Endurance and Hope Compared

In order to better understand the difference and similarities between hope and endurance, we need to look again at the true meaning behind the Greek words elpis (G1680) and hupomonē (G5281).

Hope

The Greek word elpis (G1680) is a confident expectation of good which can be specific or generic. Hope gives a person a sense of trust and confidence in something or someone, regardless of what their senses tell them.

The word elpis (G1680) seems to be more applicable to a person’s attitude as well as their mental and emotional wellbeing. Without elpis (G1680) it would seem that a person would lapse into a state of despair. A lack of elpis (G1680) would seem to be responsible, at least in part, for anxiety and depression. It seems obvious to me that a person could simply not have faith for the fulfilment of a promise without elpis (G1680).

Endurance

The Greek word hupomonē (G5281) means steadfastness, constancy, endurance. These words have a strong emphasis on a person continuing to do something. We can therefore see that hupomonē (G5281) is geared towards action. The need for this kind of endurance would obviously become more apparent the more challenging the circumstances become. Without endurance, a person will give-up on a project or endeavour before it is completed – even if there are negative consequences for doing so.

Hope and Endurance are a Gift

Thankfully, hope and endurance are not something that we do, as such. We do not need to make an effort of the will to have hope and endurance. Hope and endurance are aspects of God’s love, His nature. Therefore, hope and endurance are something that we receive as a free gift, and express freely and effortlessly in our lives – without coercion.

Hope and Endurance are not Separate

Perhaps it is possible for a person to continue in an endeavour if they had hope, but not endurance. But we must consider the fact all of the aspects of God’s love are something that we receive together as a gift – they are not something that we must do and they are not something that we receive separately. I believe that it is not possible to have hope and yet not have endurance and vice-versa.