Help My Unbelief! Part 3

In a survey of Biblical usage, translators used “faith” if the sentence required a noun and “belief” if the sentence required a verb. This may seem like a good system but what do we know about the history of faith and belief? Remember, these words are not perfect synonyms. They have different histories and are used differently even today.

Difference in Origin:

Belief: originates from Old High German meaning “by love” and it comes from a noun root

Faith: originates from Latin, though Old French meaning trust, confidence, fidelity,

to incite, to ask and has a verb root

Differences in Use:

Belief: an intellectual agreement or approval, usually based on evidence

(connected to information - n)

Faith: trust or confidence, usually connected to action, usually not based on

evidence (connected to application - v)

As you can see, these two words come to us through different languages and are commonly used in different ways in modern English. In modern usage, “belief” is used as a noun and implies some sort of intellectual agreement. No physical action is required or implied, only mental actions.

In modern usage, “faith” is used as a verb and implies some sore of physical action and is not always based on evidence.

The difference between belief and faith is like believing parachuting is safe and actually jumping out of the plane.

Interestingly, translators reversed the common usage of words when translating Scripture. How does this effect those original statements? Let's apply what we have learned:

• We are saved through our faith (verb). Demons believe (agree, know) but are not saved. (Jas 2: 14-24)

• Abraham's faith (verb - perseverance) was reckoned as righteousness because he did all he was commanded (Heb 11:8-9, 17-19).

• Belief (noun -confidence, understanding) is a gift from YHWH, but we are to live by faith (verb - walking worthy of our calling - read Ephesians).

When considered alone, this is a very small detail and may not impact your understanding, faith, or belief. In fact, I may have only succeeded in confusing you more. Don't give up on me yet!