2 Corinthians 2:3

Authorized King James Version

And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἔγραψα

G1125

I wrote

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

τοῦτο

G5124

this

that thing

αὐτὸ

G846

same

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

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐλθὼν

G2064

when I came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

λύπην

G3077

sorrow

sadness

#10

ἔχω

G2192

I should have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#11

ἀφ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#12

ὧν

G3739

them of whom

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

#13

ἔδει

G1163

ought

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

#14

με

G3165

#15

χαίρειν

G5463

to rejoice

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

#16

πεποιθὼς

G3982

having confidence

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

#17

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#18

πάντων

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#19

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#20

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#21

ἡ

G3588

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

#22

ἐμὴ

G1699

#23

χαρὰ

G5479

joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#24

πάντων

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#25

ὑμῶν

G5216

the joy of you

of (from or concerning) you

#26

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?