παρρησιάζομαι (parrēsiazomai)
parrēsiazomai
to preach boldly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb parrēsiadzomai describes speaking with boldness and openness, free from fear or concealment. It appears eight times in the New Testament, primarily in Acts, where it characterizes the apostles’ fearless proclamation of the gospel despite opposition. In passages like Acts 9:27-28 and 13:46, the word highlights a confident declaration that does not shy away from controversy or danger.
Its root lies in parrēsia, meaning "freedom of speech" or "openness." The action implies more than just loud volume; it suggests transparency and integrity in communication. As seen in Acts 14:3 and 19:8, this bold speaking is often linked to persistent teaching in public spaces. The term also appears in Ephesians 6:20 and 1 Thessalonians 2:2, where Paul requests or describes his own ministry as conducted with such unreserved honesty before God and people.
Translators typically render parrēsiadzomai as "speak boldly" or "preach boldly," capturing the courage inherent in the act. This usage distinguishes it from mere verbal expression, emphasizing instead a Spirit-empowered assurance that compels the speaker to share truth openly, regardless of the audience’s reaction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about the apostles preaching boldly, it is easy to feel a gap between their courage and our own hesitation. The Greek word parrēsiadzomai captures this spirit: it means speaking with openness and freedom, without hiding the truth out of fear of people. This boldness was not natural confidence but a Spirit-empowered assurance that compelled them to share the gospel regardless of the cost.
In Acts 14:3, Luke notes that while they spoke boldly, the Lord testified to the word of his grace. This reminds us that our task is faithful proclamation, not controlling the outcome. God often grants signs and wonders or opens hearts in ways we cannot predict. We are invited to trust that our honest sharing of truth is never in vain.
Paul’s request in Ephesians 6:20 to speak boldly even while chained shows that circumstances do not limit this freedom. Whether in conflict or calm, the call remains to declare the Good News with integrity. This word encourages us to pray for that same transparency, trusting God to use our honest words to touch others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we had boldness1×
- using boldness1×
- to speak boldly1×
- speaking boldly1×
- he was speaking boldly1×
- he had spoken boldly1×
- I may be bold1×
- Having spoken boldly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπαρρησιάσατο1×
- ἐπαρρησιάζετο1×
- ἐπαρρησιασάμεθα1×
- παρρησιάσωμαι1×
- παρρησιάζεσθαι1×
- παρρησιασάμενοί1×
- παρρησιαζόμενος1×
- παρρησιαζόμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 14:3
Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
This verse links bold speaking directly to the Lord’s testimony through signs and wonders, showing that courage is accompanied by divine validation.
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Acts 26:26
For the king knows of these things, to whom also I speak freely. For I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner.
Paul uses this concept to argue that his message was public and transparent, not hidden in secret, appealing to King Agrippa’s own knowledge.
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Ephesians 6:20
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Here Paul identifies himself as an ambassador in chains who must still speak boldly, highlighting that physical imprisonment cannot silence the gospel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does parrēsiadzomai mean in the New Testament?
How is parrēsiadzomai different from just speaking loudly?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
Acts 6 verses
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and…
Acts 13:46Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since…
Acts 14:3Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting…
Acts 18:26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained…
Acts 19:8He entered into the synagogue and spoke boldly for a period of three months, reasoning and persuading about the things…
Acts 26:26For the king knows of these things, to whom also I speak freely. For I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden…