The concept of ἐλπίς (Greek for hope) in Scripture is primarily rooted in what God has done and will do, but human response and character (δοκιμή, "proven character" or "tested virtue") also play an integral role in the deepening and realization of that hope.
Hope Through Proven Character:
Romans 5:3-5 (Greek terms):
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces ὑπομονή (perseverance); and perseverance, δοκιμή (proven character); and δοκιμή, ἐλπίς (hope). Now ἐλπίς does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
In this passage, ἐλπίς (hope) is the result of a process that involves human response to trials. Tribulation produces ὑπομονή (steadfast endurance), which in turn shapes δοκιμή (character), and this tested character strengthens ἐλπίς. However, while our character is developed through ὑπομονή (perseverance), the hope itself is ultimately grounded in God—His love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Hope Anchored in God’s Promises:
Hebrews 6:18-19 (Greek terms):
"...that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the ἐλπίς (hope) set before us. This ἐλπίς we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil."
In this passage, ἐλπίς is described as something that is anchored in God’s unchangeable promises. The believer’s trust in these promises strengthens their ἐλπίς, but it is fundamentally a hope based on what God will do, not something dependent on human effort alone.
Hope in the Hebrew Scriptures:
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for hope is תִּקְוָה (tikvah), which also conveys the idea of expectation and trust in God. For example, Psalm 130:5 (NKJV) states:
"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope (תִּקְוָה, tikvah)."
This demonstrates that tikvah (hope) is always connected to trusting in God’s word and promises. Like ἐλπίς in the Greek, tikvah is grounded in God’s faithfulness.
Hope: A Partnership Between God’s Action and Human Response:
In both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, hope (ἐλπίς and תִּקְוָה) is seen as initiated by God—grounded in His love, faithfulness, and promises (Romans 5:5; Psalm 130:5). However, the process of tribulation, endurance (ὑπομονή), and character-building (δοκιμή) demonstrates that human response—how we endure and how our character is shaped—plays an important role in how deeply we experience and grow in ἐλπίς (hope).
Hope (ἐλπίς / תִּקְוָה) in Scripture is primarily God-given, anchored in His promises and His actions, but the experience and strength of this hope are also shaped by our response—ὑπομονή (perseverance through trials), the formation of δοκιμή (proven character), and our reliance on the Holy Spirit. Therefore, hope is both rooted in God’s actions and deepened through our faithful endurance.
HOPE (elpis, in Paul)
Paul used this term often in several different but related senses. Often it was associated with the consummation of the believer's faith (e.g., 1 Tim. 1:1). This can be expressed as glory, eternal life, ultimate salvation, Second Coming, etc. The consummation is certain, but the time element is future and unknown. Hope was often associated with "faith" and "love" (cf. 1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 2:16). A partial list of some of Paul's uses are:
The Second Coming, Gal. 5:5; Eph. 1:18; 4:4; Titus 2:13
Jesus is our hope, 1 Tim. 1:1 (God is our hope, 1 Tim. 5:5; 1 Pet. 3:5)
The believer to be presented to God, Col. 1:22-23; 1 Thess. 2:19
Hope is laid up in heaven, Col. 1:5
Trust in the gospel, Col. 1:23; 1 Thess. 2:19
Ultimate salvation, Col. 1:5; 1 Thess. 4:13; 5:8
The glory of God, Rom. 5:2, 2 Cor. 3:12; Col. 1:27
The salvation of the Gentiles by Christ, Col. 1:27
Assurance of salvation, 1 Thess. 5:8
Eternal life, Titus 1:2; 3:7
Results of Christian maturity, Rom. 5:2-5
Redemption of all creation, Rom. 8:20-22
Adoption's consummation, Rom. 8:23-25
Title for God, Rom. 15:13
Paul's desire for believers, 2 Cor. 1:7
OT as a guide to NT believers, Rom. 15:4
Utley.
J.
