Romans 8:24
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for?
American King James Version (AKJV)
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for?
American Standard Version (ASV)
For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth?
Basic English Translation (BBE)
For our salvation is by hope: but hope which is seen is not hope: for who is hoping for what he sees?
Webster's Revision
For we are saved by hope: But hope that is seen, is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
World English Bible
For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees?
English Revised Version (ERV)
For by hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth?
Definitions for Romans 8:24
Clarke's Romans 8:24 Bible Commentary
For we are saved by hope - We are supported and are comfortable in the expectation we have of receiving from the hand of our God all the good we need in the troubles and adversities of this life, and of having our bodies raised from corruption and death at the general resurrection.
Hope that is seen is not hope - As hope signifies the expectation of future good, so it necessarily supposes that the object of it is not seen, i.e. not enjoyed; for to see, in Scripture language, sometimes signifies to enjoy, as in Job 7:7 : Mine eye shall no more See (margin, Enjoy) good. Job 9:25 : My days flee away, and See no good; i.e. enjoy no prosperity. Psalm 50:23 : I will Show the salvation of God: I will give that man to enjoy my salvation who walks uprightly. Matthew 5:8 : Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall See God; that is, they shall enjoy his favor and blessing. See also John 3:36; Hebrews 12:14, and 1 John 3:2. The hope that is seen, that is, enjoyed, is no longer hope, it is fruition: and a man cannot hope for that which he has in his possession.
Barnes's Romans 8:24 Bible Commentary
For we are saved by hope - It cannot be said that hope is the instrument or condition of salvation. Most commentators have understood this as meaning that we have as yet attained salvation only in hope; that we have arrived only to a condition in which we hope for future glory; and that we are in an attitude of waiting for the future state of adoption. But perhaps the word "saved" may mean here simply, we are kept, preserved, sustained in our trials, by hope. Our trials are so great that nothing but the prospect of future deliverance would uphold us; and the prospect is sufficient to enable us to bear them with patience. This is the proper meaning of the word "save"; and it is often thus used in the New Testament; see Matthew 8:25; Matthew 16:25; Mark 3:4; Mark 8:35. The Syriac renders this, "For by hope we live." The Arabic, "We are preserved by hope." Hope thus sustains the soul in the midst of trims, and enables it to bear them without a complaint.
But hope that is seen - Hope is a complex emotion, made up of an earnest desire, and an expectation of obtaining an object. It has reference, therefore, to what is at present unseen. But when the object is seen, and is in our possession, it cannot be said to be an object of hope. The Word hope here means the object of hope, the thing hoped for.
What a man seeth - The word "seeth" is used here in the sense of possessing, or enjoying. What a man already possesses, he cannot be said to hope for.
Why - How. What a man actually possesses, how can he look forward to it with anticipation?
Wesley's Romans 8:24 Bible Commentary
8:24 For we are saved by hope - Our salvation is now only in hope. We do not yet possess this full salvation.