The verb θαρρέω describes a settled, Spirit-wrought assurance that emboldens speech and action. It is neither presumption nor bravado; rather, it is the quiet certainty that God is present, faithful, and sovereign. The word appears only six times, yet each setting displays a distinctive facet of godly courage.

Occurrences and Literary Setting

• 2 Corinthians 5:6 – “Therefore we are always confident, although we know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:8 – “We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
• 2 Corinthians 7:16 – Paul rejoices that he can “have complete confidence” in the repentant Corinthians.
• 2 Corinthians 10:1 – He defends his apostolic boldness when absent, refusing worldly methods yet ready to act courageously if needed.
• 2 Corinthians 10:2 – He prays he will not need to be “as bold” in person toward the rebellious minority.
• Hebrews 13:6 – “So we say with confidence: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’ ”

Courage in Paul’s Ministry

In 2 Corinthians the term frames Paul’s self-understanding as an apostle.
• Confident Pilgrimage (5:6, 8): Assurance of resurrection liberates believers from fear of death, fueling an other-worldly courage in the present age.
• Confidence for the Flock (7:16): True pastoral care moves from sorrowful correction (chapter 7) to renewed trust once repentance is evident.
• Boldness in Spiritual Warfare (10:1-2): Paul distinguishes meekness from weakness. His courageous stance is grounded in “the meekness and gentleness of Christ,” showing that authentic apostolic boldness is cruciform, not domineering.

Hope-Grounded Assurance

Hebrews 13:6 places θαρρέω in a liturgical confession, echoing Psalm 118:6. Here courage rests on divine covenant faithfulness: “The Lord is my helper.” Believers share the fearless composure of their risen High Priest, whose once-for-all sacrifice secures an unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).

Historical Reception

Early church fathers—Chrysostom, Augustine, and the Cappadocians—linked this courage to martyrdom and daily witness. They stressed that confidence is nurtured through prayer, Scripture, the Lord’s Table, and fellowship, rather than through human eloquence or political power.

Pastoral and Missional Application

1. Assurance of Eternal Life: A clear grasp of the believer’s heavenly citizenship releases joyful boldness in evangelism and service.
2. Constructive Church Discipline: Confidence allows leaders to confront sin while expecting God’s grace to prevail, as Paul did in Corinth.
3. Perseverance under Persecution: Hebrews 13:6 equips modern believers to face hostility without fear, trusting God as their helper.
4. Humble Boldness: Courage remains tethered to Christlike meekness, avoiding authoritarianism while refusing compromise.

Related Biblical Themes

• Παρρησία (parrēsia) – outspoken boldness rooted in access to God (e.g., Hebrews 4:16).
• Καρτερέω (kartereō) – endurance, the steadfast aspect of courage.
• Θυμός / Ἀνδρίζεσθε – courage in the Septuagint’s military contexts, now transposed into spiritual conflict.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2292 portrays a Spirit-given confidence that unites hope in Christ’s return, pastoral care for the church, and fearless testimony before the world. Grounded in God’s unchanging character, it frees believers to live and speak with courage, meekness, and joyful expectancy until faith becomes sight.