Dictionaries typically reflect a particular culture’s usage of words. In contradistinction to modern nuances and meanings, what if a dictionary were to roll back time to reveal Biblical usages? What light might such a manual of words cast on this essential biblical term?
Hebrew Words
In the OT the various nouns built from the Hebraic root ’mn, whose basic meaning is firmness or certainty, convey ideas ranging from trusting to faithfulness (Proverbs 12:22; Psalm 31:23). The verbal form (’aman) can describe the confident trust placed in or upon someone or something (Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 14:15).
The Hebraic root bth, meaning security (Judges 18:7), developed into signifying faith (noun) because the object of trust was regarded as reliable (Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 40:4). Its verbal form conveys trusting in or relying upon (2 Kings 18:20; Jeremiah 7:4).
Greek Words
In the NT and in the Greek translation of the OT (Septuagint), pistis denotes faith and trust. It can also mean faithfulness (Proverbs 12:22; Romans 3:3). The cognate verb of pistis, namely pisteuō, signifies believe, trust or entrust (John 11:26; 1 Corinthians 9:17).
Nature of faith
While faith signifies trust (noun), what constitutes reliance and trusting depends upon each context (Hebrews 11). Where an unconditional promise is offered or assent is required, faith merely requires believing (Genesis 15:4-6; Galatians 3:2-6; Hebrews 11:6). Where commands are issued or the context prescribes a specific action, faith requires obedience or a context appropriate response (Hebrews 11:7,8).
Trust might be either misguided or appropriate. Several reasons exist why faith might be misguided. Someone might rely upon an entity incapable of providing what is sought, such as idols or military power (Isaiah 42:17; 31:1). Another reason involves disobeying God, who is greater, in order to choose to trust in something lesser (Deuteronomy 28:15,52).
On the other hand because God is worthy of our trust (Jeremiah 17:7), faith in God is appropriate. Because of God’s covenantal promises, sovereignty and his other attributes, God is capable of being faithful and worthy of trust (Deuteronomy 7:9; Isaiah 26:4). Scripture describes living with faith in God as epitomizing how people ought to live (Psalm 62:8; Galatians 3:11).
Salvation
Proclaiming the gospel is intended to cause hearers to respond with faith (Romans 10:17; 16:25-26; Acts 20:21). In order to be forgiven and right with God, people must rely upon Christ (Romans 3:25; 2 Timothy 3:15). Paul’s missionary goal involved seeking to lead people to respond with the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5).
Conversion summaries in Acts do not delineate the details regarding how to rely upon Christ (Acts 6:7; 15:9). Sometimes Luke used the verb believe to either summarize conversion or as a synecdoche for conversion (Acts 4:4). Similarly, Paul sometimes used the noun faith and the verb believe to indicate depending upon Christ without explaining how to trust (Romans 1:16; Ephesians 2:8).
When these authors do delineate how to rely upon Christ, faith requires believing truths about Jesus (Romans 10:9; Acts 8:12), confessing Christ (Romans 10:9), and being baptized (Galatians 3:26-27; Acts 2:41). Thus it is after baptism, not after simply believing the message, that someone can claim faith (Acts 16:31-34).
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