By faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, with reverent regard constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family. Through faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
This translation seemed to me to be one of the best, more clear versions for study.
1) By faith translates the Greek Dative Noun "pistis" with a widely accepted rendering. Dative here could be translated by Noah's faith.
2) When Noah was warned about the coming flood, reverently received the message and acted accordingly.
3) Noah did more than construct the Ark according to his directions, he made it ready for service in all respects. He did everything commanded by God.
4) Certainly one purpose for Noah's efforts was for the salvation of his human family. I could not discern whether "household" also referred to Noah's animal stock. Certainly on the ark, the animals became his "household!"
5) Through faith Noah "condemned" the world. Certainly through his faithful righteousness, all those outside his family were condemned by lacking what Noah exhibited. Or, perhaps the idea is that once Noah had built the ark, that facilitated the flood. I expect the former is the best view.
6) And Noah became an "heir." Exactly what is the righteousness that comes by or according to faith. Could the idea be limited to having Noah's faith considered to be righteous faith. I think not. Rather, I think because God credited Noah's faith as righteousness, Noah was chosen to enter Abraham's bosom (not yet so named) upon his physical death, and as an OT saint, enter heaven following Christ's death. Thin I know, but that is my view.
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