2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
Original Language Analysis
Διὰ
Therefore seeing
G1223
Διὰ
Therefore seeing
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 10
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἔχοντες
we have
G2192
ἔχοντες
we have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 10
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακονίαν
ministry
G1248
διακονίαν
ministry
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
5 of 10
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
6 of 10
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἠλεήθημεν
we have received mercy
G1653
ἠλεήθημεν
we have received mercy
Strong's:
G1653
Word #:
8 of 10
to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 3:13But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.Galatians 6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.Ephesians 3:13Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.2 Corinthians 4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Revelation 2:3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.2 Corinthians 3:6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.Hebrews 12:3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.Isaiah 40:30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:1 Corinthians 7:25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
Historical Context
Written around 55-56 AD from Macedonia during Paul's third missionary journey, this letter addressed opposition to his apostolic authority in Corinth. Some questioned whether his sufferings proved divine disapproval rather than approval. Paul inverts this logic: his weakness demonstrates that ministry's power comes from God, not the minister.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God's mercy to you personally fuel perseverance in your calling or ministry?
- Where are you tempted to 'faint' or lose heart, and how does Paul's example of grounding ministry in received mercy speak to that?
- In what ways might you be relying on your own strength rather than God's mercy as the foundation for serving others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not—Paul grounds his apostolic perseverance in divine mercy (eleēthēmen, ἠλεήθημεν, 'we were shown mercy'), not human ability. The diakonia (διακονία, 'ministry') refers specifically to the new covenant ministry of the Spirit outlined in chapter 3. Ouk enkakōmen (οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν, 'we do not lose heart') is a defiant declaration against despair.
Paul's ministry flows from received mercy, not earned privilege—he who once persecuted the church (1 Cor 15:9) now serves it by grace. This grounds all faithful ministry: we serve because we have been served, forgive because we have been forgiven, show mercy because we have received mercy. The therefore connects to 3:18's transformation by the Spirit—beholding Christ's glory empowers endurance.