2 Corinthians 3:1

Authorized King James Version

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀρχόμεθα
G756
Do we begin
to commence (in order of time)
#2
πάλιν
G3825
again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#3
ἑαυτοὺς
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#4
συνιστάνειν
G4921
to commend
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
#5
εἴ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#6
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#7
χρῄζομεν
G5535
or need we
to make (i.e., have) necessity, i.e., be in want of
#8
ὥς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#9
τινες
G5100
some
some or any person or object
#10
συστατικῶν
G4956
letters of commendation
introductory, i.e., recommendatory
#11
ἐπιστολῶν
G1992
others epistles
a written message
#12
πρὸς
G4314
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#13
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#14
ἢ
G2228
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#15
ἐξ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#16
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#17
συστατικῶν
G4956
letters of commendation
introductory, i.e., recommendatory

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