2 Corinthians 1:24
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
for that
G3754
ὅτι
for that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστει
by faith
G4102
πίστει
by faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
6 of 16
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.Romans 11:20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:Romans 5:2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Matthew 24:49And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;2 Corinthians 5:7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)2 Corinthians 4:5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.Romans 1:12That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.1 Corinthians 3:5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- Do I seek to 'lord over' others' faith through manipulation, or am I genuinely a 'helper of joy'?
- How does recognizing people 'stand by faith' free me from unhealthy spiritual responsibility?
- What leader models 'helper of your joy' rather than dominion—how can I imitate that?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Not for that we have dominion over your faith (Οὐχ ὅτι κυριεύομεν ὑμῶν)—kyrieuomen (κυριεύομεν, "we lord over/exercise dominion") negates hierarchical control. Paul refuses spiritual tyranny—he doesn't manipulate Corinthian consciences. Tēs pisteōs (τῆς πίστεως, "the faith") is each believer's personal trust in Christ, not subject to apostolic coercion.
But are helpers of your joy (συνεργοί ἐσμεν τῆς χαρᾶς)—synergoi (συνεργοί, "fellow workers/co-laborers") shifts from dominion to partnership. Paul's role: facilitate joy chara (χαρᾶς), not enforce compliance. For by faith ye stand—perfect hestēkate (ἑστήκατε, "you have stood and continue standing") shows settled stability. Their standing rests on faith, not apostolic authority.