Christ before Pilate: Leaf from a Book of Hours (2 of 6 Excised Leaves)Henri d'Orquevaulx (French) · c. 1420–30

Evidence

סֵפֶר (sepher)/EV-ih-dents/

“Writing/document (Heb.); conviction/proof (Gr.)”

Summary

In Scripture, 'evidence' refers both to written legal documents (such as deeds of purchase) and to the conviction or demonstration of truth, particularly the proof of faith described in Hebrews 11:1 as the 'evidence of things not seen.'

☩Legal Documents

In Jeremiah 32:10-44, 'evidence' (Hebrew sepher, 'writing' or 'book') refers to the deed of purchase for the field in Anathoth that Jeremiah bought from his cousin Hanameel. Jeremiah 'subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses' (32:10), then placed both the sealed and open copies in an earthen vessel for preservation. This legal transaction served as a prophetic sign that 'houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land' (32:15) after the Babylonian exile.

Key verses:Jeremiah 32:10-12Jeremiah 32:14-15

☩Faith as Evidence

Hebrews 11:1 declares: 'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' Here 'evidence' translates the Greek elegchos, meaning 'conviction,' 'proof,' or 'putting to the test.' Faith is not mere wishful thinking but a firm conviction that grasps spiritual realities invisible to physical sight. This 'evidence' examines for the purpose of proof, bringing the believer to settled conviction regarding divine promises and unseen truths. Some translate this as 'the proving' or 'conviction' of things not seen.

Key verses:Hebrews 11:1