King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 4:1 Mean?

2 Corinthians 4:1 in the King James Version says “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;”

2 Corinthians 4:1 · KJV

Context

1

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. dishonesty: Gr. shame

3

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

Read 2 Corinthians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not—Paul grounds his apostolic perseverance in divine mercy (eleēthēmen, ἠλεήθημεν, 'we were shown mercy'), not human ability. The diakonia (διακονία, 'ministry') refers specifically to the new covenant ministry of the Spirit outlined in chapter 3. Ouk enkakōmen (οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν, 'we do not lose heart') is a defiant declaration against despair.

Paul's ministry flows from received mercy, not earned privilege—he who once persecuted the church (1 Cor 15:9) now serves it by grace. This grounds all faithful ministry: we serve because we have been served, forgive because we have been forgiven, show mercy because we have received mercy. The therefore connects to 3:18's transformation by the Spirit—beholding Christ's glory empowers endurance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around 55-56 AD from Macedonia during Paul's third missionary journey, this letter addressed opposition to his apostolic authority in Corinth. Some questioned whether his sufferings proved divine disapproval rather than approval. Paul inverts this logic: his weakness demonstrates that ministry's power comes from God, not the minister.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering God's mercy to you personally fuel perseverance in your calling or ministry?
  2. Where are you tempted to 'faint' or lose heart, and how does Paul's example of grounding ministry in received mercy speak to that?
  3. In what ways might you be relying on your own strength rather than God's mercy as the foundation for serving others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Διὰ1 of 10

“Therefore seeing”

G1223

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

τοῦτο2 of 10
G5124

that thing

ἔχοντες3 of 10

“we have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὴν4 of 10
G3588

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

διακονίαν5 of 10

“ministry”

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

ταύτην6 of 10
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

καθὼς7 of 10

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἠλεήθημεν8 of 10

“we have received mercy”

G1653

to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)

οὐκ9 of 10

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐκκακοῦμεν·10 of 10

“we faint”

G1573

to be (bad or) weak, i.e., (by implication) to fail (in heart)

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 4:1 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 4:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 3:13Galatians 6:9Ephesians 3:13Philippians 4:132 Corinthians 4:16Ephesians 3:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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