אֱמוּנָה
Emunah
Faith, faithfulness, trust
When Paul wrote 'the righteous shall live by faith' in Romans 1:17, he was quoting Habakkuk 2:4 — and the Hebrew word behind 'faith' is emunah (אֱמוּנָה). But here's what most English readers miss: emunah doesn't mean what we typically think of as 'faith.' It doesn't mean intellectual belief or a feeling of confidence. Emunah means steadfastness, firmness, reliability. It shares the same root as 'Amen' — the word you say at the end of every prayer. When you understand emunah, you realize that biblical faith is not about the strength of your feelings but the firmness of your commitment. This changes everything about how you read the New Testament.
“But the righteous shall live by his faith (emunah).”
Etymology & Root Letters
Emunah comes from the root א-מ-ן (aleph-mem-nun), the same root as 'Amen' and 'emet' (truth). It literally means 'firmness, steadfastness' — faith that is rock-solid and unwavering.
How Emunah Is Used in Scripture
Emunah appears 49 times in the Hebrew Bible. In Habakkuk 2:4, quoted by Paul in Romans 1:17, it establishes that the righteous live by faith. Unlike the Greek 'pistis,' emunah emphasizes faithfulness and reliability — it's not just believing, but being trustworthy.
Cultural & Modern Context
The word 'Amen' (אָמֵן) shares the same root as emunah. When you say 'Amen,' you're declaring 'I believe this is firm and trustworthy' — an act of emunah.
How to Use Emunah in Prayer
Pray for emunah when you need steadfast faith — the kind that perseveres through trials. Ask God to make your faith firm like a rock, not just a feeling but a settled trust.
People Also Ask About Emunah
What is the difference between emunah and pistis (Greek faith)?
Greek pistis emphasizes intellectual belief and trust. Hebrew emunah emphasizes steadfastness, reliability, and faithfulness. When Paul quotes 'the righteous shall live by faith,' the Hebrew original points to a lifestyle of unwavering commitment, not just a moment of belief. Emunah is faith as a verb — ongoing, active, and tested.
Why does 'Amen' come from the same root as emunah?
Both 'Amen' (אָמֵן) and emunah (אֱמוּנָה) come from the root א-מ-ן, meaning firmness and reliability. When you say 'Amen,' you're declaring 'this is firm, trustworthy, and reliable' — you're making a statement of emunah. Every 'Amen' in prayer is an act of faith.
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