2 Corinthians 6:2
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γάρ
(For
G1063
γάρ
(For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡμέρα
is the day
G2250
ἡμέρα
is the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
9 of 20
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
14 of 20
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
εὐπρόσδεκτος
is the accepted
G2144
εὐπρόσδεκτος
is the accepted
Strong's:
G2144
Word #:
16 of 20
well-received, i.e., approved, favorable
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
18 of 20
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
Cross References
Isaiah 49:8Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;Hebrews 4:7Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.Isaiah 61:2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;Hebrews 3:7Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,Luke 4:19To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.Ezekiel 16:8Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.
Historical Context
Isaiah 49:8 originally addressed Israel's restoration from Babylonian exile, promising God would answer the Servant and restore the nation. Paul applies this typologically to the gospel era, where Christ the Servant brings universal salvation. The 'now' contrasts with the old covenant's shadows and anticipations—the reality has come in Christ's death and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that you live in 'the day of salvation' create urgency in your response to God and witness to others?
- In what ways might you be presuming on future opportunities for repentance or obedience rather than responding 'now'?
- How does Paul's application of Isaiah 49 demonstrate the unity of Scripture and Christ-centered interpretation of the Old Testament?
Analysis & Commentary
I have heard thee in a time accepted (καιρῷ δεκτῷ, kairo dekto, 'acceptable time')—Paul quotes Isaiah 49:8 (LXX), applying the Servant's restoration promise to the present gospel age. The perfect tense epēkousa ('I have heard') indicates completed divine action with ongoing results. God's hearing implies answered prayer and covenant faithfulness.
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation—The doubled idou ('behold') creates emphatic urgency. Paul shifts from Isaiah's prophetic future to realized eschatology: the 'favorable time' prophesied has arrived in Christ. Kairos (opportune moment) differs from chronos (chronological time)—this is the decisive salvific moment in redemptive history.
The parenthetical nature of verse 2 emphasizes its supporting role: Paul's entreaty (v.1) is grounded in the theological reality that the messianic age has dawned. Delay in responding to the gospel is not merely unwise but tragic, squandering the divinely appointed moment of grace.