2 Corinthians 7:15

Authorized King James Version

And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σπλάγχνα

G4698

inward affection

an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy

αὐτόν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

περισσοτέρως

G4056

more abundant

more superabundantly

εἰς

G1519

toward

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀναμιμνῃσκομένου

G363

whilst he remembereth

to remind; (reflexively) to recollect

#10

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

πάντων

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#12

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

#13

ὑπακοήν

G5218

the obedience

attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission

#14

ὡς

G5613

how

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#15

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#16

φόβου

G5401

fear

alarm or fright

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

τρόμου

G5156

trembling

a "trembling", i.e., quaking with fear

#19

ἐδέξασθε

G1209

ye received

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#20

αὐτόν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?