King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:7 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:7 in the King James Version says “And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consola... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 1:7 · KJV


Context

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:

9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves , but in God which raiseth the dead: sentence: or, answer


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And our hope of you is stedfast (ἡ ἐλπὶς ἡμῶν βεβαία)—Bebaia (βεβαία, "firm/secure") is legal terminology for binding contracts. Paul's hope isn't wishful but confident expectation grounded in divine faithfulness.

Knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolationkoinōnoi (κοινωνοί, "partners/sharers") is fellowship language. The correlative hōs...houtōs (ὡς...οὕτως, "as...so") guarantees proportion: participation in suffering necessitates participation in consolation.

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 makes my hope 'steadfast'—is it grounded in God's character or optimistic circumstances?
  2. How does viewing myself as 'partner' in Christ's sufferings and consolation reshape my trials?
  3. Who needs to hear the assurance that current suffering guarantees future comfort?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

2 of 18
G3588

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

ἐλπίς3 of 18

hope

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

ἡμῶν4 of 18

our

G2257

of (or from) us

βεβαία5 of 18

is stedfast

G949

stable (literally or figuratively)

ὑπὲρ6 of 18

of

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

ὑμῶν7 of 18

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰδότες8 of 18

knowing

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι9 of 18

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὥσπερ10 of 18

as

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

κοινωνοί11 of 18

partakers

G2844

a sharer, i.e., associate

ἐστε12 of 18

ye are

G2075

ye are

τῶν13 of 18
G3588

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

παθημάτων14 of 18

of the sufferings

G3804

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

οὕτως15 of 18

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ16 of 18

And

G2532

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

τῆς17 of 18
G3588

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

παρακλήσεως18 of 18

of the consolation

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace


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 1:7 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 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study