Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 3:12
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while concluding his comparison of the fading Mosaic ministry with the permanent ministry of the Spirit. He speaks this statement immediately after establishing that the new covenant's glory outshines the old.
The words — The Greek παρρησία (parrēsia) literally denotes boldness or open speech, paired with the verb χρώμεθα (chrōmetha) meaning "we use" or "we exercise." Paul grounds this boldness in the hope (ἐλπίδα, elpida) that belongs to the enduring covenant.
The thread — The text's emphasis on bold confidence recurs in 2 Corinthians 7:4, where Paul describes his great confidence and pride in the church. The New Testament similarly ties this boldness to proclaiming the gospel (Ephesians 6:19) and speaking plainly without figurative speech (John 16:29).
Why it lands — The text requires readers to anchor their confidence in the permanence of the new covenant rather than in temporary religious systems. It demands unshielded, direct engagement with God's work instead of relying on visible symbols or fading traditions.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.
- Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
- John 16:29 His disciples said, “See, now You are speaking plainly and without figures of speech.
- Acts 4:13 When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.
- Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
- John 10:24 So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
- John 16:25 I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
- Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,
- Acts 9:27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.
- Acts 9:29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.