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 · King James Version


Context

1

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:

2

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

3

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

4

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.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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

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


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

ἀπὸ5 of 12

from

G575

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

θεοῦ6 of 12

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πατρὸς7 of 12

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἡμῶν8 of 12

our

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ9 of 12

and

G2532

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

κυρίου10 of 12

from the Lord

G2962

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

Ἰησοῦ11 of 12

Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ12 of 12

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 1:2 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 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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