NAS Word Usage – Total: 54

1. expectation of evil, fear
2. expectation of good, hope
   1. in the Christian sense
      1. joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation
3. on hope, in hope, having hope
   1. the author of hope, or he who is its foundation
   2. the thing hoped for

The Linguistic Roots of Elpis

To understand Elpis, we must first consider its etymological roots. The word “Elpis” (ἐλπίς) is a noun in ancient Greek, and its verb form is “elpizo” (ἐλπίζω), which means “to hope” or “to expect.” In classical Greek literature, Elpis was often associated with expectations of the future, both positive and negative. However, its meaning sharpens and becomes more focused when we consider its usage in the New Testament.

Elpis in Classical Greek Literature

Before diving into its biblical usage, it’s helpful to understand how Elpis was used in ancient Greek culture. In works by poets and philosophers like Homer and Plato, Elpis is often depicted as an ambiguous, sometimes even unreliable expectation. For instance, in Greek mythology, the story of Pandora’s box ends with Elpis being the last item remaining after all the evils had been released. This paints a nuanced picture of hope, suggesting a complex relationship between hope and human suffering.

Elpis in the Old Testament (Septuagint)

Interestingly, the Old Testament, which is primarily written in Hebrew, features the word Elpis through its Greek translation known as the Septuagint. The Hebrew equivalent of Elpis is “Tikvah,” which also conveys hope but has a more anchored sense of waiting and expectation.

For example, in Jeremiah 29:11, where God declares, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope (Tikvah) and a future,” the word Elpis is used in the Septuagint. This signifies not just a passive wish but an active anticipation grounded in trust in God’s promises.

Elpis in the New Testament

The New Testament provides the richest context for understanding Elpis in relation to the Christian faith. Elpis is used multiple times across various books, particularly in the writings of Paul.

1. Romans 5:5

One of the most significant verses that feature Elpis is Romans 5:5, which states: “And hope (Elpis) does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Here, hope is intertwined with God’s love and the work of the Holy Spirit, suggesting that it is not a mere human longing but a divine assurance.

1. 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Another important instance is 1 Thessalonians 4:13, where Paul tells the Thessalonian believers, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope (Elpis).” Paul emphasizes that this hope differentiates believers from others, providing them with comfort even in the face of death.

1. Hebrews 11:1

While the exact word Elpis does not appear directly in Hebrews 11:1, the concept is present: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse underscores that hope and faith are intrinsically linked, where hope is an aspect of the broader framework of faith.

Elpis and Christian Theology

In Christian theology, Elpis is more than just a hopeful feeling; it is a foundational aspect of faith in God. This hope is specifically oriented towards God’s promises, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the eternal life granted through Him. Unlike the uncertain hope depicted in classical Greek literature, the biblical Elpis is a confident expectation based on the reliability of God.

1. Eschatological Hope

Eschatological hope refers to the ultimate future that Christians look forward to, including the second coming of Christ and the new heavens and new earth described in Revelation. This hope is grounded in the belief that God will fulfill His promises and bring about a perfect, eternal kingdom.

1. Present Assurance

While Elpis certainly has a future dimension, it also serves as a present assurance. This is vividly illustrated in passages like 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.” Here, Elpis is as much about present experience as it is about future expectation.

The Role of Elpis in the Life of a Christian

Knowing what Elpis means in Greek in the context of the Bible changes how Christians perceive not just hope itself, but their entire walk of faith. Elpis encourages believers to live with a sense of divine expectation, influencing their daily lives and spiritual practices.

1. Encouragement in Trials

One of the primary roles of Elpis is to provide encouragement during difficult times. When believers face trials, setbacks, or sufferings, the hope grounded in God’s promises enables them to persevere.

1. Motivation for Righteous Living

Elpis also motivates Christians to live righteously. The expectation of Christ’s return and the establishment of God’s kingdom inspires believers to pursue holiness and act in love towards others.

1. Community and Evangelism

The shared hope among believers strengthens community bonds and inspires evangelism. Believers are motivated to share this hope with others, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope (Elpis) that you have.”

Conclusion

So, what does Elpis mean in Greek in the context of the Bible? Elpis represents a profound and assured hope in God’s promises, one that underpins the entirety of Christian belief and practice. Unlike the uncertain and sometimes tenuous hope seen in classical Greek thought, the biblical Elpis is a confident expectation, anchored in the faithfulness of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Understanding this transforms how one reads the Bible, lives out their faith, and interacts with the world. The biblical Elpis is not just a distant, future hope but a present reality that shapes and sustains the lives of believers every day.