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    Hope (Elpis)

    ἐλπίς (elpis)

    Confident expectation — a certain assurance of future good grounded in God's character.

    Greek
    Strong's G1680
    Pronunciation: el-PEES
    Quick Answer

    Elpis is the Greek word for hope, meaning confident expectation of future good based on God's promises. Unlike wishful thinking, biblical hope is an anchor of the soul — certain because God is faithful.

    "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?" — Romans 8:24-25 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Romans 8:24-25

    “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?”
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    Hebrews 6:19

    “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast.”
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    1 Peter 1:3

    “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G1680 — Hope (Elpis) (ἐλπίς (elpis))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἐλπίς (elpis) appears.

    Open Strong's G1680

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Elpis in classical Greek could mean either positive expectation or anxious anticipation of the unknown. The New Testament transforms it into something entirely positive: confident, joyful expectation of good based on God's unbreakable promises. Biblical hope is not 'I hope so' but 'I know so' — certainty about the future because of the certainty of God's character.

    Hope and the Resurrection

    Peter grounds Christian hope in the resurrection: God 'hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 1:3). If Christ rose, every promise stands. The resurrection is the historical anchor that makes hope rational. Without it, Paul says, 'we are of all men most miserable' (1 Corinthians 15:19). With it, every hope is secured.

    Hope as an Anchor

    Hebrews 6:19 calls hope 'an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast.' In stormy seas, an anchor holds the ship. In life's storms, hope holds the soul. This anchor is secured not in shifting circumstances but in the unchangeable character of God, confirmed by His promise and His oath (Hebrews 6:17-18). Hope stabilizes the believer in every tempest.

    Living in Hope

    Hope is not passive waiting but active living. It produces endurance in suffering (Romans 5:3-5), motivates holiness (1 John 3:3), fuels joy (Romans 12:12), and inspires boldness (2 Corinthians 3:12). Paul links hope with faith and love as the three enduring virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). Hope is the forward-looking face of faith.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does hope mean in the Bible?

    Hope (elpis) is confident expectation of future good, grounded in God's character and promises. Unlike wishful thinking, biblical hope is certain because God is faithful and Christ is risen.

    How is biblical hope different from worldly hope?

    Worldly hope is uncertain — 'I hope it works out.' Biblical hope is assured — anchored in God's promises and the resurrection of Christ. It is confidence, not wishful thinking.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Hope (Elpis)"?

    Romans 8:24-25 — "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?" (KJV). It also appears in Hebrews 6:19, 1 Peter 1:3.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Hope (Elpis)" matter?

    Elpis in classical Greek could mean either positive expectation or anxious anticipation of the unknown. English uses one word, "Hope (Elpis)", where the Greek ἐλπίς (elpis) carries the fuller sense: confident expectation — a certain assurance of future good grounded in god's character.

    Related Words

    Hope
    Faith
    Perseverance
    Resurrection

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    Word Meaning

    Hope (Elpis) (ἐλπίς (elpis))

    Confident expectation — a certain assurance of future good grounded in God's character.

    Strong's

    Strong's G1680 — Hope (Elpis)

    ἐλπίς (elpis) • Confident expectation — a certain assurance of future good grounded in God's character.

    Word Meaning

    Hope (תִּקְוָה (Tiqvah) / ἐλπίς (Elpis))

    A confident expectation rooted in God's faithfulness

    Strong's

    Strong's G5590 — Soul (Psuchē)

    ψυχή (psuchē) • The inner life and self — the animating principle, the person, the seat of identity.

    Bible Quiz

    Hope Bible Quiz

    An anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast — the confident expectation of glory.

    Commentary

    Romans 12:12 Commentary

    In-depth study • Christian Character

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