2 Corinthians 1:6

KJV

And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} whether {G1535} we be afflicted {G2346}, it is for {G5228} your {G5216} consolation {G3874} and {G2532} salvation {G4991}, which {G3588} is effectual {G1754} in {G1722} the enduring {G5281} of the same {G846} sufferings {G3804} which {G3739} we {G2249} also {G2532} suffer {G3958}: or whether {G1535} we be comforted {G3870}, it is for {G5228} your {G5216} consolation {G3874} and {G2532} salvation {G4991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So if we undergo trials, it is for your encouragement and deliverance; and if we are encouraged, that should encourage you when you have to endure sufferings like those we are experiencing.

Berean Standard Bible

If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.

American Standard Version

But whether we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or whether we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which worketh in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul articulates a profound theological truth regarding the purpose of his apostolic suffering and divine comfort: both experiences are orchestrated by God for the spiritual benefit of the Corinthian believers. Whether enduring affliction or receiving comfort, Paul's trials serve as a demonstration of God's sustaining power, enabling the Corinthians to find consolation and salvation through their own steadfast endurance of similar hardships. This reciprocal relationship highlights the communal nature of faith and the redemptive purpose of suffering within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's opening salutation and thanksgiving in [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense of His Ministry"). The preceding verses establish Paul's pattern of suffering and God's abundant comfort. Specifically, [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort") introduces God as "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort," who comforts believers in their affliction so they, in turn, can comfort others. [2 Corinthians 1:5](/2_corinthians/1-5 "2 Corinthians 1:5 - Abounding Sufferings and Comfort") then explicitly states that "as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." Verse 6 directly builds on this by articulating the *purpose* of these experiences, linking Paul's personal trials directly to the spiritual welfare of the Corinthian church. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent defense of his ministry and his explanation of the nature of true apostolic service, which often involves hardship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church was complex and often strained. This letter, likely written after a painful visit and a "severe letter" (possibly [2 Corinthians 10-13](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10-13 - Paul's Apostolic Authority")), seeks to reconcile and reaffirm his apostolic authority. In the Greco-Roman world, suffering was often viewed as a sign of weakness or divine disfavor, especially for a leader. Paul, however, redefines suffering through a distinctly Christian lens, presenting it not as a hindrance but as an integral part of his ministry and a channel for God's power. His afflictions included physical hardships, persecutions, and emotional distress, as detailed later in [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings"). This context helps the Corinthians understand that Paul's hardships were not a disqualification but a validation of his genuine apostleship and a means through which God worked for their benefit.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this passage, and indeed throughout [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - The Ministry of Reconciliation"), is the **paradox of strength in weakness**. Paul consistently demonstrates that God's power is made perfect in human weakness, transforming suffering into a vehicle for divine glory and spiritual growth. This verse particularly highlights **redemptive suffering**, where Paul's afflictions are not meaningless but serve a higher purpose: the "consolation and salvation" of the Corinthians. It also emphasizes the **interconnectedness of the body of Christ**, illustrating how the experiences of one member directly impact others. The concept of **divine comfort** is central, portraying God as the ultimate source of solace who empowers believers to endure. Furthermore, the verse underscores the importance of **perseverance and endurance** in the face of trials, linking these qualities directly to the efficacy of God's work in believers' lives, a theme echoed in [Romans 5:3-4](/romans/5-3-4 "Romans 5:3-4 - Suffering Produces Endurance and Character").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afflicted (Greek, _thlíbō'_):** From G2346, meaning "to crowd (literally or figuratively):--afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble." This term vividly conveys the intense pressure, distress, and tribulation Paul experienced. It's not merely discomfort but a profound sense of being pressed down, illustrating the severity of his hardships.
* **Consolation (Greek, _paráklēsis'_):** From G3874, meaning "imploration, hortation, solace:--comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty." This word is rich in meaning, encompassing comfort, encouragement, and even exhortation. It signifies a divine strengthening and reassurance, often implying a "calling alongside" to provide support, much like the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete.
* **Effectual (Greek, _energéō'_):** From G1754, meaning "to be active, efficient:--do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in)." This term denotes an active, powerful working or operation. It emphasizes that the consolation and salvation are not passive states but dynamic forces that actively enable and empower believers to endure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation":** Paul begins by stating a foundational principle: his suffering is not arbitrary but has a direct, beneficial purpose for the Corinthians. His afflictions (thlíbō) are divinely purposed to bring about their comfort (paráklēsis) and deliverance (sōtēría), indicating a selfless, outward-focused dimension to his personal trials.
* **"which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer":** This clause clarifies *how* Paul's experiences benefit the Corinthians. The consolation and salvation are "effectual" (energéō), meaning they are powerfully at work, specifically in the context of enduring shared suffering. Paul's perseverance in his trials serves as a living testimony and a source of strength for the Corinthians as they face similar hardships, demonstrating that God's comfort is potent enough to sustain them.
* **"or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation":** This parallel statement completes the thought, showing the symmetrical nature of God's work. Just as his affliction serves their good, so too does his comfort. His comfort is not merely for his own relief but also demonstrates the reality and power of God's solace, thereby encouraging and strengthening the Corinthians in their own need for comfort and ultimate salvation. Both sides of Paul's experience—suffering and comfort—are for their spiritual benefit.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [2 Corinthians 1:6](/2_corinthians/1-6 "2 Corinthians 1:6 - Purpose of Paul's Suffering and Comfort") is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Antithetical Parallelism** combined with **Synonymous Parallelism**. Paul presents two contrasting scenarios ("whether we be afflicted" vs. "or whether we be comforted") but attributes the *same outcome* to both: "it is for your consolation and salvation." This structure emphasizes that *all* of Paul's experiences, whether painful or comforting, are ultimately purposed by God for the spiritual good of the Corinthian church. There is also a subtle **Chiasm** (ABBA structure) at play: A (afflicted) B (for your consolation and salvation) B' (for your consolation and salvation) A' (comforted), reinforcing the central message that the spiritual benefit of the Corinthians is the consistent result of Paul's varying experiences. The repetition of "consolation and salvation" further uses **Repetition** for emphasis, underscoring the twin benefits derived from Paul's ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a profound theological truth: God sovereignly uses both suffering and comfort in the lives of His servants for the spiritual benefit of others. It reveals a communal dimension to the Christian experience, where individual trials and triumphs are not isolated but contribute to the edification and perseverance of the wider body of Christ. Paul's willingness to embrace his afflictions, knowing they serve a redemptive purpose, reflects a deep understanding of God's economy of grace, where weakness becomes a conduit for divine power and a testimony to God's faithfulness. This passage teaches that true ministry often involves vulnerability and shared hardship, transforming personal pain into a powerful witness to God's sustaining comfort and saving grace.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings")
* [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Running the Race with Endurance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 1:6](/2_corinthians/1-6 "2 Corinthians 1:6 - Purpose of Paul's Suffering and Comfort") offers immense practical encouragement for believers facing trials today. It reframes our understanding of suffering, transforming it from a mere burden into a potential instrument of God's grace for others. When we experience hardship, this verse reminds us that our pain is not wasted; God can use our endurance and the comfort we receive to strengthen and encourage those around us who are walking through similar valleys. It calls us to a posture of empathy and active ministry, recognizing that our personal journey with God, in both its highs and lows, can become a powerful testimony to His faithfulness and a source of genuine consolation for others. This perspective cultivates a selfless outlook, moving us beyond self-pity to consider how our experiences can serve the broader body of Christ, fostering a deeper sense of community and mutual support in the shared journey of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that your suffering can be "for the consolation and salvation" of others change your perspective on personal hardships?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's comfort in your own trials, and how might that comfort equip you to minister to others?**
* **What specific "same sufferings" might believers in your community or church be enduring, and how can you offer them the comfort you've received?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that all suffering is directly caused by God for a specific purpose?**

