King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:4 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:4 in the King James Version says “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort w... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 1:4 · KJV


Context

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.

5

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

6

And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. is effectual: or, is wrought


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation (ὁ παρακαλῶν ἡμᾶς ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει)—Present participle parakalōn shows continuous action: God is always-comforting. Thlipsis (θλίψις, "pressure/crushing") evokes grapes in a winepress—intense suffering, not mere discomfort.

That we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble—the teleology of suffering: hina dynametha parakalein (ἵνα δυνώμεθα παρακαλεῖν, "that we might be able to comfort"). God's comfort isn't terminal (ending with us) but instrumental (flowing through us). Same comfort, same source (God), new recipients.

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. What affliction has God comforted me through that now qualifies me to comfort someone else?
  2. Am I hoarding God's comfort without channeling it outward to those suffering similarly?
  3. How can my community become 'wounded healers' rather than pretending to have it together?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
τοῦ1 of 26

Who

G3588

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

παρακαλούμεθα2 of 26

are comforted

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ἡμᾶς3 of 26

us

G2248

us

ἐπὶ4 of 26

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πάσῃ5 of 26

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῦ6 of 26

Who

G3588

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

θλίψει7 of 26

tribulation

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

ἡμῶν8 of 26

our

G2257

of (or from) us

εἰς9 of 26

that

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοῦ10 of 26

Who

G3588

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

δύνασθαι11 of 26

may be able

G1410

to be able or possible

ἡμᾶς12 of 26

us

G2248

us

παρακαλούμεθα13 of 26

are comforted

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

τοῦ14 of 26

Who

G3588

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

ἐν15 of 26

them which are in

G1722

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

πάσῃ16 of 26

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

θλίψει17 of 26

tribulation

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

διὰ18 of 26

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ19 of 26

Who

G3588

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

παρακλήσεως20 of 26

the comfort

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

ἧς21 of 26

wherewith

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παρακαλούμεθα22 of 26

are comforted

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

αὐτοὶ23 of 26

ourselves

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὑπὸ24 of 26

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοῦ25 of 26

Who

G3588

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

θεοῦ·26 of 26

God

G2316

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


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 1:4 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 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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