What Is Hope in the Bible — Meaning Explained

Biblical hope is not wishful thinking or a vague optimism. It is a confident, sure expectation of what God has promised. The Greek word elpis conveys certainty — the believer's hope is as secure as if it had already happened. 'For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.' Christian hope has a specific object: the return of Christ, the resurrection of the body, the new heaven and new earth, and eternal fellowship with God. This hope is called 'a living hope' because it rests on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is called 'a blessed hope' because it anticipates the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Hope produces patience in suffering, joy in affliction, and endurance in trials. It is one of the three theological virtues — faith, hope, and love — and it will not disappoint because it is grounded in the faithful character of God.