### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προελπίζω (proelpízō - `{{G4276}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning "before" or "in advance of," and the verb ἐλπίζω (elpízō - `{{G1679}}`), meaning "to hope" or "to trust." The combination yields a nuanced meaning of "to hope beforehand," "to trust in advance," or "to be the first to hope/trust." This signifies not merely a general hope, but an anticipatory or pre-emptive trust, often implying a foundational or pioneering act of faith. It suggests a hope that precedes a more widespread or common understanding, or one that is established prior to the full realization of its object. The "first" aspect can denote a temporal priority, an initial commitment, or a foundational establishment of trust.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προελπίζω (proelpízō - `{{G4276}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Ephesians 1:12]]. The verse reads: "...so that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory."
In this context, Paul is elaborating on God's glorious plan of salvation, which encompasses both Jewish and Gentile believers. The phrase "we, who were the first to hope in Christ" (οὓς προηλπίκαμεν ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ) most naturally refers to Jewish believers. Historically, the gospel message was first proclaimed to the Jews, and a remnant of Israel responded in faith, becoming the initial recipients of salvation in Christ. This "first hope" is not merely a chronological sequence but highlights their foundational role in God's redemptive history. Their trust in Christ, preceding that of the Gentiles, served as a testament to God's faithfulness to His ancient covenant people and laid the groundwork for the subsequent inclusion of all nations into the body of Christ. Their hope was rooted in the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel, now realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This "first hope" is presented as being "for the praise of His glory," indicating that their faith contributes to the ultimate purpose of God's plan, which is to magnify His own glorious character and redemptive power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is ἐλπίζω (elpízō - `{{G1679}}`), the root verb for "to hope" or "to trust." Biblical hope, as conveyed by ἐλπίζω and its noun form ἐλπίς (elpís - `{{G1680}}`), is not a mere wish or optimistic feeling, but a confident expectation and assurance based on God's character, His promises, and His faithfulness. It is a firm trust in a future reality guaranteed by God.
Other related concepts include:
* **Faith (πίστις - pístitis - `{{G4102}}`):** Hope is intrinsically linked to faith. One hopes in what one believes or trusts in. The "first hope" is an act of pioneering faith.
* **Foreknowledge/Predestination:** The context of Ephesians 1 speaks extensively of God's eternal purpose and predestination ([[Ephesians 1:4-5]], [[Ephesians 1:11]]). The "first hope" of Jewish believers is not accidental but part of God's sovereign design, a divinely orchestrated response to His calling.
* **Firstfruits (ἀπαρχή - aparchē - `{{G536}}`):** While not directly used with προελπίζω, the concept of being "first" or "firstfruits" resonates. Jewish believers, as those who first embraced Christ, can be seen as the spiritual firstfruits of the new covenant, demonstrating the initial harvest of God's redemptive work.
* **Divine Initiative:** The prefix πρό (pro) implies that God's plan and initiative precede human response. The "first trust" is a response to a prior divine action.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of προελπίζω (proelpízō - `{{G4276}}`) in [[Ephesians 1:12]] carries significant theological weight.
1. **Salvation Historical Sequence:** It underscores the historical priority of the Jewish people in God's redemptive plan. The gospel was first offered to the Jews, and their initial acceptance established the continuity of God's covenant with Abraham and Israel, now fulfilled in Christ. This "first trust" highlights the orderly progression of salvation history from Israel to the nations.
2. **God's Sovereign Plan:** The "first hope" is not presented as a human achievement but as part of God's predetermined will "according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will" ([[Ephesians 1:11]]). This suggests that even the human act of "first trusting" is enabled and orchestrated by divine sovereignty, contributing to God's ultimate praise and glory.
3. **Foundation of Christian Hope:** The initial trust of these Jewish believers serves as a foundational testimony. Their hope in Christ, grounded in the fulfillment of Old Testament promises, validates the truth of the gospel and provides a secure basis for all subsequent believers, both Jew and Gentile, to place their hope in Christ for their eternal inheritance.
4. **Assurance of Inheritance:** The "first hope" is directly linked to the concept of "obtaining an inheritance" ([[Ephesians 1:11]]). Those who first trusted in Christ are part of the inheritance God secured for Himself, and they also receive an inheritance in Christ. This reciprocal relationship underscores the certainty and security of the believer's future in God's plan.
### Summary
προελπίζω (proelpízō - `{{G4276}}`) signifies a foundational, anticipatory trust, specifically "to hope beforehand" or "to be the first to hope." Its sole occurrence in [[Ephesians 1:12]] identifies a group, likely Jewish believers, who initially placed their trust in Christ. This "first hope" is crucial for understanding the historical progression of God's redemptive plan, emphasizing the priority of the Jewish people in receiving the gospel and their role in establishing the initial community of believers. Theologically, it highlights God's sovereign orchestration of salvation history, the secure nature of Christian hope rooted in divine purpose, and the ultimate aim of all salvation being "for the praise of His glory." It is a profound term that encapsulates both the temporal and theological significance of early Christian faith.
TRV