Hope
תִּקְוָה (Tiqvah) / ἐλπίς (Elpis)
A confident expectation rooted in God's faithfulness
Hope in the Bible is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation anchored in God's character and promises. The Hebrew 'tiqvah' and Greek 'elpis' both convey eager, assured waiting.
"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." — Romans 15:13 (KJV)
Key Verses
Romans 15:13
“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.”Read in context
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”Read in context
Hebrews 6:19
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.”Read in context
Origin and Usage
The Hebrew word 'tiqvah' comes from the root 'qavah,' meaning 'to wait' or 'to bind together like a cord.' It paints a picture of clinging tightly to God's promises with patient expectation. In the New Testament, the Greek 'elpis' carries the sense of confident anticipation — not uncertain wishing, but assured expectation based on God's proven faithfulness.
Old Testament Foundation
In the Old Testament, hope is intimately connected to God's covenant promises. Israel hoped in God's deliverance, in the coming Messiah, and in the restoration of their nation. The Psalms are filled with declarations of hope even in the darkest circumstances. Job's famous declaration 'Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him' captures the radical nature of biblical hope — it persists even when circumstances seem hopeless.
New Testament Fulfillment
In the New Testament, hope finds its ultimate anchor in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul teaches that hope, along with faith and love, is one of the three enduring virtues. The resurrection transforms hope from a future wish into a present reality — because Christ conquered death, believers can face every trial with confidence that God's promises will be fulfilled.
Living with Hope Today
Biblical hope is transformative. It changes how we face suffering, loss, and uncertainty. Unlike optimism, which depends on circumstances, hope depends on God's character. When we anchor our hope in His promises rather than our circumstances, we discover a peace that transcends understanding and a joy that persists through every storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hope and faith in the Bible?
Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is the confident trust in God's character and word, while hope is the expectation of the good outcomes that faith produces. They work together — faith trusts God now, and hope looks forward to what God will do.
How many times does hope appear in the Bible?
The word 'hope' and its variations appear over 120 times in the King James Bible, making it one of the most frequently referenced spiritual concepts in Scripture.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Hope"?
Romans 15:13 — "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" (KJV). It also appears in Jeremiah 29:11, Hebrews 6:19.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Hope" matter?
The Hebrew word 'tiqvah' comes from the root 'qavah,' meaning 'to wait' or 'to bind together like a cord.' It paints a picture of clinging tightly to God's promises with patient expectation. English uses one word, "Hope", where the Hebrew תִּקְוָה (Tiqvah) / ἐλπίς (Elpis) carries the fuller sense: a confident expectation rooted in god's faithfulness.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Hope (תִּקְוָה (Tiqvah) / ἐλπίς (Elpis))
A confident expectation rooted in God's faithfulness
Hope (Tiqvah) (תִּקְוָה (tiqvah))
A cord of expectation — the lifeline of confident waiting tied to God's promises.
Strong's H8615 — Hope (Tiqvah)
תִּקְוָה (tiqvah) • A cord of expectation — the lifeline of confident waiting tied to God's promises.
Biblical Meaning of Spiders in a Dream (KJV)
Traps, deception, and fragile hopes built apart from God.
Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream (KJV)
Deception, hidden enemies, and spiritual attack.
Strong's G1680 — Hope (Elpis)
ἐλπίς (elpis) • Confident expectation — a certain assurance of future good grounded in God's character.
Where to go next
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