Hope is what keeps a person going when circumstances say quit. The Bible doesn't offer wishful thinking — "I hope it works out." Biblical hope is confident expectation resting on what God has promised and already done. Here are the verses to hold on to, grouped by what you need them for.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Hope that starts with being born again
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3
Christian hope isn't a mood. It's anchored to an event: Jesus rose from the dead. Because the tomb is empty, the worst thing is never the last thing. That's why Peter calls it a living hope (see What It Means To Be Reborn).
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.
Hebrews 6:19
Hope when you're discouraged
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:11
Notice the psalmist talks to his own soul. Sometimes hope means preaching the truth to yourself instead of listening to your feelings.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:22–24
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
Hope for your future
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
God first spoke these words to Israelites in exile in Babylon, and He told them it would be seventy years before they returned (Jeremiah 29:10). So it isn't a promise of instant comfort. But it does show what God is like: even in exile, His plans for His people were good.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Hope while you wait
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:24–25
Waiting is where hope is tested and grown. For more, read How To Wait On God.
Hope in suffering
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3–5
Paul doesn't say suffering is good. He says God uses it — and that hope built through suffering doesn't disappoint (see Why Does God Allow Suffering?).
The final hope
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Biblical hope isn't “I hope so.” It's “I know so — because He rose.”
How to use these verses
- Pick one verse for this week, not ten.
- Write it where you'll see it — phone lock screen, mirror, dashboard.
- Pray it back to God. "God of hope, fill me with joy and peace as I trust You" (Romans 15:13).
- Say it out loud when discouragement speaks, like the psalmist did (Psalm 42:11).
- Share it with someone else who needs hope today.
If you're feeling hopeless right now, you're not alone and you don't have to carry it by yourself. Talk to someone you trust. In Canada and the U.S., call or text 9-8-8 any time, or call 911 in an emergency. Our page for when you feel hopeless has more help.
Every verse quoted across the site, organised so you can find what you need.
Common questions
What is the best Bible verse about hope?
Romans 15:13 is a favourite: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” 1 Peter 1:3 grounds that hope in Jesus' resurrection.
What does hope mean in the Bible?
In Scripture, hope is confident expectation of what God has promised. It isn't uncertain wishing; it is anchored in God's character and in the resurrection of Jesus (1 Peter 1:3; Hebrews 6:19).
Is Jeremiah 29:11 a promise for me?
It was first spoken to Israelites in exile, who were told they would wait seventy years (Jeremiah 29:10). It is not a promise of instant comfort, but it reveals God's good intentions toward His people, which Christians also hold on to (Romans 8:28).
What verse gives hope in suffering?
Romans 5:3–5 says suffering produces endurance, character and hope, and that hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts. Revelation 21:4 promises a day with no more tears or pain.