2 Corinthians 1:4

KJV

Who 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3588} comforteth {G3870} us {G2248} in {G1909} all {G3956} our {G2257} tribulation {G2347}, that {G1519} we {G2248} may be able {G1410} to comfort {G3870} them which are in {G1722} any {G3956} trouble {G2347}, by {G1223} the comfort {G3874} wherewith {G3739} we {G3870} ourselves {G846} are comforted {G3870} of {G5259} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who encourages us in all our trials, so that we can encourage others in whatever trials they may be undergoing with the encouragement we ourselves have received from God.

Berean Standard Bible

who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

American Standard Version

who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Corinthians 1:4 articulates the profound theological principle that God, the Father of all mercies and comfort, actively sustains believers through every tribulation, not solely for their individual relief, but with the divine purpose of equipping them to extend the very same comfort to others who are experiencing distress. This verse highlights a transformative cycle where personal suffering, met by divine solace, becomes the foundation for compassionate and effective ministry within the community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul opens 2 Corinthians with an extended doxology, blessing God as the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" in [2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort"). Verse 4 immediately elaborates on the practical outworking of this divine attribute, establishing a foundational principle for the entire letter. This passage serves as a theological anchor for Paul's subsequent discussions of his own intense sufferings (e.g., [2 Corinthians 1:8-10](/2_corinthians/1-8-10 "2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - Paul's Suffering in Asia")), his apostolic ministry, and the nature of Christian service. It frames suffering not as a sign of God's absence, but as a crucible for experiencing His comfort and a training ground for compassionate ministry to others, a theme that recurs throughout [the book of 2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "The Book of 2 Corinthians").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling Roman provincial capital, known for its diverse population, trade, and often, moral laxity. The Corinthian church, though gifted, was plagued by internal divisions, challenges to Paul's apostolic authority, and various ethical issues. Paul's relationship with them was complex and often strained, marked by a 'painful visit' and a 'severe letter' (likely 2 Corinthians 10-13 or a lost letter). In this context, Paul's emphasis on comfort and shared suffering is highly significant. He is not merely offering abstract theology but addressing real pain—both his own and that of the Corinthians. The concept of 'tribulation' (Gk. _thlîpsis_) would have resonated deeply with early Christians who often faced social ostracism, economic hardship, and persecution for their faith, making divine comfort a vital necessity for endurance and communal solidarity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes woven throughout 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it underscores the **character of God** as the compassionate Father who actively intervenes in human suffering, a theme introduced in [2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort"). Secondly, it reveals the **redemptive purpose of suffering**, presenting trials not as punitive but as transformative experiences that deepen reliance on God and prepare believers for service. Paul frequently revisits this idea, especially in [2 Corinthians 4:7-12](/2_corinthians/4-7-12 "2 Corinthians 4:7-12 - Treasure in Jars of Clay"). Thirdly, it establishes the **ministry of comfort** as a core aspect of Christian community and evangelism. The comfort received from God is meant to be shared, creating a network of mutual support and demonstrating God's love to a hurting world. This reciprocal comfort is essential for the church's health and its mission, echoing the call to bear one another's burdens found in [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **comforteth (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** This verb (G3870, and its corresponding noun _paráklēsis_ G3874) is central to the verse. While often translated as 'comfort,' its semantic range is much broader, encompassing 'to call alongside,' 'to encourage,' 'to exhort,' 'to appeal,' and 'to strengthen.' It implies an active presence that comes to one's aid, offering not just solace but also empowerment to face challenges. This dynamic understanding of comfort highlights God's active involvement in our trials, not merely as a passive sympathizer but as an empowering helper.
* **tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** Derived from a word meaning 'to press' or 'to crush,' _thlîpsis_ (G2347) denotes intense pressure, affliction, anguish, or distress. It refers to external pressures and hardships, often including persecution or severe trials. Paul uses this term frequently to describe the sufferings he endured for the gospel, emphasizing the real and often overwhelming nature of the difficulties believers face.
* **may be able (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** This verb (G1410) signifies 'to be able,' 'to have power,' or 'to be possible.' In this context, it emphasizes the divine enablement that results from receiving God's comfort. It's not merely a suggestion that we _might_ comfort others, but an assertion that God's comfort empowers us with the capacity and authority to effectively minister to those in similar distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation":** This opening clause identifies God as the active agent of comfort. The word "comforteth" (Gk. _parakaléō_) implies a dynamic, empowering presence, not just passive solace. The phrase "in all our tribulation" (Gk. _epí pâs hēmōn thlîpsis_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's comfort, extending to every conceivable form of pressure, affliction, or distress that believers might encounter. It speaks to God's omnipresent and sufficient grace even in the deepest trials.
* **"that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble":** This is a crucial teleological (purpose) clause, introduced by "that" (Gk. _eis_). The comfort God provides is not an end in itself but a means to an end: to equip and empower believers ("may be able" - Gk. _dýnamai_) to minister to others. The phrase "them which are in any trouble" (Gk. _en pâs thlîpsis_) mirrors the earlier phrase, indicating that the comfort received is specifically for those experiencing similar forms of distress. This highlights a divinely ordained cycle of empathy and service.
* **"by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God":** This final clause specifies the mechanism and source of this reciprocal comfort. The comfort we extend to others is not from our own strength or wisdom, but "by" (Gk. _diá_) the very same comfort (Gk. _paráklēsis_) that we ourselves have received from God. This underscores the divine origin and quality of the comfort, ensuring that ministry flows from God's grace through us, rather than from human effort alone.

