King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:6 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:6 in the King James Version says “And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same su... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 1:6 · KJV


Context

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

7

And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

8

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation (εἴτε θλιβόμεθα, ὑπὲρ τῆς ὑμῶν παρακλήσεως)—Hyper (ὑπὲρ, "for/on behalf of") shows substitutionary purpose. Paul's afflictions aren't random but redemptive, producing the Corinthians' comfort and sōtēria (salvation/sanctification).

Which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferingsenergoumenēs (ἐνεργουμένης, "being made effective") through hypomonē (ὑπομονή, "patient endurance"). Comfort isn't escapist but empowering—enabling endurance of the same sufferings. Pastor and congregation share identical afflictions.

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. How does knowing someone's suffering might be 'for my consolation' change how I pray for leaders?
  2. Am I willing to embrace affliction if it produces salvation/comfort in others?
  3. What 'same sufferings' do I share with my church that could become mutual encouragement?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
εἴτε1 of 28

or whether

G1535

if too

δὲ2 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

θλιβόμεθα3 of 28

we be afflicted

G2346

to crowd (literally or figuratively)

ὑπὲρ4 of 28

it is for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τῆς5 of 28

which

G3588

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

ὑμῶν6 of 28

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

παρακλήσεως7 of 28

consolation

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

καὶ8 of 28

also

G2532

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

σωτηρίας,9 of 28

salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

τῆς10 of 28

which

G3588

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

ἐνεργουμένης11 of 28

is effectual

G1754

to be active, efficient

ἐν12 of 28

in

G1722

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

ὑπομονῇ13 of 28

the enduring

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

τῆς14 of 28

which

G3588

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

αὐτῶν15 of 28

of the same

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

παθημάτων16 of 28

sufferings

G3804

something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence

ὧν17 of 28

which

G3739

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

καὶ18 of 28

also

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς19 of 28

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

πάσχομεν20 of 28

suffer

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

εἴτε21 of 28

or whether

G1535

if too

παρακαλούμεθα22 of 28

we be comforted

G3870

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

ὑπὲρ23 of 28

it is for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τῆς24 of 28

which

G3588

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

ὑμῶν25 of 28

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

παρακλήσεως26 of 28

consolation

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

καὶ27 of 28

also

G2532

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

σωτηρίας,28 of 28

salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)


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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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