2 Corinthians 10:1

Authorized King James Version

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

Word-by-Word Analysis

Αὐτὸς

G846

myself

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

Παῦλος

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

παρακαλῶ

G3870

beseech

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ὑμᾶς·

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

διὰ

G1223

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

τῆς

G3588

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

πρᾳότητος

G4236

the meekness

gentleness, by implication, humility

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

ἐπιεικείας

G1932

gentleness

suitableness, i.e., (by implication) equity, mildness

#12

τοῦ

G3588

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

#13

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#14

ὃς

G3739

who

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#15

κατὰ

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#16

πρόσωπον

G4383

presence

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#17

μὲν

G3303

am base

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#18

ταπεινὸς

G5011

depressed, i.e., (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition)

#19

ἐν

G1722

among

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

#20

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#21

ἀπὼν

G548

being absent

to be away

#22

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

#23

θαῤῥῶ

G2292

am bold

to exercise courage

#24

εἰς

G1519

toward

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#25

ὑμᾶς·

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?