#### Literary Devices
2 Corinthians 1:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with variations of the Greek root _parakal_ (comfort/comforter) appearing five times and _thlîpsis_ (tribulation/trouble) twice. This intense repetition serves to emphasize the central theme of divine comfort and its transformative power in the face of suffering. The verse also exhibits a subtle **Chiasm** or reciprocal structure, where God comforts us (A), so that we may comfort others (B), by the very comfort (B') with which we ourselves were comforted by God (A'). This creates a beautiful, reinforcing loop, illustrating the flow of grace from God, through the believer, and out to the world. Furthermore, the use of the purpose clause, introduced by "that" (Gk. _eis_), highlights the **Divine Purpose** behind God's comfort—it is not merely for personal relief but for communal equipping and ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply informs our understanding of God's compassionate nature and the communal aspect of Christian life. It reveals that God's comfort is not a passive balm but an active, empowering force that transforms suffering into a platform for ministry. The experience of tribulation, therefore, is not an anomaly but a divinely purposed opportunity to depend more fully on God and subsequently to reflect His empathetic heart to others. This creates a beautiful, reciprocal dynamic within the body of Christ, where shared vulnerability and God-given comfort forge deeper bonds and enable effective mutual support. It underscores the truth that our deepest wounds, when healed by God, can become the very source of our greatest ministry.

* [Isaiah 40:1](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1 - Comfort My People")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice and Weep Together")
* [Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 1:4 calls believers to a profound understanding of suffering and ministry. It challenges the notion that trials are merely obstacles, reframing them as divine opportunities for deeper communion with God and greater capacity for service. When we allow God to comfort us in our deepest pains, we are not only healed but also uniquely qualified to enter into the suffering of others with genuine empathy and wisdom. This verse encourages us to be transparent about our struggles and God's faithfulness, creating a culture within the church where burdens are shared and divine comfort is actively channeled. Our personal testimonies of God's sustaining grace become powerful tools for encouragement, demonstrating that God is indeed the 'God of all comfort' who transforms our brokenness into blessing for others. This active participation in the 'ministry of comfort' is a tangible expression of Christ's love in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has God specifically comforted you in a past or current tribulation, and what did you learn about His character through that experience?**
* **In what practical ways can you leverage the comfort you've received from God to minister to someone else who is currently in trouble?**
* **What steps can your community of faith take to foster an environment where individuals feel safe to share their struggles and receive and offer comfort?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "all our tribulation" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "all our tribulation" (Gk. _epí pâs hēmōn thlîpsis_) signifies the comprehensive and universal nature of the suffering that believers may experience. It encompasses every kind of pressure, distress, affliction, or hardship—whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational. This indicates that God's comfort is not limited to certain types of trials but is available and sufficient for every form of difficulty we encounter. It assures us that no matter the depth or breadth of our trouble, God's comforting presence is able to meet us there, as He is truly the "God of all comfort" mentioned in [2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort").

**Does this verse imply that suffering is a prerequisite for ministry?**

Answer: While 2 Corinthians 1:4 highlights how God uses our experiences of suffering and comfort to equip us for ministry, it does not necessarily mean that suffering is a prerequisite for all forms of ministry. Rather, it emphasizes that personal experience of God's faithfulness in trials uniquely qualifies us to minister with empathy and authenticity to those facing similar difficulties. It underscores a specific aspect of ministry—the "ministry of comfort"—which is deeply enriched by personal encounters with tribulation and divine solace. All believers are called to minister, but those who have walked through deep waters often possess a special capacity to comfort others, as seen in Paul's own life and ministry throughout [the book of 2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "The Book of 2 Corinthians").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 1:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who experienced "all tribulation" (e.g., [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows") and [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), yet remained perfectly comforted by the Father, even to the point of enduring the cross for our salvation. His suffering was not for His own sake, but "that we may be able to comfort them" through His redemptive work. As the resurrected Lord, Jesus continues to comfort His people through the Holy Spirit, whom He sent as the "Paraclete" or "Comforter" (e.g., [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the comfort we receive and extend is not merely a human act of empathy, but a participation in Christ's ongoing ministry of compassion. We comfort others 'by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God' because that comfort flows from the very heart of Christ, who perfectly embodies the Father's mercies and enables us to be agents of His grace in a broken world, reflecting His own suffering and triumphant comfort (e.g., [Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 5:11

¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Isaiah 51:12

I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

2 Thessalonians 2:16

¶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

2 Thessalonians 2:17

Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

2 Corinthians 7:6

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

2 Corinthians 7:7

And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

Isaiah 40:1

¶ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.