In Hebrew, Tikvah goes beyond the simple translation of "hope." It symbolizes a cord or rope, a lifeline that connects us to something greater. Just as Rahab’s crimson cord in the Bible secured her family’s future, Tikvah binds us to hope, trust, and faith, even in difficult times. It is a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we are connected to a larger purpose and the promises of God.

What Does Tikvah Mean?

In English, the word Tikvah is translated as "Hope," but in Hebrew, it carries a much deeper and more profound meaning. Tikvah is defined as "a cord, a rope, or a line, meaning to bind." It's not just about the feeling of hope—it's a connection, a lifeline that binds us to Yahweh, something we can hold on to through both good and challenging times.

In a sense, Tikvah is like a cord from heaven—our rescue line and life preserver. It reminds us of our connection to something greater, especially in moments of uncertainty.

A beautiful example comes from Psalm 62:5 (OJB):
"Truly, in Elohim wait silently [in submission], my Nefesh (soul), for my Tikvah (hope) is from Him."

Although the word is often simply translated as "hope," in English, hope is a word that can sometimes feel weak or misunderstood. In Hebrew, however, Tikvah ties into the idea of strength and connection, much like a thread or rope.

One powerful example comes from the book of Joshua, where Rahab uses a crimson cord to secure her family's future: "When we invade the country, you tie this length of crimson cord to the window through which you let us down."
The crimson cord, or Tikvah, was more than just a literal rope—it symbolized Rahab’s hope, the thread connecting her to a better future.

Similarly, Tikvah appears throughout the Bible, offering a sense of hope and connection:

  • Jeremiah 29:11: "For I am mindful of the plans I have made concerning you — declares the Lord — plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a hopeful (Tikvah) future."
  • Proverbs 23:18: "For then you will have a future, and your hope (Tikvah) will never fail."
  • Job 14:7: "There is hope for a tree; If it is cut down, it will renew itself; Its shoots will not cease."

In the same way, we, too, can feel connected to the future through this thread of hope, Tikvah. It symbolizes trust in something larger than ourselves, just as Job expressed in his own trials: "Even though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him." Job understood the deep connection of Tikvah, knowing that God holds the thread of our lives.

Back to blog