1. Philippians 1:20 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How do "eager expectation" and "hope" relate to each other?

Philippians 1:20 (ESV)

20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

The two words are grouped together under one article and thus belong together. The first word (apokaradokia), which also appears in Romans 8:19, is very expressive1 It conveys an eager longing (literally: stretching the head far forward), while the second word (elpis) conjures up a serene confidence. There is a strong desire and a quiet assurance in Paul2 that in a negative sense he will not be ashamed in any way, and that in a positive one Christ will be exalted in his body, i.e. through his life on earth.3