2 Corinthians 1:5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
περισσεύει
abound
G4052
περισσεύει
abound
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
3 of 17
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παθήματα
the sufferings
G3804
παθήματα
the sufferings
Strong's:
G3804
Word #:
5 of 17
something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
περισσεύει
abound
G4052
περισσεύει
abound
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
13 of 17
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:Philippians 3:10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;Philippians 1:20According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.Philippians 2:1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
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 view suffering for Christ as abnormal interruption or normal participation in redemptive work?
- How does the promise that consolation matches suffering change my response to hardship?
- What 'sufferings of Christ' am I avoiding by playing it safe—what comfort am I forfeiting?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us (καθὼς περισσεύει τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—Perisseuei (περισσεύει, "overflow/abound") suggests suffering beyond normal capacity. Ta pathēmata tou Christou means sufferings Christ endured AND sufferings for Christ's sake—Paul participates in Christ's ongoing afflictions.
So our consolation also aboundeth by Christ—same verb creates symmetry: overflowing sufferings = overflowing consolation. Dia (διὰ) indicates Christ as channel. The ratio: more suffering = more comfort, both mediated through union with Christ.