2 Corinthians 1:7

KJV

¶ And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} our {G2257} hope {G1680} of {G5228} you {G5216} is stedfast {G949}, knowing {G1492}, that {G3754} as {G5618} ye are {G2075} partakers {G2844} of the sufferings {G3804}, so {G3779} shall ye be also {G2532} of the consolation {G3874}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, our hope for you remains staunch, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, you will also share in the encouragement.

Berean Standard Bible

And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.

American Standard Version

and our hope for you is stedfast; knowing that, as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also are ye of the comfort.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 1:7, the Apostle Paul expresses his unwavering confidence in the Corinthian believers, affirming that just as they share in the sufferings experienced for the sake of Christ and the gospel, they will likewise share fully in the divine comfort and consolation that God provides. This verse serves as a foundational statement of mutual experience and hope, establishing a deep empathetic connection between Paul and the Corinthian church amidst their collective trials and tribulations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening salutation and thanksgiving of Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians. Paul has just recounted his profound personal sufferings in Asia and the miraculous deliverance by God, emphasizing that God comforts him in all his tribulation so that he, in turn, can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). Verse 7 directly follows this declaration, extending the principle of shared suffering and comfort from Paul's personal experience to the collective experience of the Corinthian church. It sets an empathetic tone, assuring the Corinthians that Paul understands their struggles and that their shared experience in suffering guarantees their shared experience in God's comfort, thereby reinforcing their spiritual bond and preparing them for the challenging topics addressed later in the letter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral laxity. The church in Corinth faced numerous internal divisions and external pressures, including persecution and opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities. Paul himself had endured significant hardship, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks, often for the sake of the gospel (as detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings")). The Corinthian believers, by identifying with Christ, would inevitably face similar opposition and suffering. Paul's emphasis on "sufferings" (πάθημα, *pathēma*) would resonate deeply with a community experiencing various forms of affliction, whether social ostracism, economic hardship, or direct persecution, all for their faith in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** A predominant theme in this verse, and indeed throughout [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "The Second Epistle to the Corinthians"), is the profound connection between **suffering and divine comfort**. Paul consistently presents suffering not as a sign of God's abandonment, but as a pathway to experiencing God's profound consolation and demonstrating Christ's power (as seen in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Power Perfected in Weakness")). Another crucial theme is **steadfast hope**, which is not merely wishful thinking but a firm assurance rooted in God's faithfulness and the shared reality of the Christian journey. This hope undergirds their ability to endure trials. Furthermore, the concept of **fellowship in Christ** is central, highlighting the deep spiritual bond that unites believers in both their afflictions and their experience of God's grace, echoing sentiments found in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** From the provided Strong's G1680, *elpís* signifies expectation, usually with pleasure, or confidence. In this context, Paul's "hope" is not a mere wish but a deep, unwavering confidence and assurance regarding the spiritual state and future comfort of the Corinthian believers. It is a theological virtue, a firm trust in God's promises and character, particularly His faithfulness to provide comfort to those who suffer for Him.
* **partakers (Greek, _koinōnós'_):** Based on Strong's G2844, *koinōnós* means a sharer or associate. This word denotes a deep, intimate participation, fellowship, or partnership. It implies more than just experiencing something alongside someone; it suggests a mutual bond and shared involvement. When Paul states the Corinthians are "partakers of the sufferings," he emphasizes their profound, shared experience and solidarity with Christ and with Paul himself in enduring hardship for the gospel.
* **consolation (Greek, _paráklēsis'_):** According to Strong's G3874, *paráklēsis* encompasses imploration, hortation, and solace. It is the same root word from which "Paraclete" (Helper/Comforter) is derived, underscoring the divine source and nature of this comfort. Here, it refers to the divine comfort, encouragement, and strength that God provides to His people in their afflictions, enabling them to persevere and find peace amidst their trials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And our hope of you is stedfast,"**: Paul begins by declaring his firm and unwavering confidence in the Corinthian believers. The term "stedfast" (Greek: *bébaios*, G949) means firm, sure, or unwavering, indicating that Paul's expectation regarding their spiritual resilience and ultimate reception of divine comfort is not based on fleeting emotion but on a solid conviction. This hope is "of you," meaning it pertains to their spiritual well-being and endurance.
* **"knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings,"**: This clause reveals the basis of Paul's steadfast hope. His knowledge (Greek: *eídō*, G1492, "to know") is that the Corinthians are actively "partakers" (Greek: *koinōnós*, G2844) or sharers in the "sufferings" (Greek: *páthēma*, G3804). These sufferings are not merely general hardships but afflictions endured specifically for their faith in Christ and their association with the gospel. Paul acknowledges their shared experience in the difficult realities of Christian life.
* **"so shall ye be also of the consolation."**: This is the profound promise and assurance. The conjunction "so" (Greek: *hoútō*, G3779) establishes a direct, proportional relationship: just as they share in the sufferings, they will equally and certainly share in the divine "consolation" (Greek: *paráklēsis*, G3874). This comfort is not merely human sympathy but a supernatural strengthening and encouragement from God, ensuring that their endurance in suffering will be met with an equivalent measure of divine solace and support.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in 2 Corinthians 1:7 to convey his message with power and clarity. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a chiastic or balanced structure. The verse sets up a direct correspondence: "as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." This symmetrical arrangement emphasizes the direct and inevitable link between experiencing hardship for Christ and receiving divine comfort. The use of **Assurance** is also evident, as Paul's declaration "our hope of you is stedfast, knowing" conveys a deep, confident conviction rather than a mere wish. This tone of certainty aims to instill confidence and encouragement in the Corinthians. Furthermore, the concept of "partakers" can be seen as a **Metaphor** for deep, intimate fellowship, likening the shared experience of suffering and comfort to a common portion or inheritance, underscoring the profound unity between Paul, the Corinthians, and ultimately, Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 1:7 encapsulates a profound theological truth central to Christian experience: suffering for Christ is intrinsically linked to experiencing His divine comfort. This is not a transactional relationship, but a revelation of God's faithfulness and the nature of the Christian journey. God does not promise a life free from hardship, but He does promise His sustaining presence and abundant comfort within those hardships. This comfort equips believers not only to endure but also to minister to others who are suffering, creating a cycle of grace and empathy within the body of Christ. The steadfast hope mentioned is rooted in God's character—His immutable love and power to bring good out of all circumstances, even the most painful ones. This verse assures believers that their trials are not in vain but are pathways to deeper reliance on God and richer experiences of His solace.

* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - The Benefits of Suffering")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")
* [1 Peter 4:13](/1_peter/4-13 "1 Peter 4:13 - Rejoicing in Christ's Sufferings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 1:7 offers immense encouragement and a vital perspective for believers navigating the inevitable challenges of life and faith. It reminds us that suffering is not an anomaly in the Christian walk but a shared reality that connects us deeply with Christ and with one another. When we experience hardship—whether it's persecution for our beliefs, the pain of loss, or the struggles inherent in a fallen world—this verse assures us that we are not alone. More profoundly, it promises an accompanying divine comfort that is proportionate to our suffering. This comfort is not the absence of pain, but the presence of God's sustaining grace, peace, and strength within the pain. Embracing this truth transforms our perspective on adversity, allowing us to view trials as opportunities to experience God's intimate care and to develop a deeper, more resilient faith. It also calls us to be channels of this comfort to others, having personally received it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has sharing in the "sufferings" of life, especially those related to your faith, deepened your experience of God's "consolation"?**
* **In what ways does Paul's "steadfast hope" in the Corinthians' spiritual journey encourage you in your own walk with Christ?**
* **How can you, having received God's comfort in your own trials, better extend that comfort to others who are suffering?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "sufferings" is Paul referring to in 2 Corinthians 1:7?**

Answer: The "sufferings" (Greek: *páthēma*) Paul refers to are primarily those endured for the sake of Christ and the gospel. While the term can encompass general human hardships, in the context of Paul's letters, it often specifically denotes the afflictions, persecutions, and trials that believers face because of their identification with Christ and their commitment to spreading His message. These could include social ostracism, verbal abuse, physical persecution, imprisonment, or even the internal struggles and anxieties that arise from faithfully serving God in a hostile world. Paul himself was a prime example of someone who suffered extensively for the gospel, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Extensive Sufferings").

**What does it mean to be "partakers" of sufferings and consolation?**

Answer: To be "partakers" (Greek: *koinōnós*) signifies a deep, intimate sharing or fellowship. It means that believers are not merely observers of suffering or comfort, but active participants in them. In suffering, it implies a solidarity with Christ, who Himself suffered, and with fellow believers who endure similar trials (as seen in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")). In consolation, it means experiencing God's divine comfort and strength firsthand, not as an external gift, but as an internal reality that sustains and empowers. This shared experience creates a profound bond within the Christian community, as believers walk alongside each other in both joy and sorrow, knowing that God is intimately involved in every aspect of their journey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 1:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "sufferings" of which believers are "partakers" are fundamentally a participation in the sufferings of Christ Himself. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, endured unimaginable suffering—rejection, betrayal, and ultimately, the agony of the cross—to secure salvation for humanity (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant") and fulfilled in [Matthew 27](/matthew/27 "Matthew 27 - The Crucifixion of Jesus")). Believers, by virtue of their union with Christ, are called to share in His sufferings, not in an atoning sense, but in the experience of hardship and opposition that comes from following Him in a fallen world (cf. [Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Sufferings for the Church")). Correspondingly, the "consolation" promised is the very comfort that flows from Christ's victory over sin and death. His resurrection guarantees that suffering is not the final word, and that divine comfort, peace, and ultimate triumph are assured for those who are in Him (as seen in [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World") and [Romans 8:17-18](/romans/8-17-18 "Romans 8:17-18 - Glory After Suffering")). Thus, in Christ, our suffering is sanctified, and our consolation is eternally secured, making Him the ultimate source and embodiment of both the shared journey and the promised comfort.

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

Romans 8:17

¶ 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.

Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

2 Thessalonians 1:4

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

2 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

1 Thessalonians 1:4

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.