What Does Hope Mean in the Bible?
Why Does this matter?
Because language evolves over the years, words in the Bible may not mean what we assume it means today. It turns out, the word “hope” in the Bible carries a much bigger message.
Hope: The Meaning
In the modern world, the word usually means “a blissful want with a realization that it won’t happen.”
For example, when I say, “I hope we have an ice cream supper,” I know full well that it won’t happen.
But in the Bible, the word carries a different, bigger meaning.
The word comes from the Greek noun “elpis” and the Greek verb “elpidzo.”
The Clue
Romans 15:13 provides a clue to a richer and deeper meaning.
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Did you catch that? God is the author of hope.
The Bible also says that God cannot lie. So whatever God promises or says, it is a guarantee, a signed contract, an assurance.
Hebrews 6:19 says, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.”
That’s important because hope means we have a signed covenant with God, that what we hope for (heaven and eternal life) is ours because of our faith/trust in Jesus Christ.
So biblical hope is not a wistful wish. It is a guarantee, a covenant signed in the blood of Jesus, that what He promised is ours.
Conclusion
So when you see the word in Scripture, remember this meaning.
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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.
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