King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 6:2 Mean?

2 Corinthians 6:2 in the King James Version says “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is t...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”

2 Corinthians 6:2 · KJV

Salvation

Context

1

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

3

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, approving: Gr. commending

Read 2 Corinthians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have heard thee in a time accepted (καιρῷ δεκτῷ, kairo dekto, 'acceptable time')—Paul quotes Isaiah 49:8 (LXX), applying the Servant's restoration promise to the present gospel age. The perfect tense epēkousa ('I have heard') indicates completed divine action with ongoing results. God's hearing implies answered prayer and covenant faithfulness.

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation—The doubled idou ('behold') creates emphatic urgency. Paul shifts from Isaiah's prophetic future to realized eschatology: the 'favorable time' prophesied has arrived in Christ. Kairos (opportune moment) differs from chronos (chronological time)—this is the decisive salvific moment in redemptive history.

The parenthetical nature of verse 2 emphasizes its supporting role: Paul's entreaty (v.1) is grounded in the theological reality that the messianic age has dawned. Delay in responding to the gospel is not merely unwise but tragic, squandering the divinely appointed moment of grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 49:8 originally addressed Israel's restoration from Babylonian exile, promising God would answer the Servant and restore the nation. Paul applies this typologically to the gospel era, where Christ the Servant brings universal salvation. The 'now' contrasts with the old covenant's shadows and anticipations—the reality has come in Christ's death and resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that you live in 'the day of salvation' create urgency in your response to God and witness to others?
  2. In what ways might you be presuming on future opportunities for repentance or obedience rather than responding 'now'?
  3. How does Paul's application of Isaiah 49 demonstrate the unity of Scripture and Christ-centered interpretation of the Old Testament?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
λέγει1 of 20

“he saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γάρ2 of 20

“(For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καιρὸς3 of 20

“in a time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

δεκτῷ4 of 20

“accepted”

G1184

approved; (figuratively) propitious

ἐπήκουσά5 of 20

“I have heard”

G1873

to hearken (favorably) to

σου6 of 20

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ7 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ἐν8 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

ἡμέρα9 of 20

“is the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

σωτηρίας10 of 20

“of salvation”

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

ἐβοήθησά11 of 20

“have I succoured”

G997

to aid or relieve

σοι12 of 20

“thee”

G4671

to thee

ἰδού,13 of 20

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

νῦν14 of 20

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

καιρὸς15 of 20

“in a time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

εὐπρόσδεκτος16 of 20

“is the accepted”

G2144

well-received, i.e., approved, favorable

ἰδού,17 of 20

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

νῦν18 of 20

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἡμέρα19 of 20

“is the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

σωτηρίας20 of 20

“of 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 6:2 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 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:8Hebrews 4:7Hebrews 3:13Isaiah 61:2Hebrews 3:7Luke 19:42-44

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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