from ἐλπίς; to expect or confide:--(have, thing) hope(-d) (for), trust.
Transliteration:elpízō
Pronunciation:el-pid'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb elpízō (`{{G1679}}`) is derived from the noun elpís (`{{G1680}}`), meaning "hope." At its core, elpízō signifies "to hope," "to expect," or "to trust." Unlike a mere wish or a vague optimism, biblical hope, as conveyed by elpízō, carries a profound sense of confident expectation and assured reliance. It is an active posture of the soul, looking forward to a future reality with a conviction grounded in a reliable source. While it can occasionally be used in a neutral sense (e.g., expecting an outcome, whether good or bad), its predominant usage in the New Testament is theological, referring to a positive, God-centered expectation. This expectation is not based on human ability or fickle circumstances, but on the faithfulness and power of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb elpízō appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles, highlighting the centrality of hope in Christian life.
* **Romans 8:24-25** illustrates hope as a patient waiting for that which is unseen: "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Here, hope is directed towards the future glorification and redemption of the body.
* **Romans 15:13** presents God as the very source of hope: "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." This verse underscores that Christian hope is divinely imparted and Spirit-empowered.
* **1 Corinthians 13:7** includes hope as an essential characteristic of divine love: "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Love, in its fullest expression, never abandons hope.
* **Galatians 5:5** connects hope with righteousness: "For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope." This highlights the eschatological dimension of hope, anticipating a future state of perfect righteousness.
* **1 Timothy 4:10** grounds Christian hope firmly in God: "That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe." The object of hope is explicitly the living God.
* **1 Peter 1:13** exhorts believers to set their hope fully on the grace to be revealed at Christ's return: "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." This emphasizes the future, revelatory nature of Christian hope.
Across these contexts, elpízō consistently points to a confident expectation of divine promises and future realities, often in the face of present suffering or unseen fulfillment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding elpízō includes several interconnected terms that enrich its meaning:
* **elpís (`{{G1680}}`):** The noun "hope," from which elpízō is derived. It represents the object or the disposition of hope itself.
* **pistis (`{{G4102}}`):** "Faith." Hope is inextricably linked to faith. Faith is the conviction or assurance of things hoped for (cf. [[Hebrews 11:1]]). While faith is the present conviction, hope is the future-oriented expectation based on that conviction.
* **hypomonē (`{{G5287}}`):** "Endurance" or "patience." Hope often necessitates patient endurance, particularly when the fulfillment of God's promises is delayed or when believers face trials (cf. [[Romans 5:4]]).
* **peithō (`{{G3982}}`):** "To persuade," "to trust," "to obey." This word shares the semantic domain of trust and reliance, which is inherent in elpízō.
* **pepoithēsis (`{{G4006}}`):** "Confidence" or "trust," often used in the context of confidence in God.
* **epangelia (`{{G1860}}`):** "Promise." Biblical hope is fundamentally grounded in God's unfailing promises, making the promises themselves a crucial related concept.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of elpízō is profound, shaping the very nature of Christian existence:
* **Divine Origin and Object:** Christian hope is not a human construct but a divine gift, with God Himself as its ultimate source and object. It is a theological virtue, alongside faith and love, given by the Holy Spirit.
* **Grounded in Christ's Resurrection:** The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the historical event that validates Christian hope. It is the firstfruits, guaranteeing the future resurrection and glorification of believers (cf. [[1 Peter 1:3]]). Without the resurrection, Christian hope would be futile.
* **Eschatological Orientation:** elpízō inherently points to the future, to the consummation of God's redemptive plan. It looks forward to the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the new heavens and new earth, and the full realization of God's kingdom.
* **Active and Transformative:** Far from being passive wishful thinking, elpízō is an active, dynamic force that shapes present living. It inspires perseverance in suffering, purifies conduct (cf. [[1 John 3:3]]), and fuels joy and peace even amidst tribulation. It provides motivation for mission and endurance in trials.
* **Assurance in Uncertainty:** While the full realization of hope is future and unseen, the confidence expressed by elpízō is not based on human speculation but on the unchanging character and faithfulness of God. It is an assurance that God will fulfill His promises, even if the timing or method remains veiled.
### Summary
The verb elpízō (`{{G1679}}`) encapsulates the core Christian concept of hope: a confident expectation and trust rooted firmly in God and His unfailing promises. It is distinguished from mere human optimism by its divine origin, its grounding in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and its ultimate object—God Himself and the future realities of His kingdom. This hope is not passive but an active, transformative force in the believer's life, empowering patient endurance, inspiring purity, and filling the heart with joy and peace through the Holy Spirit. It is an essential component of the Christian life, looking forward to the full, glorious realization of salvation yet to come.
TRV