2 Corinthians 1:5 kjv

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:5 nkjv

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:5 niv

For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:5 esv

For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

2 Corinthians 1:5 nlt

For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1 verses

2 Corinthians 1 5 Meaning

The verse declares a profound spiritual principle: just as followers of Christ experience an overflowing measure of His sufferings, so too will they receive an equally abundant measure of divine comfort through Him. This suffering is not a mere affliction but a participation in Christ's own experiences for the sake of the Gospel and the Body of Christ. The comfort provided by God through Christ is not just solace, but a deep, empowering strength that overflows beyond mere endurance.

2 Corinthians 1 5 Context

This verse is situated at the beginning of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, following his opening salutation and blessing. Paul, known for his endurance of immense hardship in ministry, immediately frames his apostleship and their shared faith within the reality of suffering and divine comfort. The preceding verses (2 Cor 1:3-4) establish God as the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" who comforts believers in their afflictions. Verse 5 explains how this comfort flows: directly proportionate to sharing in Christ's sufferings. This passage sets the tone for much of 2 Corinthians, where Paul defends his apostolic authority, addresses criticisms of his leadership, and explains his prolonged suffering, demonstrating how God uses these experiences not only for his personal spiritual growth but also for the benefit and encouragement of the Corinthians. Historically, early Christians, including apostles like Paul, faced constant opposition, persecution, and physical hardship for their faith, making the themes of suffering and comfort highly relevant and personal.

2 Corinthians 1 5 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This conjunction introduces an explanation or reason for the preceding statement, specifically for the abundant comfort mentioned in 2 Cor 1:4. It connects the comfort given by God directly to the experience of Christ's sufferings.
• as (καθώς - kathōs): Introduces a comparison, highlighting the proportionality between two corresponding realities. It means "just as," "according as," or "in the same way that," emphasizing a direct, parallel relationship.
• we share abundantly (περισσεύει - perisseuei): From the verb perisseuō, meaning "to abound, overflow, be superfluous, to have over and above, excel, to be supplied richly." It suggests an extreme or superabundant degree, indicating that the suffering is not minimal or accidental, but deep and significant. This concept denotes an overflowing measure rather than merely sufficient.
• in Christ's sufferings (τὰ παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ - ta pathēmata tou Christou):
  • pathēmata: "sufferings, afflictions, passions, things endured." This refers to all the adversities, persecutions, pains, and hardships that believers experience because of their identification with Christ or in their service to Him. It is not just suffering like Christ, but suffering in identification with Christ.
  • tou Christou: "of Christ." This is genitive, indicating ownership or close association. The sufferings are "of Christ" because they are endured for Christ's sake, in continuation of His own suffering for righteousness, or in the fellowship of His own passion for humanity. It signifies an intimate participation in the redemptive pattern of His life. This suffering is therefore not random, but possesses profound spiritual meaning as it aligns with God’s divine purpose.
• so (οὕτως - houtōs): This adverb emphasizes the direct correlation or consequence, meaning "in this way," "thus," or "so also." It explicitly draws the parallel between the suffering and the comfort.
• through Christ (διὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ - dia tou Christou):
  • dia: "through, by means of, on account of." This preposition indicates the mediating agent or channel.
  • tou Christou: "of Christ." This highlights Christ's indispensable role as the conduit and source of divine comfort. The comfort does not arise independently, but uniquely flows through Him, underscoring His position as the resurrected Lord and the Head of His body. He Himself has suffered, and thus is the perfect one to provide comfort and understanding (Heb 2:18).
• we share abundantly (περισσεύει - perisseuei): The same verb perisseuō is used again, signifying that the comfort, like the suffering, is also "overflowing" and "superabundant." It implies more than merely enough; it is comfort that overflows beyond what might be expected, enabling not just endurance but often profound joy and strength.
• in comfort too (καὶ ἡ παράκλησις ἡμῶν - kai hē paraklēsis hēmōn):
  • kai: "also, too." Reinforces the direct parallel and corresponding abundance.
  • paraklēsis: "comfort, encouragement, exhortation, appeal, consolation." This rich word encompasses solace from sorrow, strength to face adversity, and encouragement to persevere. It implies a divine enablement given to stand alongside someone and offer support. It is deeply connected to the Holy Spirit, who is referred to as the Parakletos (Comforter/Helper). The "our" (ἡμῶν) emphasizes the shared experience of the comfort within the community of believers.

Words-group analysis

• For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too: This entire phrase establishes a principle of proportional correspondence. The degree of spiritual suffering experienced in identification with Christ is directly mirrored by the degree of divine comfort received through Christ. This isn't a mere arithmetic equality but a divine promise of God's abundant grace superabounding over and through adversity. It highlights the deeply theological nature of suffering for believers, positioning it as an honorable participation rather than merely misfortune.

2 Corinthians 1 5 Bonus section

The concept of "Christ's sufferings" as experienced by believers is crucial. It does not imply that human suffering adds to or completes Christ's perfect, finished work of atonement on the cross. Rather, it signifies that as believers follow Christ and extend His kingdom, they will inevitably face the opposition and pain that the world leveled against Christ Himself. It is a shared burden of bearing the consequences of existing in a fallen world while belonging to Christ. This participation, however, paradoxically deepens one's fellowship with Christ and makes them vessels for His overflowing grace and comfort. The intensity of suffering often prepares and humbles individuals, making them more receptive channels for God's comforting presence. The phrase "perisseuō" (abound) emphasizes the unlimited nature of God's resources to comfort, far exceeding any amount of human suffering, ensuring that God's grace always triumphs and transforms affliction into a pathway for deeper communion and more effective ministry.

2 Corinthians 1 5 Commentary

This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the Christian experience of suffering and comfort. Paul unveils a divine principle: the Christian life involves a proportional abundance of both suffering and comfort, all rooted in Christ. The suffering is not random hardship but is termed "Christ's sufferings" – meaning it is experienced by virtue of being identified with Him, in serving His purposes, or enduring persecution for His name. This elevates believers' struggles from mere personal tribulation to a participation in the very redemptive work and life pattern of the Lord. The amazing truth is that just as plentifully as these sufferings abound, so does the comfort, flowing directly through Christ. This comfort is not merely relief from pain; it is a profound divine consolation, an empowerment by God's Spirit that enables endurance, peace, and often, an inner joy that transcends circumstances. It underscores the active role of Christ as the source and mediator of this divine strength and encouragement. The ultimate outcome, as stated in the subsequent verse (2 Cor 1:4), is that this abundant comfort then equips believers to minister comfort to others in their afflictions.