2 Corinthians 6:6

KJV

By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G1722} pureness {G54}, by {G1722} knowledge {G1108}, by {G1722} longsuffering {G3115}, by {G1722} kindness {G5544}, by {G1722} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, by {G1722} love {G26} unfeigned {G505},

Complete Jewish Bible

We commend ourselves by our purity, knowledge, patience and kindness; by the Ruach HaKodesh; by genuineness of love

Berean Standard Bible

in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;

American Standard Version

in pureness, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 6:6, the Apostle Paul continues his defense of his apostolic ministry, shifting from a catalog of external hardships to an enumeration of the internal, spiritual qualities and divine empowerments that truly authenticate his service and that of his fellow workers. This verse highlights a series of virtues—pureness, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, the Holy Spirit's presence, and unfeigned love—as the genuine marks of a minister of God, demonstrating that true authority and effectiveness in ministry stem from Christ-like character and divine enablement rather than worldly credentials or superficial displays.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended apologia for his ministry, found in [2 Corinthians 6:1-10](/2_corinthians/6-1-10 "2 Corinthians 6:1-10 - Paul's Appeal for Reconciliation and Defense of Ministry"). Having just urged the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain and to live as "ministers of God" ([2 Corinthians 6:1-3](/2_corinthians/6-1-3 "2 Corinthians 6:1-3 - Paul's Exhortation and Ministry Credentials")), Paul then details the immense suffering and endurance he and his colleagues have faced ([2 Corinthians 6:4-5](/2_corinthians/6-4-5 "2 Corinthians 6:4-5 - Paul's Sufferings for the Gospel")). Verse 6 pivots from these external trials to the internal, moral, and spiritual qualities that sustained them and validated their ministry despite, and even through, the hardships. It sets the stage for further descriptions of their conduct and the paradoxical nature of their strength in weakness ([2 Corinthians 6:7-10](/2_corinthians/6-7-10 "2 Corinthians 6:7-10 - The Paradoxes of Ministry")). This section serves as a powerful testament to the authenticity of their calling, contrasting their genuine character with the superficiality of false apostles.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Corinth was fraught with challenges from within the church and from external detractors. False teachers, often referred to as "super-apostles" ([2 Corinthians 11:5](/2_corinthians/11-5 "2 Corinthians 11:5 - Paul's Defense Against Super-Apostles")), had infiltrated the Corinthian church, questioning Paul's authority, rhetorical skill, and even his personal integrity. These opponents likely boasted of their own eloquence, credentials, and perhaps even miraculous signs, fitting more neatly into the Greco-Roman cultural expectations of a persuasive orator or philosopher. In this context, Paul's defense is radical: he does not appeal to worldly status or eloquent speech, but to his suffering, his integrity, and the evident work of the Holy Spirit in his life and ministry. The virtues listed in [2 Corinthians 6:6](/2_corinthians/6-6 "2 Corinthians 6:6 - Qualities of True Ministry") were not necessarily esteemed as highly as public acclaim or wealth in the broader culture, but for Paul, they were the true indicators of divine approval and authentic service.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. Foremost is the theme of **Authenticity and Integrity in Ministry**, where Paul redefines what constitutes true apostolic authority. Rather than worldly success or rhetorical prowess, it is defined by a life of moral purity, spiritual wisdom, patient endurance, and genuine love, all empowered by God. This ties into the theme of **Suffering and Strength in Weakness**, as these internal virtues are demonstrated precisely amidst external afflictions, showcasing God's power made perfect in human frailty ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness")). The explicit mention of "by the Holy Ghost" underscores the theme of **Divine Empowerment**, emphasizing that these qualities are not merely human achievements but supernatural endowments essential for effective and righteous service. Finally, the inclusion of "love unfeigned" highlights **Genuine Love as a Hallmark of Ministry**, distinguishing true servants of Christ from those motivated by self-interest or hypocrisy, a theme central to Paul's relationship with the Corinthians throughout the letter ([2 Corinthians 2:4](/2_corinthians/2-4 "2 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Love for the Corinthians")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pureness (Greek, _hagnótēs'_):** From *hagnós*, this term denotes "cleanness (the state), i.e. (figuratively) blamelessness." It refers to moral and ethical purity, a blamelessness of conduct and motive. In the context of ministry, it signifies an integrity that is free from defilement, hypocrisy, or corrupting influences, ensuring that the minister's life is consistent with the holy message they proclaim.
