### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πεποίθησις (pepoíthēsis), Strong's number `{{G4006}}`, conveys the meaning of "reliance," "confidence," or "trust." It is derived from the perfect tense of πείθω (peithō), which means "to persuade," "to be persuaded," or "to trust." The perfect tense signifies a settled state resulting from a completed action; thus, πεποίθησις denotes a firm, settled conviction or a state of having been persuaded, leading to unwavering assurance. It is not a fleeting emotion but a stable disposition of trust. Its semantic range includes:
* **Firm Reliance:** A deep, settled dependence on someone or something.
* **Assurance/Certainty:** A conviction that something is true or reliable, leading to a lack of doubt.
* **Bold Confidence:** The inner strength or courage that comes from such reliance, enabling one to act without hesitation or fear.
Unlike mere hope (ἐλπίς `{{G1680}}`), which looks forward to a future outcome, πεποίθησις speaks of a present, established certainty. It implies a secure foundation upon which one's trust is built.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πεποίθησις appears seven times in the New Testament, primarily in Paul's epistles, highlighting its significance in his theological framework:
* **2 Corinthians 1:9**: "Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead." Here, πεποίθησις is contrasted with self-reliance. Paul emphasizes that their dire circumstances led them away from confidence in their own abilities and towards absolute trust in God alone, particularly in His power over death. This establishes God as the sole proper object of ultimate confidence.
* **2 Corinthians 3:4**: "Such πεποίθησις we have through Christ toward God." Paul asserts that the apostles' confidence in their ministry, despite its humble appearance, is not based on their own merit but is mediated *through Christ* and directed *towards God*. This confidence is rooted in the new covenant, where the Spirit gives life, contrasting with the old covenant's ministry of death.
* **2 Corinthians 8:22**: "And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great πεποίθησις in you." In this context, πεποίθησις refers to a human-to-human trust, specifically Titus's confidence in the Corinthians' generosity and willingness to participate in the collection for the saints. It speaks of a positive expectation based on prior experience and character.
* **2 Corinthians 10:2**: "I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the πεποίθησις with which I intend to be courageous against some, who regard us as walking according to the flesh." Here, Paul speaks of a πεποίθησις that enables boldness (θαρσέω `{{G2292}}`) in confronting those who accuse him of worldly motives. This confidence is grounded in his spiritual authority and integrity, contrasting with the superficiality of his detractors.
* **Ephesians 3:12**: "in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him." This verse highlights the profound privilege of believers. Through Christ, and by means of faith (πίστις `{{G4102}}`), believers gain both παρρησία (parrēsia - boldness, freedom of speech) `{{G3954}}` and πεποίθησις – a confident, assured access to God. This confidence is a direct result of Christ's atoning work, removing barriers between humanity and the divine.
* **Philippians 3:4**: "although I myself might have πεποίθησις even in the flesh." Paul recounts his former life, where he had ample reason, by human standards, to place confidence in his Jewish heritage and legalistic righteousness. He lists his credentials (circumcision, lineage, zeal for the Law) as grounds for "confidence in the flesh." This serves as a stark example of misplaced πεποίθησις, which he now considers "rubbish" compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
πεποίθησις is closely related to several key New Testament terms:
* **πίστις (pistis - faith, trust)** `{{G4102}}`: While πίστις is the fundamental act or state of believing, πεποίθησις is often the *result* or *expression* of that settled faith. Faith is the means by which one trusts; confidence is the assurance that flows from that trust. One *has faith* in God, and as a result, one *has confidence* in Him.
* **ἐλπίς (elpis - hope)** `{{G1680}}`: ἐλπίς is an eager expectation, a looking forward to future good. πεποίθησις, on the other hand, is a present assurance. While confidence can fuel hope, it is distinct in its temporal focus and the stability of its ground.
* **θαρσέω (tharseō - to be of good courage)** `{{G2292}}` / **παρρησία (parrēsia - boldness, frankness)** `{{G3954}}`: πεποίθησις often provides the inner foundation for outward courage and boldness. A person with πεποίθησις in God can act with θαρσέω in the face of adversity and speak with παρρησία before God and others.
* **καύχησις (kauchesis - boasting)** `{{G2746}}`: The contrast between misplaced πεποίθησις in the flesh (Philippians 3:4) and proper πεποίθησις in Christ highlights the distinction between vain boasting and humble confidence. True πεποίθησις in God eliminates the need for self-glorifying καύχησις.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πεποίθησις is profound, especially in Pauline theology:
* **The Object of Confidence:** The New Testament consistently directs true πεποίθησις towards God and Christ. It is a confidence not in human ability, merit, or external markers (like the Law), but solely in God's faithfulness, power, and grace. This underscores the core Christian principle of dependence on God.
* **Basis of Assurance:** πεποίθησις is foundational to the believer's assurance of salvation and their standing before God. Through Christ, believers gain confident access to God (Ephesians 3:12), signifying a removal of fear and a settled certainty of divine acceptance.
* **Empowerment for Ministry and Life:** A settled confidence in God enables believers to face trials (2 Corinthians 1:9), engage in ministry (2 Corinthians 3:4), and confront opposition (2 Corinthians 10:2) with spiritual fortitude. It is a source of strength that transcends human weakness.
* **Critique of Self-Righteousness:** Paul uses πεποίθησις to dismantle any notion of human merit or self-righteousness as a basis for salvation or standing with God. His own example in Philippians 3:4 powerfully illustrates that confidence in the flesh is ultimately worthless, leading away from Christ rather than to Him. True righteousness comes only through faith in Christ, not through human achievement.
* **Relational Trust:** While primarily focused on God, the use of πεποίθησις in 2 Corinthians 8:22 also highlights its role in fostering healthy human relationships, where trust and positive expectation are essential for communal life and collaborative ministry.
### Summary
πεποίθησις (pepoíthēsis) denotes a firm, settled reliance, confidence, or trust, stemming from a state of being thoroughly persuaded. It is a stable inner assurance, distinct from mere hope, and serves as a powerful indicator of where one's ultimate security lies. Biblically, this word consistently points to God and Christ as the sole proper objects of such confidence, contrasting sharply with any misplaced trust in human ability, religious performance, or worldly achievements. This God-centered πεποίθησις is essential for the believer's assurance, empowering them for courageous living, effective ministry, and intimate access to the divine, while simultaneously dismantling any foundation for self-righteousness. It is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing humble dependence on the sovereign and faithful God.
TRV