2 Corinthians 8:2

Authorized King James Version

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
G3754
How that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#3
πολλῇ
G4183
a great
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#4
δοκιμῇ
G1382
trial
test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness
#5
θλίψεως
G2347
of affliction
pressure (literally or figuratively)
#6
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
περισσεία
G4050
the abundance
surplusage, i.e., superabundance
#8
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
χαρᾶς
G5479
joy
cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight
#10
αὐτῶν·
G846
of their
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
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
κατὰ
G2596
poverty
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#14
βάθους
G899
deep
profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery
#15
πτωχεία
G4432
beggary, i.e., indigence (literally or figuratively)
#16
αὐτῶν·
G846
of their
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
#17
ἐπερίσσευσεν
G4052
abounded
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
#18
εἰς
G1519
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#19
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
πλοῦτον
G4149
the riches
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
#21
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἁπλότητος
G572
liberality
singleness, i.e., (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal)
#23
αὐτῶν·
G846
of their
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

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection