Lexical Summary tolméroteron: More daring, bolder Original Word: τολμηρότερον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance the more boldly. Neuter of the compound of a derivative of the base of tolmao (as adverb); more daringly, i.e. With greater confidence than otherwise -- the more boldly. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5112 tolmēróteron – the comparative (-er) form of bold meaning "bolder." See 5111 (tolmaō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from cptv. of tolméros (bold) Definition boldly NASB Translation very boldly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5112: τολμηρότεροντολμηρότερον (neuter comparitive from the adjective τολμηρός), (Thucydides, and following), more boldly: Romans 15:15 (Lachmann's stereotyped edition; Tr text WH τολμηροτερως; Winer's Grammar, 243 (228)). Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Semantic Range The adjective τολμηρότερον is the comparative form of a word that denotes a daring or courageous spirit. In Romans 15:15 Paul acknowledges that he has written “rather boldly” to the believers in Rome. The comparative nuance suggests a degree of boldness surpassing what might normally be expected in ordinary correspondence. The single occurrence accents its rhetorical force, underscoring a deliberate choice to speak with heightened candor. Immediate Context in Romans 15 Romans 15:14–16 situates the term within Paul’s final exhortations: “Yet I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and competent to instruct one another. However, I have written you a rather bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles” (Romans 15:14-16a). Paul had never visited Rome, yet his apostolic commission (15:15-16) authorized him to speak forthrightly. His “rather bold” tone serves three purposes: 1. To refresh truths the Romans already knew (15:14). Biblical Theology of Godly Boldness Scripture consistently affirms courageous speech that rests on divine calling: Though a different term, τολμηρότερον harmonizes with this theme: Spirit-empowered proclamation that refuses to dilute truth while remaining anchored in love (Ephesians 4:15). Implications for Gospel Ministry 1. Apostolic Pattern: Paul’s heightened boldness validates direct admonition when souls and doctrine are at stake. Historical Reception in the Church • Chrysostom observed that Paul’s boldness revealed “the heart of a father, not the dictation of a tyrant,” stressing pastoral motives over authoritarianism. Pastoral Application • Preachers: Let sermons carry “rather bold” reminders that challenge cultural currents while exalting grace. God-honoring boldness, exemplified by τολμηρότερον, remains an indispensable hallmark of faithful Christian witness—courageous, gracious, and ever dependent on the grace that commissions and sustains. Forms and Transliterations τολμηρότερον τολμηροτερως τολμηροτέρως tolmeroteron tolmeróteron tolmēroteron tolmēróteronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |