2 Corinthians 8:4

Authorized King James Version

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μετὰ

G3326

with

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

πολλῆς

G4183

much

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

παρακλήσεως

G3874

intreaty

imploration, hortation, solace

δεόμενοι

G1189

Praying

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

τὴν

G3588

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

χάριν

G5485

the gift

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τὴν

G3588

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

#10

κοινωνίαν

G2842

take upon us the fellowship

partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction

#11

τῆς

G3588

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

#12

διακονίας

G1248

of the ministering

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

#13

τῆς

G3588

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

#14

εἰς

G1519

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

#15

τοὺς

G3588

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

#16

ἁγίους

G40

the saints

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#17

δέξασθαι

G1209

would receive

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#18

ἡμᾶς·

G2248

that we

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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?