* **longsuffering (Greek, _makrothymía'_):** Derived from *makrothymós* (long-tempered), this word means "longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude." It describes a patient endurance, particularly in the face of provocation, injury, or difficulty. It's the ability to bear wrongs patiently without retaliation, reflecting God's own patience with humanity and a crucial quality for those enduring the trials of ministry and dealing with challenging people.
* **love unfeigned (Greek, _agápē anypókritos'_):** This combines *agápē* ("love, i.e. affection or benevolence") with *anypókritos* ("undissembled, i.e. sincere"). *Agápē* is a selfless, sacrificial, divine love, distinct from mere human affection. When coupled with *anypókritos*, it emphasizes that this love is "without hypocrisy" or "unfeigned," meaning it is genuine, sincere, and not merely an outward show or pretense. This quality is foundational, ensuring that all other virtues are motivated by true care and benevolence, not selfish ambition or manipulation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By pureness":** This refers to moral integrity and blamelessness in conduct and motive. It speaks to the inner cleanliness and ethical uprightness of the apostles, ensuring their lives were not stained by corruption or hypocrisy, which would undermine their message.
* **"by knowledge":** This denotes spiritual understanding and discernment. It implies not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, experiential understanding of God's truth and His ways, enabling the apostles to rightly divide the word and wisely navigate complex situations.
* **"by longsuffering":** This points to patient endurance and forbearance, especially in the face of adversity, opposition, or the shortcomings of others. It highlights the apostles' capacity to persevere without giving up or retaliating, mirroring God's own patience.
* **"by kindness":** This signifies goodness, benevolence, and a gentle disposition towards others. It reflects a compassionate and gracious attitude, demonstrating God's own character in their interactions, even with those who opposed them.
* **"by the Holy Ghost":** This crucial phrase underscores that all the preceding and subsequent virtues are not merely human efforts but are empowered and manifested through the indwelling and active presence of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the supernatural source of their character and ministry effectiveness.
* **"by love unfeigned":** This refers to sincere, genuine, and selfless love, devoid of hypocrisy or pretense. It is the *agápē* love that flows from God, motivating all their actions and ensuring their care for the Corinthians and their commitment to the gospel were authentic and heartfelt.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [2 Corinthians 6:6](/2_corinthians/6-6 "2 Corinthians 6:6 - The Marks of True Ministry") to emphasize the nature of authentic ministry. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the repetition of the preposition "by" (Greek, *en*) at the beginning of each clause. This creates a rhythmic, insistent cadence that highlights each quality as a distinct means or instrument through which their ministry is authenticated. Closely related is **Polysyndeton**, the deliberate use of multiple conjunctions (here, the repeated "by") where they might otherwise be omitted. This technique slows the pace, adding weight and emphasis to each item in the list, making each virtue stand out individually while also contributing to a cumulative sense of comprehensive character. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration**, a detailed listing of qualities, which serves to provide a clear and exhaustive description of the spiritual and moral attributes that define true servants of God. This enumeration implicitly creates a **Contrast** with the superficial or worldly criteria by which false apostles might have been judged, subtly reinforcing Paul's argument that genuine ministry is evidenced by internal character rather than external show.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The qualities listed in [2 Corinthians 6:6](/2_corinthians/6-6 "2 Corinthians 6:6 - The Virtues of Ministry") are deeply rooted in biblical theology, reflecting the very character of God and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers. These virtues are not merely humanistic ideals but are expressions of sanctification, the process by which believers are conformed to the image of Christ. They demonstrate that true spiritual authority and effectiveness in ministry are not derived from human strength, charisma, or worldly credentials, but from a life progressively purified and empowered by God. The emphasis on "by the Holy Ghost" highlights the divine source of these attributes, affirming that genuine Christian character is a supernatural fruit, not a self-generated achievement. This passage serves as a theological benchmark for authentic spiritual leadership and the ethical demands of gospel ministry, emphasizing that integrity and love are paramount.

* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [Romans 12:9-10](/romans/12-9-10 "Romans 12:9-10 - Marks of a True Christian")
* [Colossians 3:12-14](/colossians/3-12-14 "Colossians 3:12-14 - Put on Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, and Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For every believer, whether in formal ministry or daily life, [2 Corinthians 6:6](/2_corinthians/6-6 "2 Corinthians 6:6 - A Call to Christlike Character") offers a profound mirror for self-examination and a powerful blueprint for authentic Christian living. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances, titles, or perceived successes, and instead focus on the cultivation of internal character. The virtues of pureness, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, and unfeigned love, all empowered by the Holy Spirit, are not optional add-ons but essential marks of those who truly represent Christ. Living "by" these qualities means allowing them to be the guiding principles and active expressions of our lives, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel to a watching world. It calls us to a life of integrity in our motives, patience in our interactions, wisdom in our decisions, and genuine, sacrificial love in all our relationships, recognizing that our witness is most potent when our character aligns with the truth we proclaim.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Which of the qualities listed in 2 Corinthians 6:6 do you find most challenging to embody in your daily life, and why?**
* **How does relying "by the Holy Ghost" change your approach to cultivating these virtues, as opposed to relying on self-effort?**
* **In what specific ways can "love unfeigned" transform your interactions with difficult people or challenging situations?**
* **How does this verse challenge modern perceptions of what constitutes "successful" ministry or Christian influence?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul list these specific qualities after describing hardships?**

Answer: Paul lists these qualities in [2 Corinthians 6:6](/2_corinthians/6-6 "2 Corinthians 6:6 - The Virtues of Authentic Ministry") immediately after detailing the many hardships he and his co-workers endured ([2 Corinthians 6:4-5](/2_corinthians/6-4-5 "2 Corinthians 6:4-5 - Paul's Endurance in Ministry")) to demonstrate that their ministry was authenticated not *despite* their suffering, but *through* it, and *by* the internal, spiritual virtues that sustained them. The list serves as a powerful contrast to the superficial criteria by which false apostles might have been judged (e.g., eloquence, wealth, lack of suffering). Paul argues that true ministers are known by their Christ-like character, their patient endurance, and their reliance on the Holy Spirit, which are revealed most clearly under pressure. These qualities prove their integrity and divine commission far more effectively than any outward display.

**Are these qualities only for apostles or those in formal ministry?**

Answer: While Paul specifically applies these qualities to his apostolic ministry as a defense, the virtues listed in [2 Corinthians 6:6](/2_corinthians/6-6 "2 Corinthians 6:6 - Character for All Believers") are foundational for all believers. They are expressions of the transformed life in Christ and are often echoed in other New Testament passages describing the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) or the characteristics of a mature Christian ([Colossians 3:12-14](/colossians/3-12-14 "Colossians 3:12-14 - Putting on Christlike Virtues")). Every Christian is called to live a life that authentically reflects Christ, whether in their family, workplace, community, or church. These qualities are essential for effective witness, healthy relationships, and spiritual growth for every follower of Jesus, not just those in vocational ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The virtues enumerated in [2 Corinthians 6:6](/2_corinthians/6-6 "2 Corinthians 6:6 - Christ as the Embodiment of Virtue") find their ultimate and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the epitome of "pureness," living a sinless life and being the "Lamb without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Lamb without Blemish")). His "knowledge" was divine wisdom, perfectly discerning the hearts of men and the will of God ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")). Jesus perfectly demonstrated "longsuffering" in His patient endurance of opposition, betrayal, and the agony of the cross, bearing the sins of the world without retaliation ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")). His "kindness" was evident in His compassion for the sick, the marginalized, and the lost, consistently extending grace and healing ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Most profoundly, Jesus was fully "by the Holy Ghost," conceived by the Spirit ([Matthew 1:18](/matthew/1-18 "Matthew 1:18 - The Virgin Birth")), empowered by the Spirit for ministry ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Ministry Empowered by the Spirit")), and offering Himself through the eternal Spirit ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Sacrifice Through the Eternal Spirit")). And above all, His life was the ultimate expression of "love unfeigned," a selfless, sacrificial *agápē* that led Him to lay down His life for His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). Believers are enabled to manifest these qualities because they are united with Christ, indwelt by the same Holy Spirit who empowered Him, allowing His character to be formed in them as they walk in obedience and faith.

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

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Colossians 1:27

To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Ephesians 4:2

¶ With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

2 Corinthians 2:4

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

Romans 12:9

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.