2 Corinthians 8:5

Authorized King James Version

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
οὐ
G3756
this they did not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#3
καθὼς
G2531
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#4
ἠλπίσαμεν
G1679
we hoped
to expect or confide
#5
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#6
ἑαυτοὺς
G1438
their own selves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#7
ἔδωκαν
G1325
gave
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#8
πρῶτον
G4412
first
firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)
#9
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
κυρίῳ
G2962
to the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἡμῖν
G2254
unto us
to (or for, with, by) us
#13
διὰ
G1223
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#14
θελήματος
G2307
the will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#15
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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