1:5 1:5

2 Corinthians 1:6

1:7 1:7

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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.
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.
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:

Context of 2 Corinthians 1:6

This verse is part of Paul's deeply personal and theological defense of his apostolic ministry to the Corinthian church. Following the tumultuous events and challenges detailed in his previous letter and his recent visit, Paul opens 2 Corinthians by sharing his profound experiences of suffering and divine comfort. He establishes early on that his afflictions are not signs of God's disfavor, but rather instruments through which God's power and comfort are revealed, not just for his own benefit but for the spiritual growth and enduring faith of the Corinthians. It immediately follows 2 Corinthians 1:5, which speaks of Christ's sufferings abounding in believers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Redemptive Suffering: Paul asserts that his suffering (and even his comfort) serves a higher purpose—the spiritual benefit of the Corinthian believers. Affliction is not wasted but is used by God for the salvation and consolation of others.
  • Shared Experience: There is a profound unity in the body of Christ, where the experiences of one member can directly impact others. Paul's endurance in suffering demonstrates the efficacy of God's comfort and provides a tangible example for the Corinthians as they face their own trials.
  • The Ministry of Comfort: Those who receive comfort from God are then equipped to offer that same comfort to others. Paul's ministry is characterized by this reciprocal flow of comfort, as highlighted earlier in Paul's ministry of comfort, as described earlier in 2 Corinthians 1:4.
  • Endurance and Salvation: The verse emphasizes that the consolation and salvation are "effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings." This points to the active, powerful nature of God's work in sustaining believers through hardship, leading to perseverance and ultimate spiritual deliverance. This principle aligns with the broader New Testament teaching that suffering produces endurance.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Afflicted" (Greek: thlipsis): This word denotes pressure, tribulation, or distress. It suggests being pressed down or burdened, giving a vivid picture of the hardships Paul faced.
  • "Consolation" (Greek: paraklesis): More than mere sympathy, paraklesis encompasses comfort, encouragement, and exhortation. It's the same root word used for the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" or "Helper" (John 14:26). Thus, Paul's comfort is divinely sourced and empowering.
  • "Effectual" (Greek: energeō): This term means "working" or "active," indicating that the consolation and salvation are not passive states but active forces that empower believers to endure suffering successfully.
  • "Salvation" (Greek: sōtēria): While often referring to initial deliverance from sin, in this context, sōtēria also carries the sense of ongoing preservation, well-being, and ultimate spiritual deliverance achieved through steadfast faith despite trials.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 1:6 offers profound encouragement and a framework for understanding suffering:

  • Purpose in Pain: Our own difficulties and afflictions are not meaningless. God can use them to strengthen our faith, deepen our reliance on Him, and equip us to minister to others who are going through similar trials.
  • Empathy and Support: Recognizing that others may be enduring "the same sufferings" should compel us to offer genuine comfort and support, drawing from the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
  • Endurance is Key: The verse highlights the importance of patient endurance. It is through remaining steadfast in trials that God's work of consolation and salvation becomes "effectual" in our lives and visible to others.
  • God's Sovereignty: This verse reaffirms God's sovereign hand, even in suffering. Both affliction and comfort are purposed by God for the spiritual good of His people and the advancement of His kingdom.
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.

  • 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.
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