King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 7:4 Mean?

2 Corinthians 7:4 in the King James Version says “Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful ... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 7:4 · KJV


Context

2

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

3

I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

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.

5

For , when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

6

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of youPollē 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 tribulationPeplērōmai 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I cultivate 'boldness of speech' with fellow believers without sacrificing love and humility?
  2. What does Paul's ability to 'superabound in joy' during affliction reveal about the source and nature of Christian joy?
  3. When I face criticism or conflict in ministry, do I find consolation in people's spiritual progress or in vindication of my reputation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
πολλή1 of 21

Great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

μοι2 of 21

is my

G3427

to me

παῤῥησία3 of 21

boldness of speech

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

πρὸς4 of 21

toward

G4314

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,

ὑμᾶς5 of 21

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

πολλή6 of 21

Great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

μοι7 of 21

is my

G3427

to me

καύχησις8 of 21

glorying

G2746

boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense

ὑπὲρ9 of 21

of

G5228

"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

ὑμῶν·10 of 21

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

πεπλήρωμαι11 of 21

I am filled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τῇ12 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρακλήσει13 of 21

with comfort

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

ὑπερπερισσεύομαι14 of 21

I am exceeding

G5248

to super-abound

τῇ15 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χαρᾷ16 of 21

joyful

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

ἐπὶ17 of 21

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πάσῃ18 of 21

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ19 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θλίψει20 of 21

tribulation

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

ἡμῶν21 of 21

our

G2257

of (or from) us


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 7:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 7:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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