אֱמוּנָה (e.mu.nah)
e.mu.nah
faithfulness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun emunah describes a quality of firmness or steadfastness that translates most often as faithfulness. It originates from a root meaning to support or strengthen, suggesting something solid and reliable rather than fleeting emotion. In Exodus 17:12, the text uses it literally to describe Moses’ hands being held steady while he raised them in prayer, providing physical stability for Israel’s victory.
When applied to people or God, emunah signifies moral integrity and trustworthiness. Deuteronomy 32:4 calls God a faithful Creator because His actions are consistent with His nature. The Psalms frequently pair this word with truth, as in Psalm 89:1, highlighting that divine faithfulness is the bedrock of covenant relationship. It implies a reliability that endures through time and circumstance.
Translators sometimes render emunah as "truth" or "steadfastness" depending on context. This reflects its dual sense of internal character and external behavior. The word appears in Proverbs 28:20 to describe a person who is eager for wealth, contrasting sharply with the one who is faithful. This usage underscores that true emunah involves prioritizing integrity over immediate gain.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word emunah points to a quiet strength found in reliability. It describes something solid and steady, much like a rock that does not shift when the wind blows. This concept moves beyond fleeting feelings to describe a character that remains true over time. When we read about God’s faithfulness, we are seeing His nature as consistent and trustworthy in every season of life.
In Exodus 17:12, Moses’ hands were heavy during battle. Aaron and Hur held them steady so Israel could prevail. This physical image captures the essence of emunah: supporting what is right until the work is done. God’s faithfulness acts as that support for us, holding us firm when we feel weak or uncertain.
Deuteronomy 32:4 calls God a faithful Creator because His ways are just. This reliability gives us a secure foundation to trust in Him. We can rest in the knowledge that He does not change. His promises remain true regardless of our circumstances, offering peace and stability to those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ faithfulness7×
- faithfulness7×
- in/ faithfulness/ their2×
- faithfulness/ your2×
- faithfulness/ his2×
- and/ faithfulness2×
- to/ faithfulness1×
- in/ truth1×
- in/ faithfulness/ your1×
- in/ faithfulness/ his1×
- faithfulness<es>1×
- by/ faithfulness/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֶּ/אֱמוּנָ֑ה3×
- אֱמוּנָ֑ה2×
- לֶ/אֱמוּנָה֒1×
- וֶֽ/אֱמוּנָ֥ה1×
- וֶֽ/אֱֽמוּנָת/וֹ֮1×
- וֶ֝/אֱמוּנָ֗ה1×
- וְ/הָ/אֱמוּנָ֖ה1×
- הָֽ/אֱמוּנָ֔ה1×
- בֶּ/אֱמוּנָתֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- בֶּ/אֱמוּנָתָֽ/ם\׃1×
- בֶּ/אֱמוּנָת֥/וֹ1×
- בֶּ/אֱמוּנָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 17:12
But Moses’ hands were heavy; so they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset.
This verse provides the physical picture of emunah as steady support, showing how holding firm in prayer leads to victory.
-
Deuteronomy 32:4
The Rock: his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness who does no wrong, just and right is he.
Here the word defines God’s character, linking His faithfulness directly to His justice and perfection.
-
Psalms 100:5
For Yahweh is good. His loving kindness endures forever, his faithfulness to all generations.
This occurrence highlights the enduring nature of God’s faithfulness across all generations, serving as a constant source of hope.