In Spanish and in Hebrew, there is a verb that can be translated three ways into English—wait, hope, or expect.
While each of those three words has their own nuances or unique connotations, let’s think about how much greater our hope would be if we wait, hope, and expect in the Lord.
Micah 7:7 gives a good example of all three concepts in the same verse:
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
If we watch in hope, we expect that his promises will be fulfilled. We wait, not knowing the time-frame, but expecting with hope.
What a blessing!
Now, let’s look at two more verses, inserting the three possible translations for new insight.
Those who wait, hope, and expect in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
Be strong and take heart, all you who wait, hope, and expect in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)