The Hebrew word "emunah" carries a richness often lost in its English translations of "faith" or "belief." More accurately, emunah implies faithfulness, steadfastness, and an unwavering trust. It's about a deep, abiding confidence and action beyond the immediate evidence.
When reading sacred texts with "emunah" in mind, the meaning transforms. Hebrews 11:1, often cited as "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" takes on new depth. We could rephrase it as "Now faithfulness is the foundation of things hoped for, the proof of things unseen." This aligns with Yeshua's teachings, such as in Matthew 25:23: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Here, Yeshua highlights the virtue of steadfastness and dependability.
The prophet Habakkuk captures this essence beautifully: "See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous will live by his faithfulness" (Habakkuk 2:4). A faithful life is trustworthy. It is marked by integrity, keeping promises, and a willingness to remain steadfast even when circumstances become difficult. This builds a reputation of reliability and fosters a sense of security in those who interact with such a person.
Emunah is more than belief or magical power; it's a way of being. It's not blind trust, but a trust forged in relationship and experience. We need to be people of faithfulness. People that are reliable and can be trusted. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks eloquently states, "Faithfulness is not about what happens to me. It is about how I respond to what happens to me."
The image is borrowed from Chabad.org