2 Corinthians 12:19

Authorized King James Version

Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Πάλιν
G3825
Again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#2
δοκεῖτε
G1380
think ye
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
#3
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#4
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#5
ἀπολογούμεθα
G626
we excuse ourselves
to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e., exculpate (self)
#6
κατένωπιον
G2714
before
directly in front of
#7
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
Χριστῷ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#11
λαλοῦμεν·
G2980
we speak
to talk, i.e., utter words
#12
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
δὲ
G1161
but
but, and, etc
#14
πάντα
G3956
we do all things
all, any, every, the whole
#15
ἀγαπητοί
G27
dearly beloved
beloved
#16
ὑπὲρ
G5228
for
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#17
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you
#19
οἰκοδομῆς
G3619
edifying
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection