2 Corinthians 1:6
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπὲρ
it is for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
it is for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
4 of 28
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
of the same
G846
αὐτῶν
of the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 28
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
παθημάτων
sufferings
G3804
παθημάτων
sufferings
Strong's:
G3804
Word #:
16 of 28
something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence
ὧν
which
G3739
ὧν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 28
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάσχομεν
suffer
G3958
πάσχομεν
suffer
Strong's:
G3958
Word #:
20 of 28
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
παρακαλούμεθα
we be comforted
G3870
παρακαλούμεθα
we be comforted
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
22 of 28
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ὑπὲρ
it is for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
it is for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
23 of 28
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.2 Corinthians 1:4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.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.Philippians 1:19For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,Ephesians 3:13Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
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
- How does knowing someone's suffering might be 'for my consolation' change how I pray for leaders?
- Am I willing to embrace affliction if it produces salvation/comfort in others?
- What 'same sufferings' do I share with my church that could become mutual encouragement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation (εἴτε θλιβόμεθα, ὑπὲρ τῆς ὑμῶν παρακλήσεως)—Hyper (ὑπὲρ, "for/on behalf of") shows substitutionary purpose. Paul's afflictions aren't random but redemptive, producing the Corinthians' comfort and sōtēria (salvation/sanctification).
Which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings—energoumenēs (ἐνεργουμένης, "being made effective") through hypomonē (ὑπομονή, "patient endurance"). Comfort isn't escapist but empowering—enabling endurance of the same sufferings. Pastor and congregation share identical afflictions.