Romans 8:24

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?

For {G1063} we are saved {G4982} by hope {G1680}: but {G1161} hope {G1680} that is seen {G991} is {G2076} not {G3756} hope {G1680}: for {G1063} what {G3739} a man {G5100} seeth {G991}, why {G5101} doth he {G1679} yet {G2532} hope for {G1679}?

It was in this hope that we were saved. But if we see what we hope for, it isn’t hope — after all, who hopes for what he already sees?

For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see?

For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth?

Romans 8:24 introduces a profound aspect of Christian salvation: its inherent connection to hope. This verse clarifies that the hope by which believers are saved is not a wish for something already possessed or seen, but a confident expectation of future realities yet to be fully realized. It underscores that true hope looks beyond the present, to what is unseen and still anticipated.

Context

This verse is situated within Romans Chapter 8, a powerful passage that describes the believer's life in the Spirit, contrasting it with life in the flesh. Paul discusses the liberation from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2), adoption as sons of God (Romans 8:15), and the assurance of future glory. Verses 18-23 speak of the present sufferings of this world being incomparable to the glory that will be revealed, and describe creation itself groaning in eager expectation, along with believers, as they await their full redemption and the revealing of the sons of God. Within this context of anticipation and groaning, verse 24 defines the very nature of the hope that sustains believers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of Christian Hope: The verse distinctly defines hope not as a mere wish, but as a confident expectation of something not yet seen. If something is already visible or possessed, it ceases to be an object of hope and becomes a present reality. This mirrors the definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1, which describes faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
  • Salvation's Future Dimension: While believers are already saved in a spiritual sense through faith in Christ, this verse highlights the future, consummative aspect of salvation. The full redemption of our bodies and our complete glorification are still future events that we eagerly await. This hope provides the motivation and endurance for the Christian journey.
  • Patience and Perseverance: Because hope pertains to the unseen, it inherently requires patience. The act of hoping implies a period of waiting, which is further elaborated in the subsequent verse (Romans 8:25), where Paul states that if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it with patience.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "hope" here is elpis (ἐλπίς), which in biblical usage signifies a confident, joyful, and certain expectation, not just a vague desire. It is a hope grounded in the character and promises of God. The word "seen" (blepomenon, from βλέπω) refers to something visually perceived or experienced. The contrast emphasizes that the object of Christian hope transcends immediate physical reality.

Practical Application

Romans 8:24 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the challenges and uncertainties of life.

  • Endurance in Suffering: When facing trials or disappointments, this verse reminds us that our ultimate salvation and future glory are not yet fully manifest. Our hope in these unseen realities empowers us to endure present sufferings, knowing they are temporary in light of eternity.
  • Living by Faith, Not Sight: It calls us to live by faith, trusting in God's promises even when circumstances seem contrary. Our hope in Christ's return and the new creation allows us to maintain an eternal perspective, not being swayed by the fleeting realities of this world. This aligns with the principle of walking by faith, not by sight.
  • Cultivating Patience: The verse naturally leads to the necessity of patience. Understanding that hope involves waiting can help believers develop perseverance and a steadfast spirit as they await the fulfillment of God's perfect plan.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 11:1

    ¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:7

    (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

  • 2 Corinthians 4:18

    While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

  • 1 Peter 1:21

    Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:8

    But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

  • 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,

  • Romans 12:12

    Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

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