TRV
2 Corinthians 1:3
Bible Versions
¶ Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort;
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
Blessedbethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;
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1 Peter 1:3
¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, -
Ephesians 1:3
¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ: -
Romans 15:5
¶ Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: -
Romans 15:6
That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. -
Psalms 86:5
For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. -
Micah 7:18
Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy. -
Ephesians 1:17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Second Corinthians begins with a powerful declaration of praise, setting a tone of thanksgiving despite the challenging circumstances Paul and the Corinthian church faced. This verse immediately directs the reader's attention to the character and actions of God.
Context
Paul's second letter to the Corinthians follows a period of strained relationship and significant hardship for the apostle. He had faced intense suffering and opposition in his ministry. By starting with a blessing directed towards God as the source of comfort, Paul introduces the theme of divine solace in affliction, which is central to the opening chapters of this epistle. This opening doxology serves to anchor the subsequent discussion of suffering, ministry, and reconciliation in God's faithfulness and character.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word translated "blessed" is the Greek word eulogētos (εὐλογητὸς), meaning "well spoken of" or "praised." It is always used in the New Testament to describe praise directed towards God.
The word for "mercies" is oiktirmōn (οἰκτιρμῶν), related to deep compassion and pity that moves one to action. It reflects God's tenderheartedness towards His people.
The term "comfort" comes from the Greek word paraklēsis (παράκλησις). This word carries a rich meaning encompassing encouragement, exhortation, consolation, and strengthening. It is the same root word used for the Holy Spirit, often called the Comforter or Advocate (see John 14:26). God's comfort is not passive sympathy but active empowerment and presence.
Reflection and Application
This verse serves as a powerful anchor for believers facing difficulties. It reminds us that no matter the depth of our suffering or the complexity of our trials, God is the ultimate source of solace and strength. We are encouraged to turn to Him in prayer and trust, knowing that His mercy is available and His comfort is complete. Furthermore, the comfort we receive from God is often intended not just for our own relief but also to enable us to minister to others who are suffering, a theme explored in the very next verse (see 2 Corinthians 1:4).