2 Corinthians 6:1
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Original Language Analysis
Συνεργοῦντες
as workers together
G4903
Συνεργοῦντες
as workers together
Strong's:
G4903
Word #:
1 of 13
to be a fellow-worker, i.e., co-operate
καὶ
you also
G2532
καὶ
you also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρακαλοῦμεν
We
G3870
παρακαλοῦμεν
We
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
4 of 13
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριν
the grace
G5485
χάριν
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
9 of 13
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;1 Corinthians 3:9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.1 Peter 4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.Galatians 2:21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.Acts 14:3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.Galatians 3:4Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.Matthew 23:37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!Titus 2:11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Historical Context
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians around AD 55-56 from Macedonia, addressing ongoing tensions with the Corinthian church. The church had received Paul's gospel but struggled with false apostles and worldly living. Chapter 6 continues Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry (chapters 1-7) and his appeal for the Corinthians to live consistently with their profession of faith.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways might you be receiving God's grace 'in vain'—professing faith without corresponding transformation?
- How does viewing yourself as God's 'co-worker' change your understanding of your role in ministry and witness?
- What evidence in your life demonstrates that you have received God's grace with fruitfulness rather than emptiness?
Analysis & Commentary
We then, as workers together with him (συνεργοῦντες, synergountes, 'working together')—Paul identifies himself and his fellow apostles as synergoi, co-laborers with God in the gospel mission. This participial phrase emphasizes divine-human cooperation in ministry, where God's sovereign action does not eliminate human agency but enlists it.
Receive not the grace of God in vain (εἰς κενὸν, eis kenon, 'into emptiness')—The verb dechomai ('receive') in the aorist infinitive suggests a definitive reception that produces no fruit. Paul warns against treating grace as a dead orthodoxy rather than a transformative power. To receive grace 'in vain' is to hear the gospel without genuine repentance, to claim justification without sanctification, to profess faith without obedience.
This verse connects directly to 5:20's appeal to 'be reconciled to God,' serving as both transition and application. Paul's apostolic ministry is not merely proclamation but urgent entreaty (parakaleo, 'beseech') that the Corinthians' initial response to the gospel would bear lasting fruit in holiness.