2 Corinthians 6:4

Authorized King James Version

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλ'
G235
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#3
παντὶ
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#4
συνιστώντες
G4921
things approving
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
#5
ἑαυτοὺς
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#6
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#7
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#8
διάκονοι
G1249
the ministers
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
#9
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
ὑπομονῇ
G5281
patience
cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
#11
πολλῇ
G4183
much
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#12
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
θλίψεσιν
G2347
afflictions
pressure (literally or figuratively)
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
ἀνάγκαις
G318
necessities
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
#16
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
στενοχωρίαις
G4730
distresses
narrowness of room, i.e., (figuratively) calamity

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 sovereignty 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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