1 NOW 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,

2 And in this way it became a testimonial of the elders.

3 For 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.

4 It 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.

5 By 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.

6 Without 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.

7 By 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.

8 By 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.

9 By 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:

10 For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 Through 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.

12 Therefore, 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.

13 These 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.

14 For they who speak so, declare plainly that they seek a country for themselves.

15 And if they had a desire for that very country from which they went out, they had time to return to it again.

16 But 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.

17 By 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.

18 Of whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19 And 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.

20 By faith in the things to come Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.

21 By faith Jacob, when be was dying, blessed both of the sons of Joseph, and he worshipped, leaning upon the head of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when he died made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23 By 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.

24 By faith Moses, when he came to manhood, refused to be called the son of Pha'raoh's daughter.

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short while.

26 And he reasoned that the reproach of Christ was greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked forward to be paid the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; and he survived after he had seen God, who is invisible.

28 Through faith he instituted the passover, and sprinkled the blood, lest he who destroyed the first-born should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: but in it the Egyptians were drowned when they made the attempt.

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

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

32 And 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:

33 Who through faith conquered kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34 Quenched 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;

35 Restored to women their sons, raised from the dead: while others died through tortures, not hoping for deliverance; that they might have a better resurrection:

36 Others endured mockings and scourgings, still others were delivered to bonds and imprisonment:

37 Others 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;

38 Of 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.

39 Thus these all, having obtained a testimonial through the faith, did not receive the promise:

40 Because God, from the beginning, provided for our help lest, without us, they should not be made perfect.