2Cor 1:3-7 | RWP | e4.org | Blessed ( ευλογητος ). From old verb ευλογεω , to speak well of, but late verbal in LXX and Philo. Used of men in , but only of God in N.T. as in and chiefly in Paul ( ; ). Paul has no thanksgiving or prayer as in , but he finds his basis for gratitude in God, not in them. The God and Father ( ο θεος κα πατηρ ). So rightly, only one article with both substantives as in . Paul gives the deity of Jesus Christ as our Lord ( Κυριου ), but he does not hesitate to use the language here as it occurs. See ; where the language is identical with that here. The father of mercies ( ο πατηρ των οικτιρμων ) and God of all comfort ( κα θεος πασης παρακλησεως ). Paul adds an item to each word. He is the compassionate Father characterized by mercies ( οικτιρμων , old word from οικτειρω , to pity, and here in plural, emotions and acts of pity). He is the God of all comfort ( παρακλησεως , old word from παρακαλεω , to call to one's side, common with Paul). Paul has already used it of God who gave eternal comfort ( ). The English word comfort is from the Latin confortis (brave together). The word used by Jesus of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Paraklete is this very word ( ; ). Paul makes rich use of the verb παρακαλεω and the substantive παρακλησις in this passage ( ). He urges all sorrowing and troubled hearts to find strength in God.

‏ 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Blessed ( ευλογητος ). From old verb ευλογεω, to speak well of, but late verbal in LXX and Philo. Used of men in Ge 24:31, but only of God in N.T. as in Lu 1:68 and chiefly in Paul (2Co 11:31; Ro 1:25). Paul has no thanksgiving or prayer as in 1Co 1:4-9, but he finds his basis for gratitude in God, not in them.

The God and Father ( ο θεος κα πατηρ ). So rightly, only one article with both substantives as in 2Pe 1:1. Paul gives the deity of Jesus Christ as our Lord ( Κυριου ), but he does not hesitate to use the language here as it occurs. See 1Pe 1:3; Eph 1:3 where the language is identical with that here.

The father of mercies ( ο πατηρ των οικτιρμων ) and God of all comfort ( κα θεος πασης παρακλησεως ). Paul adds an item to each word. He is the compassionate Father characterized by mercies ( οικτιρμων, old word from οικτειρω, to pity, and here in plural, emotions and acts of pity). He is the God of all comfort ( παρακλησεως, old word from παρακαλεω, to call to one's side, common with Paul). Paul has already used it of God who gave eternal comfort (2Th 2:16). The English word comfort is from the Latin confortis (brave together). The word used by Jesus of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Paraklete is this very word (Joh 14:16; 16:7). Paul makes rich use of the verb παρακαλεω and the substantive παρακλησις in this passage (3-7). He urges all sorrowing and troubled hearts to find strength in God.

In all our affliction ( επ παση τη θλιψε ημων ). Θλιψις is from θλιβω, to press, old and common word, as tribulation is from Latin tribulum (roller). See on Mt 13:21 and 1Th 1:6. The English affliction is Latin afflictio from ad-fligere, to strike on.

That we may be able to comfort ( εις το δυνασθα ημας παρακαλειν ). Purpose clause with εις and the articular infinitive with the accusative of general reference, a common idiom. Paul here gives the purpose of affliction in the preacher's life, in any Christian's life, to qualify him for ministry to others. Otherwise it will be professional and perfunctory.

Wherewith ( ης ). Genitive case of the relative attracted to that of the antecedent παρακλησεως. The case of the relative here could have been either the accusative ην with the passive verb retained as in Mr 10:38 or the instrumental η. Either is perfectly good Greek (cf. Eph 1:6; 4:1). Personal experience of God's comfort is necessary before we can pass it on to others.

The sufferings of Christ ( τα παθηματα του Χριστου ). Subjective genitive, Christ's own sufferings.

Abound unto us ( περισσευε εις ημας ). Overflow unto us so that we suffer like sufferings and become fellow sufferers with Christ (4:10f.; Ro 8:17; Php 3:10; Col 1:24).

Through Christ ( δια του Χριστου ). The overflow ( περισσευε ) of comfort comes also through Christ. Is Paul thinking of how some of the Jewish Christians in Corinth have become reconciled with him through Christ? Partnership with Christ in suffering brings partnership in glory also (Ro 8:17; 1Pe 4:13).

Whether ( ειτε )

--or ( ειτε ). The alternatives in Paul's experience (afflicted θλιβομεθα, comforted παρακαλουμεθα ) work out for their good when they are called on to endure like sufferings "which we also suffer" ( ων κα ημεις πασχομεν ). The relative ων is attracted from neuter accusative plural α to genitive case of the antecedent παθηματων (sufferings).

Our hope for you ( η ελπις ημων υπερ υμων ). The old word ελπις, from ελπιζω, to hope, has the idea of waiting with expectation and patience. So here it is "steadfast" ( βεβαια, stable, fast, from βαινω, to plant the feet down).

Partakers ( κοινωνο ). Partners as in Lu 5:10.