πεποίθησις

confidence, trust

Definition

πεποίθησις refers to a settled confidence or trust, often based on a reliable object or relationship. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes a believer's confidence in God or in the gospel, as seen in Ephesians 3:12, where it describes the bold access we have to God through faith in Christ. In other contexts, it can refer to human confidence, which may be misplaced, such as Paul's reference to his own Jewish credentials in Philippians 3:4, or the confidence he hopes the Corinthians will have in him (2 Corinthians 1:15). The word implies a firm reliance that leads to boldness in action or attitude.

Biblical Usage

This word appears six times, exclusively in Paul's letters, with four occurrences in 2 Corinthians. It is used in relational contexts, often discussing Paul's confidence in God's work (2 Corinthians 3:4) or his desire for mutual confidence with churches (2 Corinthians 8:22; 10:2). The usage highlights both divine-oriented trust (Ephesians 3:12) and human-oriented confidence, which can be positive or cautionary (Philippians 3:4).

Etymology

Derived from the verb πείθω (peithō, G3982), meaning 'to persuade, convince, or trust.' πεποίθησις is a noun form built on the perfect tense stem, suggesting a state of having been persuaded or a settled confidence. Cognates include πίστις (pistis, G4102), 'faith,' which shares the root idea of trust but often emphasizes belief, while πεποίθησις focuses on the resulting confidence.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the believer's confident trust in God, rooted in Christ's work. It enriches understanding of passages like Ephesians 3:12, showing that Christian access to God is not timid but assured. It also warns against misplaced confidence in human achievements, as in Philippians 3:4, contrasting reliance on self with reliance on Christ.

In Greco-Roman culture, πεποίθησις often described confidence in social relationships, alliances, or personal abilities, reflecting a value on reliability and assurance. The New Testament adapts this, redirecting ultimate confidence toward God, contrasting with cultural norms that prioritized self-reliance or political loyalties.

πίστις (pistis, G4102) — broader term for faith or belief, often the foundation for confidence; παρρησία (parrēsia, G3954) — boldness or outspokenness, especially in speech, which can result from confidence.

Word Details

Scripture References