2 Corinthians 8:22

Authorized King James Version

And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

συνεπέμψαμεν

G4842

we have sent

to despatch in company

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

αὐτοῖς

G846

with them

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

τῇ

G3588

which

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

ἀδελφὸν

G80

brother

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

ὃν

G3739

whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐδοκιμάσαμεν

G1381

proved

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#10

πολλῇ

G4183

many things

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#11

πολλάκις

G4178

oftentimes

many times, i.e., frequently

#12

σπουδαῖον

G4705

diligent

prompt, energetic, earnest

#13

ὄντα

G5607

being

#14

νυνὶ

G3570

now

just now

#15

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

#16

πολλῇ

G4183

many things

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#17

σπουδαιότερον

G4706

more earnestly than others), i.e., very promptly

#18

πεποιθήσει

G4006

confidence

reliance

#19

πολλῇ

G4183

many things

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#20

τῇ

G3588

which

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

#21

εἰς

G1519

I have in

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

#22

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?