2 Corinthians 1:5

KJV

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} as {G2531} the sufferings {G3804} of Christ {G5547} abound {G4052} in {G1519} us {G2248}, so {G3779} our {G2257} consolation {G3874} also {G2532} aboundeth {G4052} by {G1223} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For just as the Messiah’s sufferings overflow into us, so through the Messiah our encouragement also overflows.

Berean Standard Bible

For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

American Standard Version

For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:5, articulates a profound spiritual paradox: the direct proportionality between the suffering believers endure for Christ's sake and the abundant divine consolation they receive through Him. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of God's faithfulness to comfort His people in affliction, transforming their trials into opportunities for deeper identification with Christ and a greater experience of His empowering presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's opening salutation and thanksgiving in his second letter to the Corinthian church. Following a customary greeting, Paul immediately shifts to 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"). He then explains that God comforts him in all his tribulation, not for his own sake alone, but so that he might be equipped to comfort others who are suffering, sharing in both their afflictions and their consolation ([2 Corinthians 1:4](/2_corinthians/1-4 "2 Corinthians 1:4 - Comfort to Comfort Others")). [2 Corinthians 1:5](/2_corinthians/1-5 "2 Corinthians 1:5 - The Abundance of Suffering and Consolation") serves as the theological underpinning for this principle, establishing the divine pattern: the abundance of suffering for Christ is met with an equally abundant, if not overflowing, consolation from Christ. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent defense of his apostolic ministry and his explanation of his change of travel plans, all viewed through the lens of God's comfort and faithfulness in affliction, as further elaborated in [2 Corinthians 1:6-11](/2_corinthians/1-6-11 "2 Corinthians 1:6-11 - Paul's Suffering and Deliverance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church was complex and often strained. He had faced significant opposition, criticism, and personal attacks, both from outside and within the church. His previous letter ([1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to Corinth")) addressed numerous moral and theological issues, and he had made a "painful visit" to Corinth ([2 Corinthians 2:1](/2_corinthians/2-1 "2 Corinthians 2:1 - Paul's Painful Visit")). The "sufferings" Paul refers to in this passage were not theoretical but deeply personal and public, including persecutions, beatings, shipwrecks, and constant anxieties for the churches ([2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings")). In the Greco-Roman world, suffering was often viewed as a sign of divine displeasure or weakness. Paul, however, redefines suffering for Christ as a mark of genuine apostleship and a means of experiencing God's power and comfort, contrasting sharply with the prevailing cultural values that prized strength and success. His willingness to embrace suffering for the gospel's sake was a powerful counter-cultural testimony.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 1:5](/2_corinthians/1-5 "2 Corinthians 1:5 - The Abundance of Suffering and Consolation") encapsulates several crucial themes prevalent in Paul's theology and throughout the book of [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Second Letter"). First, it highlights the **identification with Christ in suffering**. The "sufferings of Christ" are not His atoning work on the cross, but the afflictions endured by believers for His name and gospel, echoing the pattern of Christ's own life of rejection and hardship. This theme underscores that following Christ involves a participation in His suffering, as seen in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings"). Second, the verse emphasizes the **supernatural nature and abundance of divine comfort**. The Greek word for "abound" (perisseúō) signifies an overflowing, exceeding measure, indicating that God's consolation is not merely sufficient but lavish, often surpassing the intensity of the suffering itself. This divine comfort empowers believers to endure and even minister in adversity. Finally, the verse firmly establishes **Christ as the exclusive source of this comfort**. The consolation "aboundeth by Christ," stressing that this solace is not self-generated or derived from external circumstances, but flows directly from Jesus Christ Himself, who is the ultimate "God of all comfort" ([2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sufferings (Greek, _páthēma'_):** From a root meaning "to suffer" or "to experience emotion," this term denotes something undergone, particularly hardship, pain, or affliction. In this context, it refers to the external trials and internal distresses experienced by believers for their association with Christ and their proclamation of His gospel. It is not merely general human suffering, but suffering that aligns with the pattern of Christ's own life and ministry, endured for His sake.
* **abound (Greek, _perisseúō'_):** This verb means to be over and above, to superabound, to overflow, or to be in excess. Paul uses it to convey a sense of overflowing quantity or quality. Here, it indicates that both the sufferings and the consolation are not just present but are in rich, ample supply, often to an unexpected or overwhelming degree. It suggests a dynamic, ever-increasing reality.
* **consolation (Greek, _paráklēsis'_):** This significant term encompasses more than mere sympathy or comfort. It implies encouragement, exhortation, strengthening, and solace. It is often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit, who is called the _Paraclete_ or "Comforter/Helper" in the Gospel of John, indicating a divine, empowering presence that comes alongside to provide strength and hope in times of distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,"**: This clause establishes the premise: the reality and intensity of the afflictions experienced by believers, particularly Paul and his companions, on account of their allegiance to and ministry for Christ. The phrase "sufferings of Christ" refers to the sufferings that believers endure because they are united with Christ and follow in His footsteps, participating in the rejection and hardship He Himself experienced. The word "abound" emphasizes that these sufferings are not minor or infrequent, but often overwhelming and plentiful. The preposition "in us" highlights the personal, internal, and experiential nature of these sufferings.
* **"so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."**: This clause presents the divine response and parallel outcome. The conjunction "so" (Greek, _hoútō_) indicates a direct correspondence and proportionality. Just as sufferings are abundant, so too is the "consolation" – divine comfort, encouragement, and strength. The repetition of "aboundeth" underscores that God's comfort is not merely adequate but superabundant, matching or even exceeding the measure of the trial. Crucially, this consolation is received "by Christ" (Greek, _diá Christou_), signifying that Jesus Christ Himself is the channel, source, and mediator of this divine comfort. It is through His person, His Spirit, and His work that this solace flows into the lives of believers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is central, particularly the "as...so also" (Greek: _kathṓs...hoútō_) construction, which highlights a direct and proportional relationship between suffering and consolation. This structural balance underscores the divine principle that God's comfort is perfectly matched to the believer's affliction. **Intensification** is achieved through the repeated use of the verb "abound" (Greek: _perisseúō_), emphasizing the overflowing, superabundant nature of both the sufferings and the comfort. This is not a subtle experience but one of overwhelming magnitude. There is also an element of **Metonymy** in "sufferings of Christ," where "Christ" stands for the cause or reason for the suffering (i.e., suffering for Christ's sake). Finally, the phrase "consolation...by Christ" functions as a **Theological Metaphor**, portraying Christ as the conduit or wellspring from which all true comfort flows, making Him the active agent in the believer's experience of solace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 1:5](/2_corinthians/1-5 "2 Corinthians 1:5 - The Abundance of Suffering and Consolation") is a cornerstone for understanding the Christian perspective on suffering. It reveals that suffering, when endured for Christ's sake, is not meaningless but is a profound means of spiritual identification with Him and a conduit for experiencing God's supernatural comfort. This comfort is not merely the absence of pain, but an empowering presence that enables endurance, resilience, and even joy in the midst of trials. The verse underscores God's sovereignty over suffering, demonstrating that He not only permits it but actively works within it to manifest His comforting power. This divine comfort also has a missional purpose, equipping believers to minister to others who are hurting, transforming personal pain into a wellspring of empathy and shared solace within the body of Christ.

* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Sufferers with Christ"): "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings"): "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death."
* [1 Peter 4:13](/1_peter/4-13 "1 Peter 4:13 - Rejoicing in Christ's Sufferings"): "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 1:5](/2_corinthians/1-5 "2 Corinthians 1:5 - The Abundance of Suffering and Consolation") offers profound encouragement and a transformative perspective for believers navigating the inevitable trials of life. It challenges the common human tendency to view suffering as solely negative or punitive, instead reframing it as a unique opportunity for deeper intimacy with Christ and a more profound experience of His divine comfort. For those who feel overwhelmed by hardship endured for their faith, this verse assures them that God's comforting presence will not merely match their pain but will superabound, providing strength, peace, and hope that transcends circumstances. It reminds us that our trials are never wasted; they are integral to our spiritual formation, enabling us to participate in Christ's own experience and equipping us to be channels of God's comfort to a hurting world, fulfilling the very purpose Paul describes in the preceding verses. Embracing this truth allows us to face adversity not with despair, but with a confident expectation of God's overflowing grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How have you personally experienced the "sufferings of Christ" in your life, and in what ways has God's "consolation" abounded to you in those moments?**
* **In what specific ways does understanding Christ as the source of comfort change your perspective on current or future trials?**
* **How can your experience of God's comfort in suffering equip you to minister to others who are going through similar difficulties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to lean more fully into Christ as the source of your comfort when facing affliction?**

### FAQ

**What does "the sufferings of Christ" mean in this verse?**

Answer: In [2 Corinthians 1:5](/2_corinthians/1-5 "2 Corinthians 1:5 - The Abundance of Suffering and Consolation"), "the sufferings of Christ" does not refer to Christ's atoning work on the cross, which was a unique, once-for-all sacrifice for sin. Instead, it refers to the afflictions, persecutions, and hardships that believers endure *for the sake of Christ* and the gospel. These are sufferings that align with the pattern of Christ's own life and ministry, which was characterized by rejection, opposition, and hardship. To suffer "of Christ" or "for Christ" means to participate in the experience of a life lived in devotion to Him, often facing the same kind of resistance and pain that He Himself encountered. It signifies a deep spiritual identification with Him, as also seen in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings").

**How does consolation "abound" when suffering is so intense?**

Answer: The word "abound" (Greek: _perisseúō_) means to be over and above, to superabound, or to overflow. When Paul says "our consolation also aboundeth by Christ," he is describing a supernatural reality. It's not that the suffering disappears, but that God's comfort is so vast and powerful that it can meet and even exceed the intensity of the affliction. This "consolation" (Greek: _paráklēsis_) is more than mere sympathy; it is active encouragement, strengthening, and solace, often associated with the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, who is called the "Comforter" or "Helper" in [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Helper"). This abundant comfort enables believers to endure, find peace, and even experience joy in the midst of their trials, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power in their weakness, as Paul elaborates throughout [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Second Letter").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 1:5](/2_corinthians/1-5 "2 Corinthians 1:5 - The Abundance of Suffering and Consolation") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "sufferings of Christ" in believers are a direct participation in the pattern of His own life, for He Himself "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). His journey to the cross, marked by profound suffering and rejection, is the archetypal experience that believers now share as they follow Him. More profoundly, the "consolation" that abounds is entirely "by Christ" because He is the source of all true comfort. Having Himself endured the ultimate suffering, Christ is uniquely qualified to sympathize with our weaknesses and to pour out His Spirit, the _Paraclete_ or "Comforter" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Comforter")), into our hearts. His resurrection and ascension guarantee that His comfort is not a fleeting emotion but an abiding, victorious presence. Thus, our suffering for Christ's sake is not merely a shared experience of pain, but a profound connection to His redemptive work, enabling us to experience His abundant life and empowering us to be agents of His comfort to a world in need, ultimately pointing back to the One who conquered suffering and death itself ([Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Future Glory and Present Suffering")).

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

Colossians 1:24

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Philippians 3:10

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Philippians 1:20

According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

2 Corinthians 4:10

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:11

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

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.