Bible Verse

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” — Romans 5:5

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Who It Was Written To

The believers in Rome—both Jews and Gentiles—who had placed their faith in Christ.

When It Was Written

Around A.D. 57 during Paul’s third missionary journey, likely from Corinth.

Context

Romans 5 is the heart of Paul’s argument about the results of justification by faith (Romans 3–4). After showing that Abraham was justified by faith apart from works, Paul now explains the believer’s new standing in Christ: peace with God, access to grace, and the sure hope of glory (Romans 5:1–2). Verse 5 specifically emphasizes the certainty of this hope—it will not end in disappointment because it rests on God’s love and the Spirit’s work, not human effort.

Phrase-by-Phrase Breakdown

“Now hope does not disappoint”

• The hope Paul speaks of is not a vague wish but a confident expectation rooted in God’s promises.
• Unlike worldly hope, which often fails, this hope is anchored in God’s unchanging character.

“because the love of God”

• God Himself is the source. This is not our love for Him but His divine love toward us.
• It is the ground for our confidence that His promises will be fulfilled.

“has been poured out in our hearts”

• “Poured out” (Greek: ekcheō) conveys lavish abundance—God did not hold back His love.
• It is internal, personal, and experiential, not just theoretical.

“by the Holy Spirit”

• The Spirit is the agent who makes God’s love real in the believer’s life.
• He testifies inwardly that we are loved and secure in Christ (Romans 8:16).
• Ephesians 1:13 says “we are sealed with Holy Spirit of promise. WOW!

“who was given to us”

• The Spirit is not earned; He is a gift of God’s grace.
• Every believer receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation (Ephesians 1:13–14).

Passage Summary

Romans 5:5 reminds us that our hope in Christ will never put us to shame. This hope is not empty—it is backed by the very love of God, personally confirmed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Even in suffering (Romans 5:3–4), believers can rest knowing that God’s promises are sure. His Spirit assures us daily that we are His and that glory awaits us.