Quick Answer: How to Say Faith in Hebrew
Faith in Hebrew is:
Meaning: Faith, faithfulness, trust, firmness
How to Pronounce Emunah
The Hebrew word אֱמוּנָה (emunah) is pronounced eh-moo-NAH.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- אֱמוּ (emu) - Sounds like "eh-moo" (the "eh" as in "bed", the "moo" as in "moon")
- נָה (nah) - Sounds like "NAH" (the "a" as in "father", emphasis on this syllable)
Stress: The emphasis is on the final syllable: eh-moo-NAH
Practice Saying Emunah
Try saying it slowly: eh-moo (pause) NAH
Then say it faster: eh-moo-NAH
Tip: The word has three syllables. Break it down: eh-MOO-nah.
What Does Emunah Mean?
The Hebrew word אֱמוּנָה (emunah) is often translated as "faith," but its meaning is richer than the English word. Emunah encompasses:
🙏 Faith
Trust and belief in God, especially in His promises
💪 Faithfulness
Steadfastness, reliability, and firmness in character
🔒 Trust
Confidence and reliance on God's character and word
🏛️ Firmness
Stability and steadfastness, like a firm foundation
Key Insight: Emunah comes from the root א.מ.ן (a.m.n), which means "to be firm, steadfast, or faithful." This root gives us words like "amen" (so be it, truly) and "emunah" (faith/faithfulness). The Hebrew concept of faith is not just intellectual belief, but active trust and faithfulness that produces steadfastness in life.
How to Use Emunah
Emunah appears throughout the Hebrew Bible in various contexts. Here's how it's used:
1. Faith in God
Emunah is used to describe trust and faith in God:
Habakkuk 2:4:
וְצַדִּיק בֶּאֱמוּנָתוֹ יִחְיֶה
Vetzadik be'emunato yichyeh
"The righteous shall live by his faith"
This famous verse emphasizes that the righteous person lives by emunah - active trust and faithfulness in God.
2. God's Faithfulness
Emunah also describes God's faithfulness and reliability:
Deuteronomy 32:4:
אֵל אֱמוּנָה
El emunah
"A God of faithfulness"
God is described as having emunah - He is faithful, reliable, and trustworthy.
3. Human Faithfulness
Emunah can also refer to human faithfulness and reliability:
Proverbs 28:20:
אִישׁ אֱמוּנִים רַב בְּרָכוֹת
Ish emunim rav berachot
"A faithful man will abound with blessings"
Emunah in people refers to faithfulness, reliability, and trustworthiness in character.
Biblical Significance of Emunah
Emunah is central to the biblical understanding of how humans relate to God. Here are key biblical concepts involving emunah:
Habakkuk 2:4 - The Righteous Live by Faith
וְצַדִּיק בֶּאֱמוּנָתוֹ יִחְיֶה
Vetzadik be'emunato yichyeh
"The righteous shall live by his faith"
This verse is quoted three times in the New Testament (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38), showing that emunah is the foundation of the righteous life. It's not just belief, but active trust that produces life.
Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith
וְהֶאֱמִין בַּיהוָה
Vehe'emin ba'Adonai
"And he believed in the LORD"
Abraham's faith (from the same root as emunah) was counted to him as righteousness. This shows that emunah is the means by which we receive God's righteousness.
Exodus 17:12 - Steadfast Hands
וַיְהִי יָדָיו אֱמוּנָה
Vayehi yadav emunah
"And his hands were steady"
Moses' hands are described as "emunah" - steady, firm, and faithful. This shows that emunah means steadfastness and firmness, not just intellectual belief.
Practical Tips for Understanding Emunah
How to Study
- Practice pronunciation: Say "eh-moo-NAH" slowly, emphasizing the final syllable
- Understand the root: Study the root א.מ.ן (a.m.n) to see how emunah relates to "amen" and faithfulness
- Read Habakkuk 2:4: This key verse connects emunah to the righteous life
- Study biblical examples: Look at Abraham's faith, Moses' steadfastness, and God's faithfulness throughout Scripture
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