Answer: This verse emphasizes that God *uses* suffering for redemptive purposes, not necessarily that He *causes* all suffering directly. Paul's afflictions, whether from external persecution, personal struggles, or spiritual warfare, are integrated into God's sovereign plan. The key takeaway is God's ability to redeem and repurpose even the most painful experiences for the spiritual good of His people and the advancement of His kingdom. It highlights God's power to bring good out of difficult circumstances, aligning with the principle found in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good") that "all things work together for good to them that love God."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 1:6](/2_corinthians/1-6 "2 Corinthians 1:6 - Purpose of Paul's Suffering and Comfort") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's suffering for the sake of the Corinthians directly mirrors Christ's own suffering for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross")), experienced the ultimate affliction, not for His own benefit, but "for your consolation and salvation." His death on the cross was the effectual means of our deliverance from sin and death ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Furthermore, the comfort Paul receives and then extends is a direct outflow of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised as the "Comforter" or "Helper" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Comforter")). Thus, Paul's ministry of suffering and comfort is a living embodiment of the gospel, demonstrating how Christ's redemptive work transforms pain into purpose and enables believers to share in both His sufferings and His glorious comfort, ultimately leading to eternal salvation.

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

2 Timothy 2:10

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2 Corinthians 4:15

For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

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.

Philippians 1:19

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

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 3:13

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.