Brief Overview of παρρησία (Strong’s G3954: parrēsia)

Strong’s G3954: A compound noun combining πᾶς (all) with ῥῆσις (speech), meaning “boldness, openness, frankness in speech.” Used to describe both Jesus’s clear teaching and the apostles’ bold proclamation of the gospel. Represents the freedom and courage to speak truth openly, particularly in contexts of opposition.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρρησία represents bold, open speech unrestrained by fear. In the New Testament, it characterizes Jesus’s clear teaching about His identity and mission, and the apostles’ fearless proclamation despite persecution. Originally denoting the Greek democratic right of free speech, it took on spiritual significance in Christian usage. Early church fathers emphasized it as a mark of genuine faith and Spirit-filled ministry. Today, it remains crucial for understanding Christian witness and courage in hostile environments.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρρησία, parrēsia, /par-ray-SEE-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ray + SEE (stressed) + ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πᾶς (pas): all, every
• ῥῆσις (rhēsis): speech, saying
• Combined to express complete freedom of speech

D – Defining Meanings

• Boldness in speech
• Freedom to speak openly
• Confidence in expression

For compound words:
The combination of “all” and “speech” creates the concept of complete freedom and openness in speaking

Translation Options:

• “Boldness” – emphasizes courage
• “Frankness” – stresses honesty
• “Openness” – captures transparency

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θάρσος (tharsos) /THAR-sos/ – courage, more general
• πεποίθησις (pepoithēsis) /pep-OY-thay-sis/ – confidence
• τόλμη (tolmē) /TOL-may/ – daring, boldness

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παρρησία exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
παρρησία (nom.)
παρρησίας (gen.)
παρρησίᾳ (dat.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both political and spiritual boldness. Thayer’s notes its development from democratic ideals. LSJ documents classical usage in politics. Vine’s highlights its importance in Christian witness. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in public discourse.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And he said this [παρρησία] plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him” (Mark 8:32)

Additional References:
John 7:4,13,26, John 10:24, John 11:14,54, John 16:25,29, Acts 2:29, Acts 4:13,29,31, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 1:20, 1 Timothy 3:13, Hebrews 3:6, 4:16, 10:19,35

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρρησία represents both a democratic ideal and spiritual virtue, emphasizing courageous, open proclamation of truth despite opposition.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was a cornerstone of Athenian democracy
• It appears frequently in descriptions of apostolic preaching
• The word influenced Christian understanding of spiritual authority

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun combining πᾶς (all) with ῥῆσις (speech), meaning “boldness, openness, frankness in speech.” Used to describe both Jesus’s clear teaching and the apostles’ bold proclamation of the gospel. Represents the freedom and courage to speak truth openly, particularly in contexts of opposition.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #boldness #preaching #freedom #apostles #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #witness #persecution​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​