THE ESSENCE OF HOPE

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE” – Jeremiah 29:11

GOD’S WORD provides ample insight into the ESSENCE of HOPE: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE” (Jer.29:11). Essentially, Hope is the Expectation of FUTURE GOOD. Jeremiah 29 was addressed to the exiles in Babylon. To punish Judah’s sins, God was going to send the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem and the temple and to carry many of the people to Babylon. At this time, Nebuchadnezzar had already carried away some Jews to Babylon (v.1). Jeremiah was sent to offer Hope: to tell them of God’s plan of restoration after 70 years and that He had not totally forsaken them (vv.10-11). His plans for His Chosen People were “for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (NLT). So, what is Hope?

Hope is a beautiful word used by people all over the world. It represents the possibility of a positive outcome, a beacon of light in the darkness. Generally, ‘Hope’ refers to an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Hope as “to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or to be true.” This definition is however based on doubt and uncertainty; expecting something to happen, but not being entirely sure it will – more like a wish. Biblical Hope is different. It is knowing for a fact that the desired outcome will happen.

Hope, in the Bible, is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation. Let’s examine the Hebrew and Greek words for Hope:

The main Hebrew word translated as hope in the Old Testament is “yachal”, meaning to wait or to be patient: “So he WAITED yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore” (Gen.8:12). That was Noah! Samuel instructed King Saul to “wait” for 7 days till he arrived (1Sam.10:8). Job lamented: “What strength do I have, that I should HOPE? (Job 6:11a). Yachal is often associated with waiting on God – His Word, promises or actions: “Though He slays me, I will HOPE in Him.” (Job 13:15). It can infer enduring: “But I will HOPE continually and will praise you yet more and more” (Psa.71:14).

Another Hebrew word for Hope – tiqvah, translates as cord or attachment: “you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window…” (Jos.2:18). Ruth declared: “Turn back, my daughters, go – for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have HOPE, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons” (Ruth 1:12). Psalm 9:18 says, “For the needy shall not always be forgotten; the EXPECTATION of the poor shall not perish forever.” Proverbs 19:18 says, “Chasten your son while there is HOPE, and do not set your heart on his destruction” (Pro.19:18). A related Hebrew word – qavah, means: to wait for, expect, or look eagerly. It describes a feeling of tension and expectation while waiting for something to happen; like pulling a cord tight in a state of tension: “I have WAITED for Your salvation, O Lord” (Gen.49:18).

In the New Testament, ‘Hope’ is from the Greek word elpis, meaning: expectation, trust, and confidence. It comes from the root word elpo, which means to anticipate (with pleasure) and to welcome. Elpis is an expectation of what is guaranteed: “And in His name, the Gentiles will TRUST.” (Mt.12:21). Elpis appears over 50 times in the New Testament and is used in anticipation of future events that are certain to come.  

In both Old and New Testaments, HOPE means to wait for something with expectation and anticipation it will happen; looking towards the future with assurance, often attended by joy and pleasure. The Essence of Hope is Positive Expectation that’s focused on God – on our Lord Jesus.