King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:2 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:2 in the King James Version says “Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 1:2 · KJV

Grace Peace

Context

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Read 2 Corinthians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

Grace be to you and peace (χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη)—Paul's greeting merges Greek charis ("grace," unmerited favor) with Hebrew shalom ("peace," wholeness). In a letter addressing deep wounds, he invokes God's enabling power and reconciliation.

From God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ—the dual apo (ἀπό, "from") places Father and Son on equal footing as co-fountains of grace and peace, affirming Christ's deity.

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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

Do I believe grace and peace come 'from God' alone, or seek them through human approval?
How would viewing relationships through 'grace and peace' transform difficult interactions?
What does receiving grace 'from the Lord Jesus Christ' mean when I feel neither gracious nor peaceful?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words

χάρις1 of 12

“Grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ὑμῖν2 of 12

“be to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ3 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

εἰρήνη4 of 12

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity