2 Corinthians 9:4

Authorized King James Version

Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μήπως
Lest
lest somehow
#2
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#3
ἔλθωσιν
come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
σὺν
with
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
#5
ἐμοὶ
me
to me
#6
Μακεδόνες
they of Macedonia
a macedon (macedonian), i.e., inhabitant of macedonia
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
εὕρωσιν
find
to find (literally or figuratively)
#9
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#10
ἀπαρασκευάστους
unprepared
unready
#11
καταισχυνθῶμεν
should be ashamed
to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush
#12
ἡμεῖς
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#13
ἵνα
(that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#14
μή
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#15
λέγωμεν
we say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#16
ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#17
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ὑποστάσει
confident
a setting under (support), i.e., (figuratively) concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance (objectively or subjectively)
#20
ταύτῃ
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#21
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
καυχήσεως
boasting
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense

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

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