Lecture on Hebrew Concept of Belief

Introduction

• Exploration of the Hebrew concept of believe.
• Belief in Hebrew is an action word, not just mental.
• It involves who causes belief: sometimes God, sometimes the individual.
• Connection between Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament understanding of belief.

The New Testament and Old Testament Connection

• Apostle Paul and James quote Old Testament in the New Testament.
• Example: Abraham's belief credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).
• Greek word for believed: epista usen (completed act in Greek).

Hebrew Understanding of Belief

• Hebrew word for believed: Amman (to support or nourish).
• Amman verbal root can generate nouns/adjectives/adverbs.
• Examples:
  • Omenet (nurse) - linked with nourish.
  • Omnote (doorposts) - linked with support.

Visual Imagery in Hebrew Belief

• Belief as firm, faithful, reliable (Hebrew concept).
• Example of Abraham's belief: firm faith in God's promise.

Hebrew Verb Causative Form - Hiphil

• Hiphil form indicates causation in Hebrew verbs.
• God causes Abraham to believe fully.
• Example: Moses and the Red Sea, God causes salvation.

Implications of Belief in Actions

• Belief as more than mental; requires action and firm stance.
• Example of Moses failing to follow God's command (striking the rock).

New Testament Belief

• All New Testament authors (except Luke) were Jews, influenced by Hebrew thought.
• Greek word pisteuō – often a participle, indicating ongoing action.
• Dunamis (potential power) – needs activation to become active.

Examples of Ongoing Belief

• John's Epistles use participles for ongoing belief.
• Believing as a continuous action, not a one-time event.

Conclusion

• Belief should be an ongoing, firm action.
• Encouragement to incorporate this concept into life.
• Shalom – peace and wholeness in belief.