Romans 8:24
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐσώθημεν·
we are saved
G4982
ἐσώθημεν·
we are saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
4 of 17
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
ἐλπίς·
by hope
G1680
ἐλπίς·
by hope
Strong's:
G1680
Word #:
10 of 17
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
ὃ
what
G3739
ὃ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
15 of 17
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2 Corinthians 5:7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)2 Corinthians 4:18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.1 Peter 1:21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.1 Thessalonians 5:8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.1 Peter 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,Romans 12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;Romans 5:2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Romans 15:13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.Colossians 1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Historical Context
Greek philosophy (especially Stoicism) emphasized resignation to fate; Christian hope emphasizes confident expectation of God's promised future. The Greek elpís could mean uncertain wish; biblical elpís is certain hope grounded in covenant promises and Christ's resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). Hope transforms suffering from meaningless pain to purposeful waiting.
Questions for Reflection
- How is Christian "hope" different from optimism, wishful thinking, or blind faith?
- What specific biblical promises ground your hope—what makes hope certain rather than speculative?
- How does hope sustained by God's promises enable patient endurance through trials?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For we are saved by hope (tē gàr elpídi esṓthēmen)—The dative elpídi could be instrumental ("by hope") or sphere ("in hope"). The aorist esṓthēmen ("we were saved") points to past justification, but salvation includes future glorification. We are saved (past), being saved (present sanctification), and will be saved (future glorification). Hope bridges present reality and future consummation—we possess salvation but await its fullness.
But hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (elpìs blepómenē ouk éstin elpís; hò gàr blépei tis, tí elpízei)—Hope by definition involves the unseen. Once possessed, hope becomes sight. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Christian hope isn't wishful thinking but confident expectation grounded in God's promises, awaiting what is guaranteed but not yet experienced.