testified to his offering: therefore, even though he is dead, he speaks. 5By faith Enoch departed and did not taste death, and he was not found, because God transferred him: but before he took him away, there was a testimonial about him, that he pleased God. 6Without faith, man cannot please God: for he who comes near to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. 7By faith Noah, when he was warned concerning the things not seen, became fearful and he made an ark to save his household, and by it he condemned the world and he became heir of righteousness which is by faith.

8By faith Abraham, when he was called to depart for the land which he was to receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he became a sojourner in the land which was promised him as in a strange country, and he dwelt in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11Through faith also Sarah who was barren, received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she was sure that he who had promised her was faithful. 12Therefore, there sprang from one who was as good as dead, as many as the stars of the sky in number, and as the sand which is on the sea shore innumerable.

13These all died in faith not having received the promised land, but they saw it from afar off, and rejoiced in it; and they acknowledged that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth. 14For they who speak so, declare plainly that they seek a country for themselves. 15And if they had a desire for that very country from which they went out, they had time to return to it again. 16But now it is evident, that they desire a better city, that city which is in heaven: therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city.

17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac: he lifted upon the altar his only begotten son, even that very one who had been received in the promise. 18Of whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19And he reasoned in himself, It is possible for God even to raise the dead, and because of this Isaac was given to him as a parable.

20By faith in the things to come Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau. 21By faith Jacob, when be was dying, blessed both of the sons of Joseph, and he worshipped, leaning upon the head of his staff. 22By faith Joseph, when he died made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23By faith the parents of Moses, hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that the infant boy was fair; and they were not afraid of the King’s commandment. 24By faith Moses, when he came to manhood, refused to be called the son of Pha’raoh’s daughter. 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short while. 26And he reasoned that the reproach of Christ was greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked forward to be paid the reward. 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; and he survived after he had seen God, who is invisible. 28Through faith he instituted the passover, and sprinkled the blood, lest he who destroyed the first-born should touch them. 29By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: but in it the Egyptians were drowned when they made the attempt.

30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were being encompassed seven days.

31By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who were disobedient, for she had received the spies in peace.

32And what more shall I say? for time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jeph’tha-e, and of David also, and Samuel, and of the rest of the prophets: 33Who through faith conquered kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, and became valiant in battle, and routed the camps of enemies; 35Restored to women their sons, raised from the dead: while others died through tortures, not hoping for deliverance; that they might have a better resurrection: 36Others endured mockings and scourgings, still others were delivered to bonds and imprisonment: 37Others were stoned, others were sawn apart, others died by the edge of the sword: others wandered about, wearing sheep skins and goat skins; destitute, afflicted and tormented; 38Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered as though lost in the desert, and in mountains, and in dens and in caves of the earth.

39Thus these all, having obtained a testimonial through the faith, did not receive the promise: 40Because God, from the beginning, provided for our help lest, without us, they should not be made perfect.