2 Corinthians 3:12

Authorized King James Version

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Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

Original Language Analysis

Ἔχοντες that we have G2192
Ἔχοντες that we have
Strong's: G2192
Word #: 1 of 7
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
οὖν Seeing then G3767
οὖν Seeing then
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 2 of 7
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τοιαύτην such G5108
τοιαύτην such
Strong's: G5108
Word #: 3 of 7
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ἐλπίδα hope G1680
ἐλπίδα hope
Strong's: G1680
Word #: 4 of 7
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
πολλῇ great G4183
πολλῇ great
Strong's: G4183
Word #: 5 of 7
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
παῤῥησίᾳ plainness of speech G3954
παῤῥησίᾳ plainness of speech
Strong's: G3954
Word #: 6 of 7
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
χρώμεθα we use G5530
χρώμεθα we use
Strong's: G5530
Word #: 7 of 7
to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow

Analysis & Commentary

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: The conjunction seeing then (Greek echontes oun, ἔχοντες οὖν, "having therefore") connects to the preceding argument. Because Paul possesses such hope (Greek toiautēn elpida, τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα)—the confident expectation that the new covenant is permanent and glorious—he employs great plainness of speech (Greek pollē parrēsia chrōmetha, πολλῇ παρρησίᾳ χρώμεθα, literally "much boldness we use").

The term parrēsia (παρρησία) is crucial, meaning "boldness," "confidence," "frankness," or "freedom of speech." In Greek culture, parrēsia was the right of free citizens to speak openly in the assembly—the opposite of speaking in veils or riddles. Paul's ministry is characterized by open, unveiled proclamation of the gospel, in stark contrast to Moses veiling his face (verse 13). The new covenant minister has nothing to hide because the gospel is not a temporary, fading glory but permanent, transforming truth.

Historical Context

The concept of parrēsia was highly valued in Greek culture, especially in democratic Athens, where free speech was a citizen's privilege. However, in Paul's day under Roman rule, bold speech carried risks, especially for those challenging religious or political authorities. Paul's boldness was not mere bravado but Spirit-empowered confidence grounded in the gospel's truth and power. His opponents likely accused him of being too bold or arrogant; Paul responds that his boldness flows from the hope of the new covenant, not personal presumption.

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