5112. tolméroteron
Lexical Summary
tolméroteron: More daring, bolder

Original Word: τολμηρότερον
Part of Speech: Adverb, Comparative
Transliteration: tolméroteron
Pronunciation: tol-may-ROT-er-on
Phonetic Spelling: (tol-may-rot'-er-on)
KJV: the more boldly
NASB: very boldly
Word Origin: [neuter of the compound of a derivative of the base of G5111 (τολμάω - dare) (as adverb)]

1. more daringly, i.e. with greater confidence than otherwise

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 Origin
adverb from cptv. of tolméros (bold)
Definition
boldly
NASB Translation
very boldly (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5112: τολμηρότερον

τολμηρότερον (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).
2. To reinforce Gentile inclusion in God’s redemptive plan (15:16).
3. To model pastoral courage that remains tethered to grace (“because of the grace God has given me”).

Biblical Theology of Godly Boldness

Scripture consistently affirms courageous speech that rests on divine calling:
• Moses confronted Pharaoh on the authority of “I AM” (Exodus 5:1).
• Nathan reproved David, saying, “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7).
• In the New Testament, παρρησία (bold freedom of speech) characterizes apostolic witness (Acts 4:13; Ephesians 6:19).

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.
2. Grace-Grounded Authority: Boldness arises not from personal temperament but from the “grace given” (Romans 15:15), reminding modern servants that authority is derivative, never autonomous.
3. Pastoral Sensitivity: Paul couches his bold words within affirmation (“full of goodness”), illustrating that courage and encouragement are complementary, not contradictory (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12).
4. Missionary Urgency: As “minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles” (15:16), Paul’s daring tone advances the global gospel mandate, urging contemporaries to cross cultural barriers with fearless clarity.

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.
• Augustine cited Romans 15:15 when defending the need for church leaders to admonish the faithful, even when such correction feels audacious.
• Reformers like John Calvin drew on the verse to justify plain preaching that confronts error, insisting that fidelity to the text requires courageous exposition.

Pastoral Application

• Preachers: Let sermons carry “rather bold” reminders that challenge cultural currents while exalting grace.
• Teachers: Address sensitive doctrines without evasion, trusting the Spirit to apply truth (2 Timothy 4:2).
• Every Believer: Follow Paul’s example in private admonition (Romans 15:14), speaking daringly yet tenderly to restore and edify.
• Prayer: Seek the Spirit’s enabling, as the early church did—“grant that Your servants may speak Your word with complete boldness” (Acts 4:29).

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 tolmēróteron
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Romans 15:15 Adv
GRK: τολμηρότερον δὲ ἔγραψα
NAS: But I have written very boldly to you on some points
KJV: I have written the more boldly unto you
INT: More boldly however I did write

Strong's Greek 5112
1 Occurrence


τολμηρότερον — 1 Occ.

5111
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