Topical Encyclopedia The term "hopefully" is often used in modern language to express a sense of expectation or desire for a particular outcome. While the word itself does not appear in the Bible, the concept of hope is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and theology. In Scripture, hope is not merely wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in faith and the promises of God.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, hope is frequently associated with waiting on the Lord and trusting in His deliverance. The Hebrew word often translated as "hope" is "yachal," which conveys a sense of waiting or enduring patiently. For example, in Psalm 130:5, the psalmist declares, "I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope" . This verse illustrates the intertwining of hope with faith in God's word and timing. The prophets also spoke of hope in the context of God's future plans for His people. Jeremiah 29:11 is a well-known verse where God assures the exiles in Babylon, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope" . Here, hope is linked to God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. New Testament Context In the New Testament, hope takes on a more defined shape through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "elpis" is used to describe this hope, which is both present and future-oriented. The Apostle Paul frequently writes about hope as an essential aspect of the Christian life. In Romans 5:2-5, Paul explains, "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" . This passage highlights the transformative power of hope, which is sustained by the Holy Spirit and rooted in God's love. Hope is also closely tied to the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal life. In 1 Peter 1:3, the apostle writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" . This "living hope" is dynamic and active, offering believers assurance of their future inheritance in Christ. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, hope is a virtue that reflects a believer's trust in God's promises and His sovereign plan. It is both a gift from God and a response to His revelation. Hope is not passive but calls for active engagement in faith and obedience. It sustains believers through trials and challenges, providing a forward-looking perspective that transcends present circumstances. The biblical concept of hope also emphasizes the communal aspect of the Christian faith. Believers are encouraged to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24) and to "encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18), particularly in the context of the hope of Christ's return. Practical Application In practical terms, Christians are called to live hopefully, reflecting the hope they have in Christ in their daily lives. This involves trusting in God's promises, remaining steadfast in trials, and sharing the hope of the gospel with others. As Paul writes in Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" . This verse encapsulates the essence of biblical hope—an overflowing confidence in God's goodness and faithfulness, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Strong's Hebrew 6960a. qavah -- to wait for... root Definition to wait for NASB Word Usage eagerly waits (1), expect (1), expected (3), hope (3), hoped (1), hopefully wait (1), hoping (1), look (1), look ... /hebrew/6960a.htm - 5k Library To Win Souls Requires Wisdom. Public Use of the Version. The Nicene Creed The Apostles' Creed The Athanasian Creed The Soul of Prayer Footnites The Belgic Confession Vocation The Living Word Thesaurus Hopefully (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Hopefully (2 Occurrences). Romans 4:18 Under utterly hopeless circumstances he hopefully believed, so that ... /h/hopefully.htm - 7k Hopeless (4 Occurrences) Numerous (88 Occurrences) Utterly (170 Occurrences) Forefather (33 Occurrences) Equally (21 Occurrences) Megiddon (1 Occurrence) Megiddo (13 Occurrences) Posterity (38 Occurrences) Circumstances (19 Occurrences) Resources Should a church be seeker sensitive? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should a believer do if his or her spouse chooses to live a transgender lifestyle? | GotQuestions.org What is nominalism? What is a nominalist? | GotQuestions.org Hopefully: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hopefully (2 Occurrences)Romans 4:18 Isaiah 49:23 Subtopics Related Terms Circumstances (19 Occurrences) |