![]() We find that meaning in Job 6:20 Psalm 16:9 Psalm 22:9 and Ecclesiastes 9:4. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word batah and its cognates has the meaning of confidence, security, and being without care therefore, the concept of doubt is not part of this word. They say, “I hope so.” However, that is not the meaning of the words usually translated “hope” in the Bible. This is the answer that some may give when asked if they think that they will go to Heaven when they die. For instance, “I hope it will not rain tomorrow.” In addition, the word hope is often followed by the word so. ![]() The word hope in English often conveys doubt. Got Questions explains the difference between the English use of “hope” and the words used in Scripture that are translated as hope: We should contrast the meaning in Scripture with our culture’s superficial and sometimes sinful connotations. This means we must take pains to clarify what Scripture actually means by love, holiness, hope, peace, pleasure, and happiness. They “make love” to someone they barely know. People say they love hamburgers, hairstyles, and YouTube. For example, love is commonly used in superficial ways, as popular music has long demonstrated. When Scripture speaks of peace, hope, justice, and love, it routinely attaches deeper and more Christ-centered meanings to those words than our culture does. To use the same word of hoping it’s a sunny day or that our favorite team wins the game or that the meal we’re cooking turns out well just doesn’t seem like the right word to use of something God has promised to us and purchased for us. However, the word hope historically and biblically means far more than what it has been reduced to today. Scripture offers solid ground for our hope in Christ.Īt times I am troubled when I use the word hope in writing about Heaven, which is why I will sometimes use the phrase “blood-bought hope” or “certain hope.” Yet even then, “certain hope” sounds like I should be using a different word than hope, because if it’s certain, it might seem as if it’s not really hope. We expect a sure thing, purchased on the cross, accomplished and promised by an all-knowing God. To many of us, “hope” sounds wishful and tentative, but biblical hope means to anticipate with trust. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (Romans 8:24–25). ![]() Referencing the coming resurrection, Paul wrote, “For in this hope we were saved. ![]()
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