What Does the Bible Say About Hope?

Biblical hope isn't wishful thinking — it's confident expectation based on God's character. These verses show what sustained believers through the darkest times.

24 verses·7 eras·15 promises

Exodus (~1400 BC)

I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and break down all the sons of Sheth.
Numbers 24:17· BalaamPromise

Divided Kingdom (~930 BC)

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.
Isaiah 9:2· IsaiahPromise
"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Isaiah 65:17· YahwehPromise
"A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from disobedience in Jacob," says Yahweh.
Isaiah 59:20· YahwehPromise
Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs forth now. Don't you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19· YahwehPromise

Exile (~586 BC)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.
But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31· IsaiahPromise

Life of Jesus (~30 AD)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it.
Jesus, looking at them, said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God."
Mark 10:27· JesusPromise

Early Church (~50 AD)

But now faith, hope, and love remain--these three. The greatest of these is love.
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1· Narrator
It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Acts 2:21· GodPromise
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known.
Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

patriarchs

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth.
While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."
Genesis 8:22· GodPromise
Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes round, and Sarah will have a son."
Genesis 18:14· GodPromise
I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it will be for a sign of a covenant between me and the earth.
Genesis 9:13· GodPromise

United Kingdom (~1000 BC)

Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:4· DavidPromise
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh. By David. A contemplative psalm.
For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh. By David.

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