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 7:4KJV
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2 Corinthians 7:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 7:4 mean?

2 Corinthians 7:4 shows Paul expressing deep confidence and pride in the Corinthian believers, saying he is filled with comfort and even feels great joy despite facing many troubles. Paul wants the Corinthians to know how much he values them and how their faith encourages him, even during difficult times.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a group he has both challenged and encouraged in previous letters. Here, he reassures them of his affection and pride, highlighting that his joy and comfort come from seeing their growth and response, not from an easy life. This verse sets the tone for the following section, where Paul explains how their actions have brought him relief in the midst of hardship.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 7:4

  • "Boldness of speech" (παρρησία, parrēsia; G3954) means open, confident, or frank speech. Paul is saying he speaks to them honestly and without holding back, which shows the closeness of their relationship.
  • "Glorying" (καύχησις, kauchēsis; G2746) refers to boasting or taking pride. Paul is not boasting about himself but about the Corinthians, showing he finds joy in their progress.
  • "Comfort" (παράκλησις, paraklēsis; G3874) is often understood as encouragement or consolation. Paul feels supported and uplifted by the Corinthians' response.
  • "Exceeding joyful" (ὑπερπερισσεύομαι τῇ χαρᾷ, hyperperisseuomai tē chara; G5248, G5479) combines the ideas of overflowing and joy. Paul is saying his joy is not just present but abundant, even while he is in "tribulation" (θλῖψις, thlipsis; G2347), meaning distress or trouble.

Why 2 Corinthians 7:4 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians is only critical or strained; he actually feels deep pride and affection for them.
  • Paul’s joy and comfort, even in hardship, highlight how much encouragement he draws from the faith and actions of others, not just from his own circumstances.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of the letter, where Paul balances correction with genuine love and encouragement, modeling honest and caring leadership.

Where else these words appear

“exceeding” Greek G5248 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

“glorying” Greek G2746 · used in 12 verses

  • Romans 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

“comfort” Greek G3874 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

“speech” Greek G3954 · used in 31 verses

  • Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
  • Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
  • 1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.