2 Corinthians 6:10

Authorized King James Version

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὡς
G5613
As
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#2
λυπούμενοι
G3076
sorrowful
to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad
#3
ἀεὶ
G104
alway
"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly
#4
δὲ
G1161
yet
but, and, etc
#5
χαίροντες
G5463
rejoicing
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
#6
ὡς
G5613
As
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#7
πτωχοὶ
G4434
poor
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
#8
πολλοὺς
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#9
δὲ
G1161
yet
but, and, etc
#10
πλουτίζοντες
G4148
making
to make wealthy (figuratively)
#11
ὡς
G5613
As
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#12
μηδὲν
G3367
nothing
not even one (man, woman, thing)
#13
ἔχοντες
G2192
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
πάντα
G3956
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#16
κατέχοντες
G2722
yet possessing
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection