things which are not seen are set before us as solid realities (vpdyparot). That which is absent is opposed to substance ; a non-entity, a dream, is opposed to the proof or evidence of things. Whence it is clear how closely the two words vpaypdruv cohere, so that they form, as it were, a compound word, pdruv-eXeyxpe > and why the word, things, is put in the last, and not also in the first clause. 'TcroVraff/j, substance, is opposed to r»j ucrotfroXSj, drawing back, which was lately repudiated, ch. x., at the end ; for the metaphor is taken from a pillar standing under a heavy weight, and denotes patience and constancy, xaprepfav ; comp. ver. 27. ' TcroVraff/c in the Vulgate is translated sub- stantia, which is correct ; for substance is opposed to opinion, 1. 10, § 1, Digest, de diversis temporalibus prcescriptionibus, et de accessionibus possessionum, and elsewhere. Substance then has reference to a thing which is certain, and therefore also to a thing which is present. Things future are represented (vividly realized) by faith : sXgy^og is evidence or proof also in the pecu liar language of philosophers. ' Yvoffraffig, substance, is put first ; and then Tpay/^ar-wv sXs/p/os, the proof , or evidence of things ; but the examples, which follow, relate in the first instance to the proof of the things, ver. 3, etc., and in the second place, to the substance of those things which are hoped for, ver. 6, etc. Chiasmus.
2. 'EV ravT?), in it) in faith, i.e. by faith, in the following verses : xar<x, -iariv, according to (in) faith • &« viffnv, through faith, ver. 13, 33. — y&p,for) Paul shows the nature of faith from the examples of men in the times of old. Many things, which they hoped for and did not see, Subsequently came to pass and were conspicuously seen, the event confirming faith. — spap- rvpJiQqffav, obtained a good report) This word is very full of meaning. GOD not only gave His testimony concerning them, but also partly to them. They RECEIVED THE TESTIMONY, an equivalent to the things themselves ; comp. ver. 4, 5, 39. From this circumstance, they also became witnesses ; so that they themselves might testify to others, and that others might testify concerning them ; ch. xii. 1. — oi vpstftvrspoi) the elders, who lived both formerly and for a long time. He does not say, oi dp^aioi, the ancients, but the elders, as it were by personifi cation, inasmuch as they still give their powerful testimony, as