2 Corinthians 1:4

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:4 KJV

This verse is a cornerstone of Paul's opening remarks in his second letter to the Corinthian church. Having just spoken of God as the "Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3), Paul immediately explains the dynamic nature of this divine comfort. It's not merely a passive solace but an active force that equips believers to minister to others. Paul often shares his personal experiences of suffering and comfort to illustrate spiritual truths, making this letter deeply personal and relatable.

Key Themes

  • The Source of Comfort: God is identified as the ultimate source of comfort, particularly in times of "tribulation" or deep trouble. His comfort is comprehensive, covering "all our tribulation."
  • The Purpose of Suffering and Comfort: The verse reveals a divine purpose behind allowing believers to experience hardship and receive comfort. It is "that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble." Our own experience of God's faithfulness in suffering is intended to equip us to empathize with and help others facing similar difficulties.
  • Empowerment for Ministry: God's comfort is not just for personal relief but serves as a qualification and empowerment for the "ministry of comfort" within the Christian community and beyond. We comfort others using the very comfort we have received from God.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word translated as "comfort" (both verb and noun) is parakaleo (verb) and paraklesis (noun). This term carries a broader meaning than just passive solace. It includes elements of exhortation, encouragement, appeal, and strengthening. It is related to the word Paraclete, a term used for the Holy Spirit, often translated as "Comforter," "Advocate," or "Helper." This suggests that God's comfort is an active presence that comes alongside us, strengthening us to endure and to minister.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers profound insight into the Christian life and community. It teaches that our personal trials, when met with God's comfort, are not wasted experiences. Instead, they become training grounds that prepare us to effectively minister to others. It encourages vulnerability within the church, as sharing our struggles and how God has comforted us allows us to build up and support fellow believers. It highlights the beautiful cycle of God's grace: He comforts us, we are equipped, and we then use that comfort to bless others, reflecting the compassionate heart of God to a hurting world. Our ability to truly comfort others stems directly from the comfort we ourselves have received from the "God of all comfort."

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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (37 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 51:12 (35 votes)

    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 (34 votes)

    ¶ 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 (34 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 7:6 (25 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 7:7 (25 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

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