2 Corinthians 1:3

Authorized King James Version

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Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Original Language Analysis

Εὐλογητὸς Blessed G2128
Εὐλογητὸς Blessed
Strong's: G2128
Word #: 1 of 18
adorable
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς be God G2316
θεὸς be God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 3 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πατὴρ the Father G3962
πατὴρ the Father
Strong's: G3962
Word #: 5 of 18
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου Lord G2962
κυρίου Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 7 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἡμῶν of our G2257
ἡμῶν of our
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 8 of 18
of (or from) us
Ἰησοῦ Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦ Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 9 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Χριστοῦ Christ G5547
Χριστοῦ Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 10 of 18
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ the Father G3962
πατὴρ the Father
Strong's: G3962
Word #: 12 of 18
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκτιρμῶν of mercies G3628
οἰκτιρμῶν of mercies
Strong's: G3628
Word #: 14 of 18
pity
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεὸς be God G2316
θεὸς be God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 16 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πάσης of all G3956
πάσης of all
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 17 of 18
all, any, every, the whole
παρακλήσεως comfort G3874
παρακλήσεως comfort
Strong's: G3874
Word #: 18 of 18
imploration, hortation, solace

Analysis & Commentary

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (εὐλογητὸς ὁ θεός)—This berakah echoes Jewish liturgy (Ps 68:19, Eph 1:3), centering on the Father's relationship to Jesus. Paul erupts in doxology before finishing his greeting.

The Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort—oiktirmōn (οἰκτιρμῶν, "compassions") is visceral (from "bowels"), signifying deep empathy. Paraklēseōs (παρακλήσεως, "comfort") becomes the chapter's drumbeat (used 10 times, vv. 3-7). God doesn't merely give comfort—He IS comfort.

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

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