2 Corinthians 3 12

2 Corinthians 3:12 kjv

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

2 Corinthians 3:12 nkjv

Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech?

2 Corinthians 3:12 niv

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

2 Corinthians 3:12 esv

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,

2 Corinthians 3:12 nlt

Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.

2 Corinthians 3 verses

2 Corinthians 3 12 Meaning

Therefore, because believers possess a glorious and permanent hope found in the New Covenant through Christ, they are empowered to act with great freedom, confidence, and unreserved openness in their declaration of the gospel, contrasting the timidity and veiled message of the Old Covenant.

2 Corinthians 3 12 Context

This verse is situated in a pivotal section of 2 Corinthians where Paul contrasts the Old Covenant, particularly the Law administered by Moses, with the New Covenant established by Christ and ministered by the Holy Spirit. Chapter 3 argues that Paul's ministry (and that of all believers) under the New Covenant far surpasses the Old Covenant's glory. He refers to the account of Moses needing to veil his face because the reflected glory of God was so intense, yet it was fading (Exod 34:33-35). This fading glory, and the need for a veil, symbolizes the temporary and incomplete nature of the Old Covenant, which also obscured God's full purpose from the people. In direct opposition, the New Covenant, a ministry of the Spirit and righteousness (2 Cor 3:6-11), possesses an even greater, permanent, and increasing glory. "Therefore," drawing on the magnificent, unveiled, and enduring glory of the New Covenant ministry detailed in verses 7-11, Paul asserts that those who partake in "such a hope"—the sure expectation of fully experiencing and reflecting this superior glory—are empowered to act with fearless confidence. Paul's subtle polemic is against those who would diminish the Spirit-empowered ministry of the New Covenant by clinging to the old, fading ways or misunderstanding its true nature, thereby challenging their claims of superior spiritual authority.

2 Corinthians 3 12 Word analysis

• Therefore (Οὖν, Oun): This conjunctive particle marks a logical consequence, firmly connecting this verse to the preceding declaration of the surpassing, permanent, and glorious nature of the New Covenant in verses 7-11. It indicates a conclusion drawn from established truth.

• since we have (ἔχοντες, echontes): A present participle, signifying a continuous possession or a current state. This isn't a future aspiration, but an ongoing reality for those in the New Covenant. It's the present basis for their subsequent action.

• such a hope (τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα, toiauten elpida):

  • such (toiauten): Points back to the specific nature and magnitude of the hope already described in the immediate context—the "ministry of righteousness" and "ministry of the Spirit" that "surpasses in glory" and is "permanent" (2 Cor 3:8-11). It is not vague but concrete, based on God's active work.
  • hope (ἐλπίδα, elpida): In biblical Greek, elpida is far stronger than mere wishful thinking; it denotes a confident, sure, and positive expectation of a future reality. It is grounded in God's faithfulness and promises, guaranteeing the full and permanent revelation of His glory through Christ, in which believers will participate and which they will fully reflect.

• we are very bold / "we have much boldness" (πολλῇ παρρησίᾳ χρώμεθα, pollē parrēsia chrōmetha):

  • very bold / much boldness (πολλῇ παρρησίᾳ, pollē parrēsia):
    • very / much (pollē): An adjective signifying a great amount, extent, or intensity. It highlights the abundance of boldness experienced.
    • boldness (παρρησίᾳ, parrēsia): A profound theological and practical term. It means freedom of speech, plainness, outspokenness, confident and fearless courage. It encompasses not just vocal declaration but also unreserved conduct. In this context, it starkly contrasts with the Old Covenant's veiled face and implied fear/obscurity, signifying unveiled access to God and clarity in proclamation without shame or fear of judgment, because the glory being revealed is not fading but permanent and transformative.
  • we are bold (chrōmetha): Literally, "we use" or "we conduct ourselves with." It's an active verb, indicating a purposeful exercise of this boldness in their ministry and daily lives. It's an intentional mode of being, empowered by their hope.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Therefore, since we have such a hope": This phrase functions as the compelling reason. The assurance of God's surpassing and permanent glory, now fully manifest in Christ and applied by the Spirit, empowers believers with a present and profound expectation (hope). This hope is not a distant wish, but an anchoring reality for the soul (Heb 6:19).
  • "we are very bold": This phrase describes the resulting attitude and action. The confidence (boldness/parrēsia) arises directly from the clarity and enduring nature of the New Covenant's glory. Unlike the fear-inducing, fading glory of the Old Covenant that required a veil, the New Covenant grants unreserved access and open proclamation. There's nothing to hide; the truth of Christ and the Spirit brings freedom and fearlessness to share and embody the unveiled glory of God.

2 Corinthians 3 12 Bonus section

The concept of parrēsia (boldness) is not merely an emotional state but an intrinsic characteristic of life in the New Covenant. It reflects a new spiritual posture: having direct, unrestricted access to God (Heb 4:16; 10:19) and therefore speaking freely about Him. This boldness counters the old system of law and fear, fostering intimacy and truth-telling. The "hope" here is fundamentally eschatological, pointing to the full consummation of God's glory in believers, but it has present implications, empowering confident ministry now. Paul, in asserting this boldness, is implicitly defending his apostolic ministry against accusers who might challenge his authenticity or authority by suggesting his message lacked the "authority" of the old ways. Instead, his ministry’s true authority lay in its openness and Spirit-driven power.

2 Corinthians 3 12 Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:12 encapsulates the radical freedom and confidence born from the New Covenant. Paul here draws a direct contrast with Moses, whose face, glowing with the fading glory of God, necessitated a veil. Under the New Covenant, mediated by Christ and empowered by the Spirit, believers behold an even greater, unfading glory with unveiled faces (2 Cor 3:18). "Such a hope" is the confident assurance in this superior, permanent, and transforming glory. This profound certainty, rooted in the finished work of Christ and the indwelling Spirit, eradicates fear and shyness in sharing the gospel. It grants believers parrēsia—an unreserved, public, and fearless courage—to proclaim the truth openly. This boldness isn't human arrogance but divine confidence, enabling unhindered access to God and transparent communication of His enduring word. It means living and speaking with nothing to conceal, understanding that God's plan revealed in Christ is not shrouded in temporary symbols but shines in glorious, unveiled truth.

• Example 1: A Christian confidently shares their faith with an inquiring friend, speaking openly about Christ without fear of judgment or rejection, because their hope is sure.
• Example 2: A believer stands firm in their convictions in a hostile environment, declaring God's truth plainly, knowing that the ultimate glory they represent will never fade.
• Example 3: A minister preaches the gospel with authority and clarity, not resorting to obscuring or softening its message, because the New Covenant calls for an unveiled proclamation of God's love and righteousness.