Introduction
The Meaning and Definition of Substance in the Bible. The concept of substance in the Bible extends far beyond its ordinary physical or material meaning. In Scripture, substance conveys an idea of essence, reality, and foundation—something that gives existence and meaning to all things. This notion carries profound theological and philosophical implications, shaping the way Christians understand creation, faith, and the divine nature of God.
Definition of Substance in the Old and New Testaments
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as “substance” is yesh (יֵשׁ), meaning being or existence. It frequently appears in the context of creation and divine sovereignty. Genesis 1:1 declares, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The Hebrew verb bara (“create”) implies that God brought something into existence from nothing, revealing the ultimate source of all substance: God Himself. Creation is not self-generated—it flows from the divine will and wisdom of the Creator.
In the New Testament, the Greek term hypostasis (ὑπόστασις) provides another layer of meaning. Found in Hebrews 1:3, Jesus Christ is described as “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” Here, hypostasis refers to the underlying reality or essence of God’s being. Through Christ, the invisible nature of God becomes visible and tangible. Thus, substance in Scripture is not merely about material matter but about the invisible reality that sustains existence.
Substance and Faith
The relationship between substance and faith is clearly articulated in Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith, therefore, is not wishful thinking but the spiritual reality that gives form to hope. It represents an assurance rooted in God’s promises. Faith, like substance, is unseen yet foundational—it is the unseen structure upon which Christian belief stands.
Romans 8:24–25 reinforces this connection: “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope.” Faith provides spiritual substance to the believer’s hope, allowing Christians to trust in what they cannot yet perceive. Substance in faith is thus the inner certainty that God’s promises are true, even when circumstances appear otherwise.
Theological Interpretations of Substance
Theologians across centuries have wrestled with the biblical meaning of substance. Some interpret it metaphysically—as referring to the spiritual essence of God and creation—while others emphasize its moral and faith-based dimension. Regardless of nuance, nearly all theological traditions agree that substance points to the reliability and reality of divine truth.
The story of Abraham illustrates this principle vividly. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland (Genesis 12), he obeyed despite uncertainty. His journey was sustained not by visible proof but by the substance of faith—the deep assurance that God’s word was true. Abraham’s faith exemplifies substance in action: unseen yet solid, invisible yet real.
Metaphysical Dimensions of Substance
Substance also carries metaphysical implications in Scripture. It bridges the visible and invisible realms, reminding believers that physical existence is upheld by spiritual reality. Colossians 1:17 states, “He [Christ] is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” This verse declares that Jesus is not only the origin of all substance but also its sustaining force.
The Westminster Confession of Faith echoes this truth by describing God as “a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions.” Here, the notion of divine substance emphasizes God’s transcendence—He is beyond material form, yet His presence gives form to all creation.
Similarly, faith as substance is inseparable from hope and love. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.” Faith is the substance that grounds hope, and love is the expression that perfects it. Together, these virtues define the Christian life.
Material and Spiritual Substance
In biblical theology, substance manifests in two dimensions: material and spiritual.
Material substance includes physical possessions, wealth, and daily necessities. Scripture recognizes material blessings as gifts from God. Proverbs 10:22 affirms, “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Yet, Jesus warns that material abundance can become a barrier to spiritual growth (Matthew 19:23–24).
In contrast, spiritual substance refers to inner virtues such as faith, righteousness, peace, and integrity. Romans 14:17 reminds believers that “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Unlike material wealth, spiritual substance cannot be lost or stolen; it endures eternally.
Thus, the Bible teaches balance—material substance sustains earthly life, but spiritual substance nourishes eternal life. The true substance of a believer’s existence lies not in possessions, but in the reality of a transformed heart.
Spiritual Stewardship
Understanding substance also leads to a theology of stewardship. Christians are called to manage God’s resources responsibly—time, talent, and material goods. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Believers are caretakers, not owners, of divine substance.
Spiritual stewardship involves gratitude, simplicity, and generosity. It calls us to reject materialism and use our blessings to serve others. Jesus exemplified this lifestyle of sacrificial giving, reminding His followers that true richness lies in generosity (Luke 6:38). To be a faithful steward of substance is to live with open hands and a humble heart, recognizing that all we possess is entrusted to us for God’s glory.
The Gift of Salvation as Divine Substance
Among all biblical concepts, salvation stands as the greatest substance God offers humanity. It is the reality of divine grace manifested through Jesus Christ. Salvation is not abstract—it is the spiritual essence that transforms human existence. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers receive a new identity and eternal hope.
Ephesians 2:8–9 emphasizes that salvation “is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” It is the ultimate expression of divine substance: God’s love made tangible in redemption. This gift continues to shape the believer’s life daily, guiding them toward holiness, obedience, and peace.
Living a Life of Substance
The book of Proverbs often associates substance with wisdom and moral integrity. To live a life of substance is to live with purpose, character, and faithfulness. Proverbs 8:12–21 identifies seven spiritual “substances” essential to a godly life: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, the fear of the Lord, and righteousness. These virtues serve as the foundation for authentic Christian living.
- Wisdom enables discernment of what is right.
- Understanding reveals the deeper meaning behind life’s events.
- Counsel offers guidance through godly advice.
- Might provides strength to persevere in faith.
- Knowledge deepens one’s awareness of God’s truth.
- The fear of the Lord nurtures reverence and obedience.
- Righteousness aligns believers with God’s moral standard.
Living a life of substance, therefore, means cultivating these divine qualities through daily faith and obedience. It is a continuous journey of transformation—becoming more like Christ, who embodies the fullness of divine substance.
Conclusion
The biblical meaning of substance transcends material existence and points to the eternal essence that sustains all things—God Himself. Substance is what underlies creation, grounds faith, and reveals the invisible reality of divine truth. From the creation of the world to the gift of salvation, the Bible consistently portrays substance as the foundation of both the physical and spiritual realms.
To live according to this truth is to embrace faith as the substance of our hope, stewardship as the expression of our gratitude, and righteousness as the fruit of our relationship with God. Ultimately, to understand substance is to understand the heart of biblical reality: that all things exist, endure, and find meaning in the eternal substance of God.
