2 Corinthians 1:22

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Who {G3588} hath {G4972} also {G2532} sealed {G4972} us {G2248}, and {G2532} given {G1325} the earnest {G728} of the Spirit {G4151} in {G1722} our {G2257} hearts {G2588}.

put his seal on us, and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee for the future.

placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.

who also sealed us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Commentary

2 Corinthians 1:22 (KJV) beautifully articulates the profound security and assurance believers receive from God through the Holy Spirit. This verse emphasizes two powerful images: being "sealed" and receiving the "earnest" of the Spirit, both signifying God's unwavering commitment to His people.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's opening defense and explanation of his ministry to the Corinthian church. After enduring much affliction for the sake of the Gospel, Paul assures the Corinthians of God's faithfulness and the authenticity of His promises to them and through him. He contrasts human wavering with God's steadfastness, highlighting that God, not Paul, is the ultimate source of their confirmation and anointing. The gifts of the Spirit mentioned here serve as a foundation for understanding the stability of God's promises, especially those regarding God's "Yea, and Amen" in 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership and Security: The act of being "sealed" implies ownership, authenticity, and security. In ancient times, a seal was used to mark property, validate documents, or secure goods, indicating a permanent and undeniable claim. For believers, this means God has set His mark upon them, affirming their belonging to Him and guaranteeing their preservation.
  • The Holy Spirit as a Guarantee: The term "earnest" (Greek: arrabลn) refers to a down payment or a first installment that guarantees the full payment or possession later. The Holy Spirit, dwelling "in our hearts," is this divine deposit, serving as a pledge of future inheritance and a foretaste of the full glory that awaits believers. This provides profound assurance of salvation and future blessings.
  • Internal Transformation and Assurance: The phrase "in our hearts" signifies that this sealing and earnest are not merely external acts but an internal, personal, and transformative work of God within the believer. It speaks to a deep, spiritual reality that brings peace and confidence.

Linguistic Insights

  • "sealed" (Greek: sphragizล): This verb denotes the act of placing a seal, implying authentication, security, and definitive ownership. It suggests that believers are marked and protected by God. This concept is echoed in Ephesians 4:30, which speaks of being "sealed unto the day of redemption."
  • "earnest" (Greek: arrabลn): This significant term was a commercial and legal word for a pledge, deposit, or down payment. It was a non-refundable first installment that legally bound the payer to complete the full transaction. Thus, the Holy Spirit is God's irrevocable promise and a tangible foretaste of the future glory and inheritance of believers.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, 2 Corinthians 1:22 offers immense comfort and steadfast assurance. It reminds us that our salvation and security are not dependent on our own efforts or fluctuating feelings, but on God's unchanging character and His powerful work through the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages us to:

  • Live with Confidence: Knowing we are sealed and have the Spirit as an earnest strengthens our faith and provides peace amidst life's uncertainties.
  • Embrace Our Identity: We are God's possession, marked by Him, which should inspire us to live lives that honor Him.
  • Trust in God's Faithfulness: The presence of the Holy Spirit is a constant reminder that God is true to His promises and will complete the work He began in us, leading us to our full inheritance. This internal witness of the Spirit is a key aspect of the new covenant God has made with His people.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 4:30

    And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:5

    Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

  • Ephesians 1:13

    In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

  • Ephesians 1:14

    Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

  • John 6:27

    Labour 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 9:4

    And 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 8:14

    For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
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