The word "hope" used to mean "iron clad confidence," while the current connotation has the meaning of "hopeful uncertainty." The original Greek transliterated elpidzo pictures something secure, solid and immutable. The six cities of refuge described in the book of Joshua depict this kind of security. In the extended metaphor of these cities of refuge, we are the fugitives perpetually on the run, with Christ serving as both the Blood Avenger and the High Priest.