אֱמוּנָה (Emunah)

MEANINGFaithfulness, steadfast trust, reliability. Derived from aman. The OT root of the NT's pistis (faith). Describes the quality of one who holds firm in covenant relationship regardless of circumstances.

GRAMMARFeminine abstract noun. Range: faithful dealing (Exodus 17:12 --- Moses's hands held 'steady'), God's reliability (Psalm 33:4), human steadfast covenant trust (Habakkuk 2:4). Habakkuk 2:4's be-emunato (by his faithfulness) uses the 3rd person possessive suffix --- the righteous person's own faithfulness/trust.

SIGNIFICANCEPaul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 three times (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38) as the OT foundation for ek pisteōs (by faith). The faith that justifies is emunah --- steadfast covenant trust that is relational, active, and the person's own. Thread 2's entry mechanism: faith (emunah/pistis) is how individuals enter the corporate elected body.

KEY VERSE / SCRIPTURESExodus 17:12; Psalm 33:4; 89:1-2; Habakkuk 2:4.

CROSS-REFERENCESHabakkuk 2:4 · אָמַן aman (root) · πίστις pistis (NT equivalent) · ἐν αὐτῷ en autō (entry into election)