³ By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command,^(A) so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

⁴ By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended^(B) as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings.^(C) And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.^(D)

⁵ By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”^[a](E) For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him^(F) must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

⁷ By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen,^(G) in holy fear built an ark^(H) to save his family.^(I) By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.^(J)

⁸ By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,^(K) obeyed and went,^(L) even though he did not know where he was going. ⁹ By faith he made his home in the promised land^(M) like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents,^(N) as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.^{(O) 10} For he was looking forward to the city^(P) with foundations,^(Q) whose architect and builder is God.^(R)