2 Corinthians 7:4
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
Original Language Analysis
πολλή
Great
G4183
πολλή
Great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 21
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
παῤῥησία
boldness of speech
G3954
παῤῥησία
boldness of speech
Strong's:
G3954
Word #:
3 of 21
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
πρὸς
toward
G4314
πρὸς
toward
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
πολλή
Great
G4183
πολλή
Great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 21
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καύχησις
glorying
G2746
καύχησις
glorying
Strong's:
G2746
Word #:
8 of 21
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense
ὑπὲρ
of
G5228
ὑπὲρ
of
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
9 of 21
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
πεπλήρωμαι
I am filled
G4137
πεπλήρωμαι
I am filled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
11 of 21
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.2 Corinthians 3:12Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:1 Corinthians 1:4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;Philippians 2:17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Historical Context
Paul wrote from Macedonia (v. 5) after fleeing Ephesus following the riot (Acts 19:23-20:1). He experienced both physical danger and emotional anguish over Corinth's response to his letter. Titus's arrival with good news (vv. 6-7) transformed Paul's circumstances from despair to joy—not by removing external tribulation but by confirming internal spiritual victory.
Questions for Reflection
- How can I cultivate 'boldness of speech' with fellow believers without sacrificing love and humility?
- What does Paul's ability to 'superabound in joy' during affliction reveal about the source and nature of Christian joy?
- When I face criticism or conflict in ministry, do I find consolation in people's spiritual progress or in vindication of my reputation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you—Pollē moi parrēsia pros hymas (πολλή μοι παρρησία πρὸς ὑμᾶς, "great is my frank speech toward you"). Parrēsia (παρρησία) means bold, free, fearless speech—a democratic virtue in Athens. Kauchēsis (καύχησις, "boasting/glorying") typically has negative connotations in Paul (fleshly boasting), but here it's justified confidence in God's work in the Corinthians.
I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation—Peplērōmai tē paraklēsei (πεπλήρωμαι τῇ παραϰλήσει, "I have been filled with comfort"). The perfect tense indicates completed action with ongoing results—Titus's report produced lasting consolation. Hyperperisseuomai tē chara (ὑπερπερισσεύομαι τῇ χαρᾷ, "I superabound with joy") is an intensified compound: joy overflowing beyond measure. Remarkably, this occurs epi pasē tē thlipsei hēmōn (ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν, "in all our affliction")—external hardship cannot extinguish joy rooted in spiritual fruit.