We have this hope

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Hebrews 6:18-19, NLT
"...we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls."

Now here is an interesting thing. Hebrews is written in Greek and the Greek word for hope is elpizo which means to anticipate with pleasure and to welcome. The Hebrew definition of hope is very similar. In Hebrew the word is tikvah which means expectation but also extends to mean cord or rope because the root word for tikvah means to bind.

Which means ‘hope’ in this context is not a vague wish or longing. It’s much stronger than that. It’s not: “Oh, I hope everything will be all right.” No! It’s: “Oh, I anticipate, I expect that it will be well!” Hear the difference?

Now the Hebrew audience will most likely have known both Greek and Hebrew words - they were after all Jews living in a world in which Greek was the common language. So, imagine hearing this verse as one of the Hebrews:

The NLT says: “We hold to the hope that lies before us…” but the Hebrews’ understanding would have been nearer to “We are bound, tied to, roped to expectation. We can anticipate with pleasure.”  

The changed emphasis from “we hold” to “we are bound” would have been helpful to a people facing persecution. And it helps us, too - particularly if we’re facing challenges and feel like we just can’t keep going any longer. Because moving from “we hold” to “we are bound” reminds us exactly who it is who has done the anchoring - Jesus! It also means our capacity to hold on isn’t reliant on the strength of our grip; it is reliant on his.  

Our souls can be anchored in expectation because God has given us both his promise and his oath and Jesus has bound us to himself - for eternity.

Until next time

Lx