1Now HaEmunah is the trust in HaD’varim in which there is hope, as if they have already come to pass; and it is the revelation of unseen things; 2and in this manner it was a testimony to the ancient ones. 3For it is through Emunah that we understand that the worlds were framed by the D’var HaElohim, so that the things which are seen came to be from those which are not seen.
4It was by Emunah that Hevel offered a more excellent sacrifice to Elohim than Kayin, and because of this, he received a testimony that he was a Tzadik, and Elohim testified to his offering; therefore, even though he is dead, he speaks. 5By Emunah Khanokh crossed over and did not taste death, and he was not found, because Elohim took him; but before He brought him across, there was a testimonial about him, that he pleased Elohim. 6Without Emunah, man cannot please Elohim; for he who comes near to Elohim must trust that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
7By Emunah No’akh, when he was warned concerning the things not seen, became fearful and made an ark to save his household; and by it he condemned the world and became the heir of tzedaka, which is by Emunah. 8By Emunah, Avraham, 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. 9By Emunah he became a sojourner in the land which was promised him, as in a strange country, and he dwelt in tents with Yitz’khak and Ya’akov, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10for he looked for a city which has a foundation, whose builder and maker is Elohim. 11Through Emunah also Sarah, who was barren, received strength to conceive a seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she was sure that He who had promised her was trustworthy. 12Therefore, there sprang from one who was as good as dead, as many as the stars of the sky in number, and as the grains of sand which is on the sea shore: innumerable. 13These all died in Emunah, not having received the promise, but they saw it from afar, and rejoiced in it; and they acknowledged that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth. 14For they who speak so declare plainly that they seek a city of their own. 15And if they had a desire for that very city from which they went out, they had time to return to it again. 16But now it is evident that they desired a better city, that city which is in heaven; therefore Elohim is not ashamed to be called their Elohim; for He has prepared for them a city.
17By Emunah, Avraham, when he was tested, offered up Yitz’khak; he offered upon the altar his Yakhid, even that very one who had been received in the promise, 18of whom it was said, “In Yitz’khak shall a seed be called forth for you;” 19and he reasoned in himself, “It is possible for Elohim even to raise the dead;” and because of this, Yitz’khak was given to him as a mashal. 20By Emunah in the things to come Yitz’khak blessed Ya’akov and Esav. 21By Emunah Ya’akov, when he was dying, blessed both of the sons of Yosef, and he worshipped, leaning upon the end of his staff. 22By Emunah, Yosef, when he died, made mention of the departure of B’nei Yisra’el, and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23By Emunah the parents of Moshe 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. 24By Emunah Moshe, when he came to manhood, refused to be called the son of Paroh’s daughter, 25choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of Elohim than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short while. 26And he reasoned that the reproach of Mashi’akh was greater riches than the treasures of Mitzrayim ; for he looked forward to receive a reward. 27By Emunah he forsook Mitzrayim, not fearing the wrath of the king; and he survived after he had seen Elohim, whom we cannot look upon. 28Through Emunah he instituted the Pesakh and sprinkled the blood, lest he who destroyed the first-born should touch them. 29By Emunah they passed through Yam Suf as on dry land; but in it the Mitzrim were drowned when they made the attempt. 30By Emunah the walls of Yerekho fell down after they had been encompassed seven days. 31By Emunah Rakhav the harlot did not perish with those who were disobedient, for she had received the spies in shalom.
32And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gidon, and of Barak, and of Shimshon, and of Yiftakh, and of David also, and Shmu’el, and of the rest of the Nevi’im, 33who through Emunah conquered kingdoms, worked tzedaka, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, routed the camps of enemies, 35restored to women their sons, raised people from the dead; while others died through tortures, not hoping for deliverance, that they might have a better resurrection; 36others endured mockings and scourgings; still others were delivered to bonds and imprisonment; 37Some were stoned, some were sawn apart, some died by the edge of the sword; others wandered about, wearing sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, afflicted and tormented, 38of whom the world was not worthy; they were like those who are lost in the desert, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39Thus these all, having obtained a testimonial through HaEmunah, did not receive the promise, 40because Elohim, from the beginning, provided for our help, lest without us they should not be made perfect.
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D'var יהוה , The Word of יהוה 