A Note on the Biblical Word "Hope"

In the English language, the word “hope” usually refers to that which someone desires to occur. For example, I might say, “I hope that it doesn’t rain tomorrow,” or “I hope that Glenda makes steak for dinner.” Because the English word “hope” refers only to one’s longings, the longings may or may not become reality. Even though I might hope that it doesn’t rain tomorrow, it still may rain. I may hope that Glenda makes steak for dinner, but she may make chicken. The English term “hope” is an uncertain word indeed!

The Greek word “hope,” however, often refers to “confidence, “that which is certain.” Consider the following New Testament texts, substituting the word “confidence” every time the word “hope” appears:

• indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us (2 Corinthians 1:9-10).

We have set our confidence in Christ, so we don’t have to wonder if we are truly saved or not. If we know Him, there is no doubt that we possess eternal life!

• Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1)

As believers, our only confidence is in Jesus Christ - - He will never let us down.

• looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus (Titus 2:13)

We don’t have to wonder if Jesus will return for believers one day - - Jesus’ appearance is a certainty!

Thank God that the New Testament word “hope” means “confidence.” As believers, we can be confident about the present and future because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!