παρρησία (parrēsia)
parrēsia
boldness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word parrēsia describes a state of speaking freely and without fear, often translated as "boldness" or "confidence." Its etymology combines "all" with "speech," suggesting an unreserved openness that leaves nothing hidden. In the New Testament, this concept appears frequently in Acts and the Gospel of John, where it characterizes the fearless proclamation of the gospel despite opposition, such as when the apostles prayed for boldness to speak God’s word (Acts 4:29). It also describes Jesus’ own ministry, moving from speaking in figures to plain, direct disclosure before his death (John 16:25).
While the term originally denoted political freedom of speech in Greek culture, Scripture broadens its meaning to include spiritual assurance. It is not merely loud talking, but a confident access to God, as seen in Hebrews where believers are invited to approach the throne of grace with parrēsia (Hebrews 4:16). This confidence is rooted in Christ’s work, allowing Christians to stand before God without shame or hesitation, reflecting a deep trust in divine acceptance rather than human merit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word parrēsia carries a weight far heavier than simple loudness. It describes a freedom of speech so complete that nothing is held back, rooted in safety rather than courage alone. In the ancient Greek world, this was a political privilege; in Scripture, it becomes a spiritual inheritance. When Peter and John stood before religious leaders, their observers noted they were "unlearned" yet possessed a striking boldness (Acts 4:13). This was not natural confidence but a divine gift, allowing them to speak God’s word without fear of opposition.
For your daily life, this means you do not need to earn the right to approach God. Hebrews invites us to draw near to the throne of grace with parrēsia (Hebrews 4:16). This boldness is not about arrogance or demanding attention from others. It is the quiet assurance that because of Christ’s work, we are known and accepted fully. We can bring our fears, questions, and needs into the light without hiding parts of ourselves.
This freedom extends to how we share our faith. Paul prayed for boldness to make known the mystery of the Good News (Ephesians 6:19). It is an invitation to live transparently, trusting that God’s grace covers our weaknesses. When you feel small or unsure, remember that this boldness comes from Your relationship with Jesus, not your own strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- boldness12×
- confidence5×
- publicly3×
- openly2×
- public,1×
- public1×
- plainly;1×
- plainly.1×
- plainly1×
- openness1×
- freedom1×
- boldness.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρρησίᾳ11×
- παρρησίαν10×
- παρρησίας4×
- παρρησία2×
- παρρησίᾳ·1×
- παρρησίᾳ.¶1×
- παρρησίᾳ,1×
- παρρησίας.¶1×
Key Verses
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Hebrews 4:16
Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
This verse defines the word as a confident access to God’s mercy, shifting the focus from human performance to divine grace.
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Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.
Here the term highlights how spiritual authority can manifest in ordinary people, startling observers who recognized their connection to Jesus.
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John 16:25
“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
Jesus uses this concept to promise a shift from obscure parables to plain, direct revelation about the Father, emphasizing clarity and intimacy.
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Ephesians 3:12
In him we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.
Paul links boldness directly with access through faith, showing that our confidence in prayer is grounded in Christ’s presence.