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All scriptures are taken from NKJV unless otherwise marked.
What Does The Word ‘Faithful’ Mean In Hebrew?
emuwn- trustworthiness; faithful.
emuwnah- honesty; truth; faithfulness; firmness; official obligation. The first time this word is used in the text is found in Exodus 17:12: “But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” It can be translated into “to remain in one place.” However, the most common use of this word is to mean “faithfulness”.
“May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed.”
-1 Samuel 26:23
There are times when this word means “truthfulness” when contrasted to false swearing or lying. The underlying meaning of emunah is certain, established, lasting, or continuing.
emeth- truth; right; faithful.
“Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many.“
-Nehemiah 7:1-2
Conclusion
The word faithful in Hebrew pretty much means the same thing it does today. It describes someone who always does the right thing even when no one else is looking. This person will always be truthful and true. They’re filled with integrity and will hold up their end of the deal no matter the sacrifice. The Lord is absolutely truthful and faithful.
What Does The Word ‘Faithful’ Mean In Greek?
pistos- believing, trusting; faithful; true.
“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”
-1 Thessalonians 5:24
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3
“And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?”
-2 Corinthians 6:15
If you’ve enjoyed this post, please share it on social media to help promote this blog. Also, check out these related posts:
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- What Does The Word ‘Faith’ Mean In Hebrew And Greek?
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This has helped me in my sermon preparations.