Kauchesis is expressed confidence or boasting, either voiced with approval about people or Christ or rejected as arrogant self-claim.

The term most often marks expressed confidence or commendation directed toward people, their conduct, or Christ; in other clauses it names a boast or claim that is challenged, excluded, or called evil. The contrast is visible between commendation on behalf of others and self-assertive boasting.

1. Commendatory confidence in people or Christ · dominant

   The noun marks a stated ground of confidence or commendation: in 2 Corinthians 7:4 the APB renders great pride “on your behalf,” and in 2 Corinthians 7:14 it renders boasting about the readers that proved true. In 1 Thessalonians 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 8:24, the clause places this confidence in relation to the readers; Romans 15:17 places it in Christ Jesus in matters concerning God.

   1 Thessalonians 2:192 Corinthians 1:122 Corinthians 7:42 Corinthians 7:142 Corinthians 8:24Romans 15:17
2. Boast or self-assertive claim under scrutiny · common

   In 2 Corinthians 11:10 the APB renders a personal boast that will not be stopped, while 2 Corinthians 11:17 places boasting in a statement described as foolishness. Romans 3:27 asks where boasting is and says it is excluded; James 4:16 renders boastful claims as arrogant and calls such boasting evil.

   2 Corinthians 11:102 Corinthians 11:17James 4:16Romans 3:27

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB variously uses “pride,” “boast,” and “boasting,” including positive-sounding confidence on behalf of others and arrogant claims in James 4:16. These renderings reflect the clauses rather than a fixed English equivalent for every occurrence.