People have used the word “hope” since as early as the tenth century B.C.E! Its first recorded use is in the Old Testament book of Psalms. (Bible Hub Timeline of the book of Psalms) In its original context, “hope” meant to put trust in, or to wait on something or someone. It referred to something definite and sure. Hope carried a connotation of comfort and confident reassurance. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior, and my God.” Psalm 42:5 NIV
In modern times, we use the word in similar ways. One example is the famous poster of Barack Obama in red, white, and blue, with the word HOPE in bold. The poster demonstrates how Barack Obama represented the hope Black Americans put in a future where people of any race could become president.
Hope is also used in inspirational quote posters or Instagram posts. They say things like, “There is always hope!” or “Keep hoping for the best!”
On the contrary, there are some ways we use the word today that are different from how our ancestors used it. Recently, the word lost its confident connotation. There is more uncertainty attached to it.
I often talk about hoping the lines at the school cafeteria aren’t long at lunch. I’ve heard friends talk about how they hope they see their crush or that they hope their crush didn’t see them in a vulnerable moment. In these examples, there is an implied layer of doubt. I don’t know if the lines will be long at Taos, and there is no way for my friends to know when they’ll interact with their crush. (Unless of course they finally decide to talk to him!)
Personally, I’ve used both definitions of the word. In religious contexts, such as Bible study, I might say something about “my hope being in the Lord” or “hoping for Him to return.” In everyday life, I use the more casual connotation of the word. For example, I hope you enjoyed this post and have a great rest of your day.
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