What Does the Bible Say About Hope? 8 Verses and What Each One Means
The main Bible verses about hope are Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 15:13, Psalms 42:11 and Lamentations 3:22-23. Jeremiah 29:11 is the most quoted: it speaks of "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future", and it was written to a people in exile. Romans 15:13 calls God "the God of hope". Psalms 42:11 shows hope as an argument with your own downcast soul. Lamentations 3:22-23 promises mercies that "are new every morning" in the middle of a ruined city. This page collects 8 Bible verses about hope with the full text, the reference and a one-line explanation for each.
Biblical hope is not wishing things will work out. It is the firm expectation that God keeps what He promised, even when the scene says otherwise. Jeremiah wrote about plans of peace for a people in exile; Lamentations speaks of new mercies every morning in the middle of a ruined city; Paul calls God "the God of hope" while writing to persecuted churches. That context matters: the verses of hope were not born on easy days. They are for anyone waiting on a test result, an answer, a reconciliation, a job. Read them like someone holding a rope: what is on the other end does not change, even when the sea is rough. And, if you can, share one with someone who needs a tomorrow today.
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.
Jeremiah 29:11Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.
Psalms 42:11It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his mercies don’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28but 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 40:31This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil,
Hebrews 6:19Behold, Yahweh’s eye is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his loving kindness,
Psalms 33:18
Frequently asked questions
What is the best-known verse about hope?
Jeremiah 29:11: "I know the thoughts that I think toward you... thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future".
Are hope and faith the same thing?
They are sisters. Faith trusts God now; hope looks toward what He promised for the future. Hebrews 11:1 links them: faith is the assurance of things hoped for.
How do I keep hope during a long wait?
Lamentations 3:22-23 suggests a way: count each morning's mercies, one at a time, instead of looking only at what has not arrived yet.
See also
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.