2 Corinthians 1:22
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Original Language Analysis
ταῖς
Who
G3588
ταῖς
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σφραγισάμενος
hath
G4972
σφραγισάμενος
hath
Strong's:
G4972
Word #:
3 of 14
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοὺς
given
G1325
δοὺς
given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
6 of 14
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ταῖς
Who
G3588
ταῖς
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀῤῥαβῶνα
the earnest
G728
ἀῤῥαβῶνα
the earnest
Strong's:
G728
Word #:
8 of 14
a pledge, i.e., part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest
ταῖς
Who
G3588
ταῖς
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 14
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ταῖς
Who
G3588
ταῖς
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 4:30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.2 Corinthians 5:5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.John 6:27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.Revelation 9:4And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.Romans 8:23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.Romans 8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.Revelation 2:17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.Revelation 7:3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.Romans 4:11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Historical Context
Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.
Questions for Reflection
- Do I recognize the Spirit's presence as God's 'seal'—His ownership mark and authentication?
- How does viewing the Spirit as 'down payment' shape expectations—present reality and future fullness?
- What Spirit-deposit am I experiencing now that guarantees future resurrection and glorification?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Who hath also sealed us (σφραγισάμενος ἡμᾶς)—sphragisamenos (σφραγισάμενος, "sealing") evokes ownership mark (Rev 7:3), authentication (John 6:27), commercial security (Matt 27:66). Aorist participle: definitive past act with ongoing effect. Believers bear God's seal.
And given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts—arrabōna (ἀρραβῶνα, "down payment/pledge/guarantee") is commercial term for first installment guaranteeing full payment. The Spirit is both pledge and sample: we possess now (en tais kardiais, in hearts) a foretaste of full inheritance (Rom 8:23, Eph 1:14).