from a primary (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:--faith, hope.
Transliteration:elpís
Pronunciation:el-pece'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G1680 (elpís), transliterated as *elpís*, carries the fundamental meaning of "expectation" or "confidence." Derived from a primary root verb signifying "to anticipate, usually with pleasure," it encapsulates a positive and future-oriented outlook. Unlike mere wishful thinking or a vague desire, *elpís* denotes an expectation that is grounded and carries an inherent sense of assurance. Its semantic range extends to two primary facets:
1. **Subjective Hope:** The internal disposition, the feeling of anticipation, trust, or confidence held by an individual. This is the psychological state of hoping.
2. **Objective Hope:** The object of that hope, the thing or person anticipated. This refers to the desired future reality or the promise upon which the expectation is based.
This dual nature underscores that *elpís* is not only an attitude but also a tangible reality towards which that attitude is directed. It implies a confident looking forward to something good, rather than a passive longing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *elpís* appears frequently in the New Testament, especially in the Pauline epistles, where it is a cornerstone of Christian theology.
* In [[Romans 5:4-5]], Paul describes a spiritual progression where "perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Here, *elpís* is presented as the culmination of a transformative process, a confident expectation that is validated by the indwelling Spirit and God's unwavering love.
* [[Romans 8:24-25]] highlights the eschatological dimension of *elpís*: "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." This passage underscores that Christian hope is directed toward future realities not yet fully realized, requiring patient endurance.
* The author of Hebrews emphasizes the steadfastness of *elpís* in [[Hebrews 6:18-19]], describing it as "a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner sanctuary behind the curtain." This powerful metaphor illustrates hope as providing stability and security for the believer, grounded in God's unchangeable promise and oath.
* Peter opens his first epistle with the concept of a "living hope" ([[1 Peter 1:3]]), made possible "through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." This living hope is dynamic and active, rooted in the historical reality of Christ's triumph over death.
* Paul identifies Christ Himself as the object of this hope in [[Colossians 1:27]]: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Here, *elpís* is personified in the indwelling Christ, who guarantees future glory.
* In [[Titus 2:13]], the "blessed hope" refers to "the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." This links *elpís* directly to the Second Coming of Christ, serving as a powerful motivation for godly living.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of *elpís* is enriched by examining its relationship with other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **ἐλπίζω (elpízō - to hope, to expect) `{{G1679}}`**: This is the verbal form directly related to *elpís*. The noun describes the state or object of hope, while the verb describes the act of hoping or placing one's hope.
* **πίστις (pistis - faith, trust) `{{G4102}}`**: *Elpís* is often closely associated with faith, particularly in the Pauline triad of faith, hope, and love ([[1 Corinthians 13:13]]). While faith is trust in what God *has done* and *is doing*, hope is the confident expectation of what God *will do*. Faith looks to the past and present; hope looks to the future. They are distinct but inseparable, with faith often providing the ground for hope.
* **ἀγάπη (agapē - love) `{{G26}}`**: As part of the enduring triad, *agapē* is the ultimate virtue, the motivation for both faith and hope, and the greatest of the three.
* **ὑπομονή (hypomonē - endurance, perseverance) `{{G5281}}`**: As seen in [[Romans 5:4]], hope often produces endurance. The confident expectation of future good enables believers to persevere through present trials.
* **πληροφορία (plērophoria - full assurance) `{{G4136}}`**: Hope can be accompanied by a full assurance, a strong conviction regarding the certainty of what is hoped for ([[Hebrews 6:11]]).
* **ἀποκαραδοκία (apokaradokia - eager expectation) `{{G603}}`**: While *elpís* can be a general expectation, *apokaradokia* describes an intense, outstretched anticipation, often used in eschatological contexts ([[Romans 8:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *elpís* is profound, serving as a vital component of Christian life and doctrine:
* **Divine Foundation:** Christian hope is not a subjective optimism based on human potential, but an objective certainty grounded in the character and promises of God. It is rooted in God's faithfulness ([[Hebrews 10:23]]) and His power, supremely demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus Christ ([[1 Peter 1:3]]).
* **Eschatological Orientation:** *Elpís* inherently directs the believer towards the future, specifically towards the consummation of God's redemptive plan. This includes the resurrection of the dead, the return of Christ, the final judgment, and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. It provides a teleological framework for Christian existence.
* **Present Transformation:** Although future-oriented, *elpís* has significant implications for present living. It empowers believers to endure suffering ([[Romans 5:3-5]]), to live holy lives ([[1 John 3:3]]), and to evangelize with confidence. It transforms the present experience of hardship into a pathway to glory.
* **Christ-Centered:** Jesus Christ is both the object and the ground of Christian hope. His finished work on the cross, His resurrection, and His promised return are the bedrock upon which all true hope rests ([[Colossians 1:27]], [[Titus 2:13]]).
* **Work of the Holy Spirit:** The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling and sustaining hope within believers ([[Romans 15:13]]). He pours out God's love, which in turn fuels hope, and He is the "guarantee of our inheritance" ([[Ephesians 1:14]]).
### Summary
The Greek word G1680 (*elpís*) signifies a confident, positive expectation or assurance, distinct from mere wishful thinking. It encompasses both the internal disposition of hoping and the future object of that hope. Throughout the New Testament, *elpís* is presented as a foundational virtue, intrinsically linked to faith and love, and serving as an anchor for the soul. Its theological significance lies in its divine foundation—grounded in God's character, promises, and the resurrection of Christ—and its eschatological orientation towards the future consummation of God's plan. This confident anticipation profoundly impacts the believer's present life, fostering endurance, holiness, and a joyful perseverance in the face of adversity. Ultimately, *elpís* is a Christ-centered and Spirit-empowered certainty of God's future good for His people.
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