King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:14 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:14 in the King James Version says “As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jes...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

2 Corinthians 1:14 · King James Version


Context

12

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

13

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

14

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

15

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; benefit: or, grace

16

And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
As also ye have acknowledged us in part (ἐπέγνωτε ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ μέρους)—aorist recalls past understanding, qualified by apo merous (ἀπὸ μέρους, "in part/partially"). The Corinthians' recognition was incomplete.

That we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus—kauchēma (καύχημα, "boast") creates mutual glorying. En tē hēmera tou kyriou (ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ κυρίου) points to eschatological judgment when authentic ministry is vindicated. Pastor and congregation will mutually glory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who can I genuinely call my 'boast'—what disciples will validate my faithfulness on judgment day?
  2. Am I living toward 'the day of the Lord Jesus' or merely immediate results?
  3. How does knowing I'll stand before Christ with those I've ministered to change current conflicts?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καθὼς1 of 20

“As”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ2 of 20

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπέγνωτε3 of 20

“ye have acknowledged”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

ἡμᾶς4 of 20

“us”

G2248

us

ἀπὸ5 of 20

“in”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

μέρους6 of 20

“part”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

ὅτι7 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καύχημα8 of 20

“rejoicing”

G2745

a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense

ὑμῶν9 of 20

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐσμεν10 of 20

“we are”

G2070

we are

καθάπερ11 of 20

“even as”

G2509

exactly as

καὶ12 of 20

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμεῖς13 of 20

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἡμῶν14 of 20

“are ours”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐν15 of 20

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ16 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέρᾳ17 of 20

“the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τοῦ18 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου19 of 20

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ20 of 20

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 1:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 1:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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