2 Corinthians 7:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Great {G4183} is my {G3427} boldness of speech {G3954} toward {G4314} you {G5209}, great {G4183} is my {G3427} glorying {G2746} of {G5228} you {G5216}: I am filled {G4137} with comfort {G3874}, I am exceeding {G5248} joyful {G5479} in {G1909} all {G3956} our {G2257} tribulation {G2347}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that I am very confident in you; that I am very proud of you; that you have filled me with encouragement; and that in spite of all our troubles, I am overflowing with joy.

Berean Standard Bible

Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.

American Standard Version

Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying on your behalf: I am filled with comfort, I overflow with joy in all our affliction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul expresses profound relief and overflowing joy to the Corinthian church, declaring his renewed confidence and pride in them. This emotional outpouring comes after a period of strained relations, now mended by the Corinthians' repentance and obedience, demonstrating that even amidst his own widespread tribulations, Paul's greatest comfort and exultation derived from the spiritual well-being and faithfulness of the believers he served.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in 2 Corinthians, marking a significant shift in tone from the preceding chapters. Paul has been defending his apostleship and ministry, addressing the pain caused by a previous "severe letter" (likely an unpreserved letter or a section of 1 Corinthians) and the subsequent sorrow felt by both himself and the Corinthians. Chapters 1-6 detail Paul's suffering and his steadfast commitment to the gospel, often contrasting his genuine ministry with that of false apostles. In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul recounts his anxiety in Macedonia awaiting news from Titus about the Corinthians' response to his previous letter. Verse 4, therefore, bursts forth as an expression of immense relief and joy, confirming that Titus's report was overwhelmingly positive, signifying reconciliation and the restoration of their relationship. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent appeals for generosity in giving (chapters 8-9) and his further defense against detractors (chapters 10-13).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church was complex and often tumultuous. Corinth was a major Roman port city, a melting pot of cultures and philosophies, and its church reflected many of these societal challenges, including divisions, immorality, and challenges to apostolic authority. Paul had invested deeply in this community, establishing the church during his second missionary journey (Acts 18) and enduring significant opposition there. The "severe letter" and the subsequent period of anxiety underscore the high stakes of this relationship for Paul, both personally and apostolically. In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and public speaking ("boldness of speech") were highly valued, and Paul's ability to speak openly and confidently to the Corinthians, rather than with guardedness or accusation, signaled a restored honor and trust. His "glorying" in them was not self-aggrandizement but a public commendation, a significant social gesture affirming their worth and spiritual progress.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of **reconciliation and restoration**, demonstrating the profound joy that accompanies the mending of broken relationships within the Christian community, as Paul also emphasizes in [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - The Ministry of Reconciliation"). It also underscores **joy amidst suffering**, portraying Paul's capacity to experience overflowing gladness even while enduring "all our tribulation," a testament to the supernatural comfort of God that transcends circumstances, echoing sentiments found in [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Suffering"). Furthermore, it exemplifies **apostolic care and affirmation**, revealing Paul's deep pastoral heart and how the spiritual health and obedience of his converts were a primary source of his comfort and strength, serving as a powerful affirmation of the fruit of his labor and the importance of mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **boldness of speech (Greek, _parrhēsía'_):** From G3954, meaning "all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance." Paul's declaration of "great boldness of speech" signifies a restored freedom and confidence in his communication with the Corinthians. This is not merely a lack of fear, but an open, unhindered, and honest interaction, indicating that the previous tension and need for guardedness have dissipated. It suggests a renewed, transparent relationship built on trust.
* **glorying (Greek, _kaúchēsis'_):** From G2746, meaning "boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense." Here, Paul's "glorying" in the Corinthians is used in a positive sense, reflecting his profound satisfaction, exultation, and pride in their spiritual progress and obedience. It is a commendation that validates their repentance and renewed commitment, highlighting the deep joy an apostle or spiritual leader finds in the fruit of their labor.
* **tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From G2347, meaning "pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble." This word describes the intense external pressures, afflictions, and distresses that characterized Paul's apostolic ministry. The fact that his joy "exceeds" even "all our tribulation" underscores the profound nature of the comfort and joy he received from the Corinthians' news, demonstrating a spiritual reality that transcends physical hardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Great is my boldness of speech toward you":** Paul asserts a profound and unhindered freedom in his communication with the Corinthian believers. The word "great" (G4183, _polýs_) emphasizes the extent of this boldness. This indicates a significant restoration of trust and openness, allowing Paul to speak frankly and confidently without reservation or fear of misunderstanding, a stark contrast to the strained relations that preceded this moment.
* **"great is my glorying of you":** Following his restored freedom of speech, Paul expresses immense pride and exultation in the Corinthians. This "glorying" (G2746, _kaúchēsis_) is not a self-serving boast but a heartfelt commendation, celebrating their positive response to his previous challenging letter. It highlights his deep satisfaction in their spiritual growth, repentance, and renewed obedience, affirming their worth and the fruit of his apostolic ministry among them.
* **"I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation":** This final clause reveals the profound impact of the news from Corinth on Paul's emotional and spiritual state. Despite the constant "tribulation" (G2347, _thlîpsis_)—the pressures and afflictions he consistently faced in ministry—Paul declares himself "filled with comfort" (G3874, _paráklēsis_) and "exceeding joyful" (G5248, _hyperperisseúō_ and G5479, _chará_). The "exceeding" (G5248, _hyperperisseúō_) emphasizes an overflowing, super-abundant joy that transcends and even outweighs the sum total of his sufferings, directly stemming from the spiritual health and obedience of the Corinthian church.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Juxtaposition** in this verse, powerfully contrasting his internal state of "comfort" and "exceeding joy" with the external reality of "all our tribulation." This stark contrast highlights the supernatural nature of Christian joy, which is not dependent on favorable circumstances but can flourish even amidst intense suffering. Furthermore, the use of **Hyperbole** in "great is my boldness" and "great is my glorying," combined with "exceeding joyful," emphasizes the overwhelming magnitude of Paul's positive emotions, underscoring the depth of his relief and delight in the Corinthians' spiritual turnaround.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the profound connection between pastoral care, mutual encouragement, and spiritual resilience. Paul's joy is not derived from personal ease or worldly success, but from the spiritual well-being of those he serves. This highlights a core theological truth: true Christian comfort and joy often spring from seeing God's transformative work in others, even amidst one's own trials. It underscores the communal nature of faith, where the health of one part of the body deeply affects the whole, and where genuine repentance and reconciliation bring profound spiritual refreshment to all involved. This dynamic demonstrates that the kingdom of God advances not by the absence of tribulation, but by the presence of God's Spirit enabling believers to respond faithfully, bringing comfort and joy that transcend earthly circumstances.

* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Tribulation")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")
* [1 Thessalonians 3:7-9](/1_thessalonians/3-7-9 "1 Thessalonians 3:7-9 - Paul's Comfort in the Thessalonians' Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians 7:4 offers a powerful template for navigating human relationships and personal suffering within the Christian life. It teaches us that authentic joy and profound comfort are often found not in the absence of hardship, but in the midst of it, particularly when we witness God's redemptive work in the lives of others. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that rejoices in the spiritual growth and faithfulness of our fellow believers, recognizing that their progress can be a significant source of strength and encouragement for us, even in our own "tribulations." It also reminds us of the immense value of genuine reconciliation; the mending of strained relationships, marked by frankness and forgiveness, brings a deep sense of relief and renewed confidence that revitalizes both individuals and communities. Our capacity for joy, like Paul's, is rooted not in external perfection but in an internal, Spirit-empowered perspective that sees God's hand at work, transforming sorrow into comfort and affliction into overflowing gladness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced comfort or joy in your own "tribulation" by witnessing the spiritual growth or faithfulness of others?**
* **Are there any strained relationships in your life where seeking "boldness of speech" (frank, honest communication) and reconciliation could lead to renewed comfort and joy?**
* **How can you more intentionally celebrate the spiritual progress of those around you, allowing their growth to be a source of encouragement for your own faith journey?**
* **What does Paul's example teach us about the nature of true Christian joy, especially when circumstances are difficult?**

### FAQ
**What was the "tribulation" Paul refers to in this verse?**

Answer: Paul's "tribulation" (Greek, _thlîpsis_) refers to the constant and intense pressures, afflictions, and persecutions he faced throughout his apostolic ministry. As documented extensively in his letters, particularly in [2 Corinthians 11:23-29](/2_corinthians/11-23-29 "2 Corinthians 11:23-29 - Paul's Sufferings"), this included physical hardships like beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and sleepless nights, as well as emotional and spiritual burdens such as anxiety for all the churches. In the immediate context of 2 Corinthians 7, Paul had been experiencing significant anxiety while awaiting news from Titus regarding the Corinthian church's response to his previous "severe letter" ([2 Corinthians 2:12-13](/2_corinthians/2-12-13 "2 Corinthians 2:12-13 - Paul's Anxiety in Troas")). Thus, "all our tribulation" encompasses both his ongoing ministerial hardships and the specific emotional distress related to the Corinthian situation.

**How did the Corinthians' response bring Paul such comfort and joy?**

Answer: The Corinthians' positive response, specifically their genuine sorrow leading to repentance and renewed obedience, brought Paul immense comfort and joy because it validated his apostolic ministry and healed a deeply strained relationship. Paul had sent a "severe letter" to address serious issues within the church, and he was deeply anxious about their reaction. When Titus brought news of their repentance, their affirmation of Paul's authority, and their renewed commitment to Christ, it meant that his difficult pastoral intervention had been successful. This outcome assured Paul that his labor was not in vain, that the church was spiritually healthy, and that their fellowship was restored, which for him, as a devoted spiritual father, was a profound source of relief and spiritual exhilaration. This is further elaborated in [2 Corinthians 7:8-11](/2_corinthians/7-8-11 "2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Leading to Repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 7:4 speaks to Paul's personal experience of comfort and joy amidst tribulation, it ultimately points to the greater reality of Christ, who is the ultimate source and embodiment of such paradoxical triumph. Paul's "boldness of speech" echoes the perfect _parrhesia_ of Christ, who spoke truth openly and fearlessly, even unto death, as seen in His unwavering testimony before Pilate ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingship")). Paul's "glorying" in the Corinthians, the fruit of his labor, reflects the joy of Christ, who "for the joy set before him endured the cross" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")), finding ultimate satisfaction in the salvation and sanctification of His people. Most profoundly, Paul's experience of "comfort" and "exceeding joy in all our tribulation" is a direct participation in the very nature of Christ, who, though "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), ultimately triumphed over sin and death, offering true and lasting comfort to His followers through the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). Paul's joy in the Corinthians' repentance foreshadows the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents ([Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over Repentant Sinners")), revealing Christ as the one who transforms human brokenness into divine reconciliation and fills His people with an overflowing, Spirit-given joy that transcends all earthly suffering.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who 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 3:12

¶ Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

Philippians 2:17

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

1 Corinthians 1:4

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

Colossians 1:24

Who 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:

James 1:2

¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

2 Corinthians 1:14

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.