Confident (4006) (pepoithesis from peitho [word study] = to persuade, come to a settled conviction) means full persuasion and expresses a belief in someone or something to the point of placing one's trust or reliance in them - the idea is having been persuaded and remaining persuaded. It is a belief that one can rely on someone or something. The nuance of meaning depends on the context - it can mean confidence or trust in others (2Co 1:15), in God (Ep 3:12) or in oneself (i.e., self-confidence) (2Co 10:12). NIDNTT... The stem peith- (pith-, poith-) has the basic meaning of trust (cf. Lat. fido, fides). (Brown, Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan or Computer version) TDNT... This word means “trust” or “confidence.” In 2Cor. 1:15 Paul is confident that the Corinthians now have some understanding. In 2Cor. 8:22 his confidence is in the church’s readiness regarding the collection. A radical self-confidence is at issue in Phil. 3:4; its opposite is confidence in God (2Cor. 3:4; cf. 10:2). Eph. 3:12 singles out the element of confidence comprised in faith, parrhesia (“boldness”) being synonymous. The apostolic fathers use the term for the confidence of the OT saints (1 Clem. 31.3; 45.8) or of Christians (2 Clem. 6.9); its opposite is the empty confidence of arrogant believers (Hermas Similitudes 9.22.3). (Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Eerdmans) Pepoithesis is derived from the perfect tense which refers to a past process of being completely persuaded, with the present result that we are in a confirmed and settled state of utter confidence. Pepoithesis - 6x in 6v - 2Co 1:15; 3:4; 8:22; 10:2; Eph 3:12; Phil 3:4. NAS - confidence(5), confident(1). 2Corinthians 1:15 In this confidence I intended at first to come to you, so that you might twice receive a blessing; Comment: The confidence is to understood in the light of the hope spoken of in 2Co 1:13, 14. 2Corinthians 3:4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Comment: This refers to the confidence that grows out of the apostolic commission 2Corinthians 8:22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. 2Corinthians 10:2 I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh. Comment: The confidence has the sense of self confidence which is made possible through Christ toward God (He is the real basis for the apostle’s self-confidence). Ephesians 3:12-note in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. Philippians 3:4-note although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: Wuest adds that pepoithesis... comes from the perfect participial form which refers to a past process of being completely persuaded, with the present result that we are in a confirmed and settled state of utter confidence. (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans) Paul explains this confidence writing... And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2Cor 3:4, 5, 6) Boldness and confident access - access is the freedom believers possess to speak to God in prayer anytime, anywhere. The believer's confidence is the assurance of a ready welcome, a open hearing, and a wise, loving response which is all possible through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.