Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words can significantly deepen one’s comprehension of the New Testament. The word ἐλπίζω (elpízō), often translated as “to hope” or “to trust,” is particularly significant in this context. It plays a crucial role in expressing the theological concepts of faith, expectation, and reliance on God. This word is not only central to New Testament theology but also reflects broader themes in ancient Greek culture, where hope was often connected to human expectations of the gods or the future.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐλπίζω (elpízō) [el-PEE-zoh]
• Etymology: The root of ἐλπίζω is ἐλπίς (elpis), which means “hope” or “expectation.” It may have originally referred to anticipation of something positive or desirable.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Primary Active Verb, present tense, indicative mood)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To Hope: ἐλπίζω primarily means “to hope” in the sense of looking forward to something with confidence or expectation.
• To Trust: It can also mean “to trust” or “to rely on” someone or something, often used in the context of faith in God or reliance on divine promises.
• To Expect: Another nuance of ἐλπίζω is “to expect,” particularly in the sense of anticipating a particular outcome or event.

Similar Words:

• πιστεύω (pisteuō) [pis-TEH-oh]: Translated as “to believe” or “to have faith,” this word is often used in conjunction with ἐλπίζω, but while pisteuō emphasizes belief, ἐλπίζω focuses more on the hopeful expectation that comes from belief.
• θαρσέω (tharseō) [thar-SEH-oh]: Meaning “to be of good courage,” this word conveys a sense of confidence that complements the hopeful expectation of ἐλπίζω.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐλπίζω is a regular verb in Greek, following the standard pattern of conjugation. It is often found in the present indicative, emphasizing a continuous or habitual action of hoping or trusting.
• Linguistic Features: The verb’s root, ἐλπίς, is a common noun in Greek, and the transition to the verb form ἐλπίζω allows for a dynamic expression of the action of hoping or trusting, making it a versatile word in both classical and Biblical contexts.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG lists ἐλπίζω as primarily meaning “to hope,” “to expect,” or “to trust.” The lexicon emphasizes its usage in both secular Greek literature and the New Testament, noting the word’s significance in expressing confidence in God’s promises.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon explains ἐλπίζω as “to hope” or “to trust,” particularly in the context of Christian faith. It underscores the idea that this hope is not a mere wish but a confident expectation based on divine assurance.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary connects ἐλπίζω with the noun ἐλπίς, highlighting the theological implications of hope in the New Testament, where it often refers to the believer’s expectation of future salvation and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon details ἐλπίζω in both classical and Hellenistic contexts, noting its use in general Greek literature to express anticipation, expectation, and sometimes even fear, depending on the context.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐλπίζω as “to expect” or “to hope,” emphasizing its frequent occurrence in the New Testament, particularly in Pauline epistles, where it conveys a strong sense of confident reliance on God’s faithfulness.

Scripture References:

• Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (ἐλπίζω).”
• 1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope (ἐλπίζω) fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
• 1 Timothy 4:10 – “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope (ἐλπίζω) set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐλπίζω (G1679: elpízō):

The Greek verb ἐλπίζω holds a significant place in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, denoting hope, expectation, and trust. In the New Testament, it frequently conveys the believer’s confident anticipation of God’s promises, making it a central term in Christian theology. The word’s usage in various contexts, both secular and sacred, highlights its versatility and depth, allowing it to express a wide range of human emotions and spiritual states. Understanding ἐλπίζω deepens our appreciation for the language of hope and trust that permeates the New Testament, reflecting both the human experience and the divine assurance of faith.

Did You Know?

The word ἐλπίζω is closely related to ἐλπίς (elpis), the Greek word for “hope.” In classical mythology, Elpis was the personification of hope, often depicted as the last spirit remaining in Pandora’s box after all the evils had been released into the world. This connection underscores the enduring nature of hope, even in the face of adversity, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament.