What Does 2 Corinthians 7:16 Mean?

I rejoice, then, that in everything I take heart in you.

2 Corinthians 7:16 · SDV

Key words are shown with the Hebrew or Greek and what each word meant.

Selah Decoded Version The Selah Decoded Version renders what the Hebrew and Greek words meant to the people who first heard them.

This verse in the King James

King James wording

King James Version

I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

THE KEY

The confidence here is courage placed in another person, reaching across the whole of life before every outcome is known.

THE MEANING

You are met with confidence that reaches across all things. The word carries the sense of taking courage, so the trust named over you has gladness in it. You can be regarded as trustworthy while life is still unfolding.

THE ROOT

θαρρῶ

tharrō

GROWS FROM

⁨θαρσ-⁩ (also ⁨θαρρ-⁩ in the verb form)

Courage, boldness; to take heart.

The Greek word for “I have confidence” belongs to the courage-family of “take heart” and “be bold.” English can make confidence sound like a private judgment; this root gives it the feel of courage voiced toward you, with rejoicing.

ALSO GROWS

tharsos: Courage or boldness.

θάρσος

This noun shows the courage carried beneath the verse’s confidence.

tharseō: To take heart or act with courage.

θαρσέω

This related verb makes the trust here feel like a steadying word spoken to another person.

THE PATTERN

Relational trust gives people a steadier place to speak, act, and be received.

The heart of her husband leans its full weight upon her, and he will not lack spoil.

Proverbs 31:11 · SDVTrust in another person becomes a source of practical steadiness.

So we are always bold, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:6 · SDVThe same Greek verb family expresses confidence as a settled courage carried into the present.

So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear. What will a human do to me?

Hebrews 13:6 · SDVConfidence takes the form of bold speech that steadies a person amid uncertainty.

THE THREAD

So we are always bold, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:6 · SDV

The same Greek verb appears here as “confident” and in 7:16 as “have confidence.” In both verses it names courage that can remain present amid uncertainty; in 7:16, that courage is directed toward you.

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