Hope Defined: A Biblical Perspective in Uncertain Times

In these uncertain times, globally with escalating tensions between nations, locally with the rising costs of living or life’s unexpected turns, hope becomes our lifeline. It’s more than blind optimism; it’s the quiet confidence that better days are possible.

Throughout Scripture, hope is presented not as a vague feeling, but as a confident expectation rooted in faith. Unlike fleeting optimism, biblical hope is anchored in certainty and the unchanging character of God.

The word hope appears a total of 133 times in the Bible. Here is a biblical perspective on hope from both the Old and New Testaments:

Meaning of Hope in the Old Testament

The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew with the word hope written approximately 80 times.

The Hebrew words in the Old Testament that translate to hope are:

Tiqvah (תִּקְוָה) – literally means “cord” or “expectation.”
Yachal (יָחַל) – to wait or hope.
Kavah (קָוָה) – to wait eagerly.

These words convey a sense of waiting, trusting, or expecting something from God, often in the context of deliverance or covenant faithfulness.

Meaning of Hope in the New Testament

On the other hand, the New Testament was written in Greek with the word hope appearing around 53 times.

The Greek word in the New Testament that translate to hope is:

Elpis (ἐλπίς) – means “hope,” “expectation,” or “trust.”

Hope, in the New Testament, takes on a more theological tone, evolving around Jesus Christ, resurrection, and eternal life. It reflects a confident assurance rather than mere desire.

Hope in the Old Testament

The essence of hope in the Old Testament is rooted in God’s character and faithfulness. Some of the key verses that back this are shared below:

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God’s promise of restoration and good intentions for His people.

Psalm 39:7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”

Personal reliance on God as the ultimate source of hope.

Lamentations 3:21–23 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Hope found in God’s unchanging love and mercy, even in grief.

Hope in the New Testament

The New Testament defines hope as confidence in Christ and in eternal life through the following verses:

Romans 5:5 “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Hope is trustworthy and affirmed by the Spirit and God’s love.

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Hope comes from God and overflows through faith.

1 Peter 1:3–4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.”

Hope is alive because of the resurrection and the promise of eternity.