Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding key words like ἐλπίς (elpís) is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and gaining insights into ancient Greek culture. The word ἐλπίς, often translated as “hope,” carries deep theological significance, representing the expectation and confidence that believers place in God’s promises. Its usage in the New Testament highlights the Christian concept of hope, which is not merely wishful thinking but a firm assurance rooted in faith. The concept of ἐλπίς also resonates with broader Greek thought, where hope was often seen as an essential aspect of human experience, influencing literature, philosophy, and religious practices.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐλπίς (elpís) [el-PEES]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb ἐλπίζω (elpízō), meaning “to hope” or “to expect,” which in turn comes from the root word ἔλπω (elpō), meaning “to anticipate” or “to look forward to.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine, third declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Hope: ἐλπίς is most commonly translated as “hope,” signifying a confident expectation of good, particularly in the context of divine promises and eschatological fulfillment.
• Expectation: It also refers to an “expectation,” either positive or negative, depending on the context. In Christian writings, this expectation is predominantly positive, relating to the anticipation of salvation and eternal life.
• Confidence: The word can imply a sense of confidence, especially when it pertains to the believer’s trust in God’s faithfulness and the certainty of His promises.

Similar Words:

• Πίστις (pistis) [PIS-tees]: Meaning “faith” or “belief,” this word is often paired with ἐλπίς in the New Testament, highlighting the close relationship between faith and hope. While πίστις focuses on the act of believing, ἐλπίς emphasizes the expectation that stems from that belief.
• Πεποίθησις (pepoíthēsis) [peh-POY-theh-sees]: Translated as “confidence,” this word shares a conceptual link with ἐλπίς, though it typically conveys a more immediate and assured trust, often in oneself or others, rather than in future expectations.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a third declension noun, ἐλπίς has various forms depending on its grammatical case and number. Its most common form in the New Testament is the nominative singular (ἐλπίς), but it also appears in other forms such as genitive (ἐλπίδος), indicating possession or association.
• Linguistic Features: The root of ἐλπίς, found in both Greek and related Indo-European languages, reflects the universal human experience of hope and expectation. Its consistent usage across different contexts underscores its importance in conveying theologically rich concepts in the New Testament.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐλπίς as “hope,” “expectation,” and “confidence,” with a focus on its use in eschatological contexts, where it expresses the believer’s assurance of future salvation and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes ἐλπίς as “joyful and confident expectation,” particularly in relation to eternal salvation. It highlights the word’s role in shaping the Christian’s perspective on life, death, and the future.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἐλπίς in the context of both Old and New Testament theology, noting its transition from a more general expectation to a specific Christian hope rooted in the resurrection of Christ.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader perspective, listing ἐλπίς as “hope” or “expectation” and noting its occurrence in both secular Greek literature and religious texts, where it often carries connotations of divine favor or intervention.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s defines ἐλπίς as “expectation” or “confidence,” linking it directly to its verb form ἐλπίζω and highlighting its frequent appearances in the New Testament, especially in Pauline epistles.

Scripture References:

• Romans 8:24 – “For in this hope (ἐλπίς) we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes (ἐλπίζει) for what he sees?”
• Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope (ἐλπίς) that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.”
• 1 Peter 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope (ἐλπίς) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐλπίς (G1680: elpís):

The Greek noun ἐλπίς is a foundational term in both classical Greek and New Testament theology, signifying hope, expectation, and confidence. In the New Testament, it is closely tied to the believer’s faith in God and the anticipation of eternal life. Its use in the Bible underscores the certainty of God’s promises and the transformative power of Christian hope. This word, with its rich background in both secular and religious contexts, continues to be a powerful expression of the human experience of hope, making it a key concept in understanding Biblical faith and expectation.

Did You Know?

The word ἐλπίς is not only central to the New Testament but also played a significant role in Greek mythology and philosophy. In Greek mythology, Elpis was the personification of hope, often depicted as the last spirit remaining in Pandora’s box, symbolizing the enduring nature of hope even amidst suffering. This cultural background enriches our understanding of how the New Testament writers used ἐλπίς to convey a hope that is steadfast and anchored in divine promise.