2 Corinthians 6:2

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)

(For {G1063} he saith {G3004}, I have heard {G1873} thee {G4675} in a time {G2540} accepted {G1184}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the day {G2250} of salvation {G4991} have I succoured {G997} thee {G4671}: behold {G2400}, now {G3568} is the accepted {G2144} time {G2540}; behold {G2400}, now {G3568} is the day {G2250} of salvation {G4991}.)

For he says,

“At the acceptable time I heard you;
in the day of salvation I helped you.”

For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

(for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, And in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation):

Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 6:2, the Apostle Paul issues a powerful and urgent call, quoting an Old Testament prophecy to underscore the immediate availability of God's grace and salvation. This verse serves as a pivotal point in his appeal for believers to live out their reconciliation with God and for others to embrace it.

Context

This verse directly follows Paul’s profound declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that believers are "ambassadors for Christ," through whom God Himself makes His appeal for humanity to be reconciled to Him. The preceding verse, 2 Corinthians 5:21, highlights the basis of this reconciliation: Christ's sacrifice, where "He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Paul then reinforces the urgency of responding to this divine invitation by quoting Isaiah 49:8, originally a prophecy about the Suffering Servant and the restoration of Israel, now applied to the present dispensation of grace through Christ.

Key Themes

  • The Urgency of Responding to God: The repeated phrase "behold, now" is a powerful imperative, urging immediate action. It counters procrastination in matters of faith and spiritual reconciliation. This isn't a future promise but a present reality, emphasizing that the opportunity for salvation and God's favor is available right here, right now.
  • God's Prophetic Timing: Paul's application of Isaiah 49:8 signifies that God's plan of salvation is unfolding according to His divine timetable. The "accepted time" and "day of salvation" are not arbitrary moments but are divinely appointed periods of grace, made manifest through Christ's finished work.
  • Divine Favor and Help: The phrase "I have succoured thee" (KJV for 'helped' or 'supported') from the Isaiah passage assures that God is not only listening but actively providing assistance and deliverance during this "day of salvation." This speaks to God's active involvement in the process of human redemption and His willingness to extend grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "accepted" in "accepted time" is euprosdektos (εὐπρόσδεκτος), meaning "well-received," "acceptable," or "pleasing." It suggests a time when God is particularly disposed to show favor and hear prayers. The term "succoured" (Greek: boetheō, βοηθέω) means "to help," "to come to the aid of," or "to assist," emphasizing God's active intervention and support during this opportune time.

Practical Application

For individuals, this verse serves as a timeless reminder not to delay in responding to God's call for repentance and faith. The "now" emphasizes the preciousness and fleeting nature of the present opportunity for spiritual transformation. It encourages believers to live out their reconciliation with God actively and without hesitation, recognizing that God's grace is abundantly available. It also calls for those who have not yet embraced the Gospel to do so without delay, for the opportunity for salvation is present and open. The call to confess Jesus as Lord and believe in one's heart is a present imperative, not a future consideration.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 49:8 (70 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

  • Hebrews 4:7 (30 votes)

    Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

  • Hebrews 3:13 (21 votes)

    But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

  • Isaiah 61:2 (21 votes)

    To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

  • Luke 19:42 (11 votes)

    Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things [which belong] unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

  • Luke 19:44 (11 votes)

    And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

  • Hebrews 3:7 (8 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,