from πᾶς and a derivative of ῥέω; all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance:--bold (X -ly, -ness, -ness of speech), confidence, X freely, X openly, X plainly(-ness).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **parrhēsía**, represented by `{{G3954}}`, defines "all out-spokenness," a term that encompasses frankness, bluntness, and publicity. By implication, it also denotes assurance and confidence. It appears 31 times across 31 unique verses in the Bible, and its application ranges from the manner of public speech to the internal confidence a believer possesses in their relationship with God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3954}}` is used in several key ways. It describes the open and plain manner of Jesus' teaching, who declared, "I spake **openly** to the world" [[John 18:20]] and spoke his sayings **openly** [[Mark 8:32]]. This directness was later recognized by his disciples [[John 16:29]]. The term also signifies the courage of the apostles, whose **boldness** was a clear sign they had been with Jesus [[Acts 4:13]]. Filled with the Holy Ghost, they "spake the word of God with **boldness**" [[Acts 4:31]]. Furthermore, it expresses the believer's assurance before God, granting the **confidence** to approach His will [[1 John 5:14]] and to "come **boldly** unto the throne of grace" [[Hebrews 4:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of confident and open speech:
* `{{G153}}` **aischýnomai** (to feel shame): This term often appears as the opposite of the confidence expressed by `{{G3954}}`. The goal of a believer is to have **boldness** so that in nothing they "shall be **ashamed**" [[Philippians 1:20]], and to have **confidence** so as not to be **ashamed** before Him at His coming [[1 John 2:28]].
* `{{G1680}}` **elpís** (hope): The assurance of `{{G3954}}` is explicitly linked to a believer's **hope**. Scripture instructs believers to "hold fast the **confidence** and the rejoicing of the **hope** firm unto the end" [[Hebrews 3:6]].
* `{{G4006}}` **pepoíthēsis** (reliance, trust): This word appears alongside `{{G3954}}` to describe the nature of a believer's access to God. Through Christ, we have **boldness** and access with **confidence** by faith [[Ephesians 3:12]].
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk, i.e. utter words): This verb describes the act of speaking that is often qualified by `{{G3954}}`. Jesus "spake that saying **openly**" [[Mark 8:32]], and the early church "spake the word of God with **boldness**" [[Acts 4:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3954}}` is significant, defining a believer's new standing in Christ.
* **Confidence in Access:** Based on the work of Jesus, believers have **boldness** to enter into the holiest [[Hebrews 10:19]]. This is not a fearful approach but one where we are invited to "come **boldly** unto the throne of grace" to find help [[Hebrews 4:16]].
* **Empowerment for Witness:** `{{G3954}}` is a Spirit-given courage for proclaiming the gospel. The early church prayed for it [[Acts 4:29]], and Paul's ministry in Rome was characterized by teaching with "all **confidence**" [[Acts 28:31]].
* **Assurance in Judgment:** The term describes the believer's status on the day of judgment. When love is made perfect, we have **boldness** for that day [[1 John 4:17]], a **confidence** that ensures we will not be ashamed at His coming [[1 John 2:28]].
* **Clarity of Revelation:** The word marks Jesus' shift from speaking in proverbs to revealing truths about the Father **plainly** to His disciples [[John 16:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3954}}` is a multi-faceted term that moves beyond a simple definition of outspokenness. It is a spiritual condition that describes both the outward expression of a believer's witness and the inward reality of their access to and assurance before God. It illustrates a core aspect of the Christian life: a confident, open, and unashamed relationship with God and the world, founded on the work of Christ.
TRV