Faith, as explored in Hebrews 11:1, is defined as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. This substance is translated from the Greek word *hupostasis* (G5287), which carries the meaning of setting under or placing under, much like a foundation stabilizes a building. *Hupostasis* provides firm footing, preventing a person from leaning into a bad attitude or misalignment with what is good in God's eyes. It is akin to the Latin term *sub stans*, meaning standing under, which the Romans used for a title deed, representing legal proof of ownership. Thus, faith, as *hupostasis*, serves as the title deed or foundation for the hopes of eternal life and fellowship with God and His Son Jesus Christ, ensuring that these hopes are grounded in the authority of God's Word. Without this foundation of *hupostasis*, hopes lack substance and stability. If a hope is not rooted in God's Word, it has no true basis, no title deed to support it. Faith, as the substance or *hupostasis*, undergirds the believer's trust in God's promises, giving assurance and confidence in the unseen realities of His Kingdom. It is this foundational aspect of faith that enables a person to stand firm, relying on the credibility and faithfulness of God over time, as the security of this title deed rests entirely on His unchanging Word.

In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The Greek word translated as "substance" is *hupostasis* (G5287), which literally means "standing under." A deeper understanding reveals *hupostasis* as that which underlies what is apparent, existing unseen beneath what is visible, much like a foundation supports a building. Spiritually, this invisible faith underlies, supports, and motivates visible actions, embodying confidence, assurance, trust, belief, and conviction. The interpretation of *hupostasis* can be subjective or objective. Subjectively, it is a quality within a person, translating to faith as being sure of what is hoped for and certain of what is not seen, emphasizing internal conviction. Objectively, it is something external to rely upon, often translated as the "title deed" of things hoped for, highlighting a dependable external reality. While both uses are valid, the subjective interpretation, focusing on internal conviction, aligns more closely with the overarching theme of Hebrews, addressing the personal neglect and waning conviction among the readers. Thus, faith as *hupostasis* suggests a deep, personal certainty in the unseen realities of God, prompting action from a perspective of hope.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The Greek word *hupostasis*, translated as substance, refers to that which underlies the apparent, serving as the basis, assurance, guarantee, and confidence. Similar to the English term substance, which means the essential part or reality of something, *hupostasis* indicates that faith is the foundation of a Christian's life. Though often unseen, like a building's foundation, faith undergirds the external conduct of believers. Paul emphasizes that we walk by faith, not by sight, highlighting that this underlying trust in God, who cannot lie, motivates obedience to His Word, regardless of what the senses perceive. The measure of our actions driven by this implicit trust in God's Word reveals whether we are truly living by faith.