2 Corinthians 4 1

2 Corinthians 4:1 kjv

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 Corinthians 4:1 nkjv

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 4:1 niv

Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 4:1 esv

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 4:1 nlt

Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up.

2 Corinthians 4 verses

2 Corinthians 4 1 Meaning

Since God, through His mercy, has given us this ministry, we do not give up. This verse signifies the believers' unwavering resolve in their service to God, stemming from the divine enablement and hope found in Christ's resurrection. It emphasizes the enduring nature of faith and ministry despite suffering.

2 Corinthians 4 1 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 4 continues Paul's defense of his apostleship and ministry against detractors within the Corinthian church. This chapter, following the powerful declaration of the "new covenant" in chapter 3, focuses on the nature of Paul's ministry in the face of suffering and opposition. He describes his ministry as a treasure in "earthen vessels," highlighting the divine power that is made evident through human weakness. This verse, as the introduction to the chapter, sets the tone by emphasizing the reason for their perseverance: the merciful bestowal of their ministry by God. Paul's audience, the Corinthian believers, faced various internal divisions and external pressures, making the encouragement to "not lose heart" particularly relevant.

2 Corinthians 4 1 Word Analysis

• Since ( ἐπεὶ — epei): A conjunction indicating reason or cause. It introduces the basis for the subsequent statement.
• God (θεοῦ — theou): The supreme Being, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
• through/by (διὰ — dia): A preposition indicating agency or means. It signifies that the ministry is imparted by God.
• mercy/compassion (ἐλέους — eleous): God's unmerited favor and kindness, particularly towards the suffering or undeserving. This highlights the initiative of God and His graciousness in granting the ministry.
• has given/bestowed (ἔχοντες — echontes): A present active participle of ἔχω (echo), meaning "to have," "to hold," or "to possess." Here, it conveys the ongoing possession and experience of this ministry received through God's mercy.
• this (ταύτην — tauten): A demonstrative pronoun pointing to the ministry previously mentioned or understood.
• ministry/service (διακονίαν — diakonian): Refers to service, particularly the work of ministry entrusted by God, often associated with spiritual service and leadership. It encompasses the tasks and responsibilities of proclaiming the gospel and building up the church.
• we do not (οὐκ — ouk): A strong negative particle.
• lose heart/give up (ἐκκακοῦμεν — ekkakoumen): From ἐκκακέω (ekkakeō), meaning "to grow weary," "to lose heart," "to faint," or "to give up." It suggests a cessation of effort due to discouragement.

Word-group Analysis:

• "Since God through His mercy has given us this ministry": This phrase establishes the source and basis of their enduring commitment. The ministry is not self-appointed or earned but a gift from God, specifically from His "mercy." This immediately shifts the focus from human capability to divine grace, providing the foundational strength needed to persevere. The use of "given" implies a commissioning and entrusting of a sacred task.
• "we do not lose heart": This is the direct result and affirmation stemming from the preceding clause. The understanding that their ministry is a divinely bestowed gift, empowered by God's mercy, fuels their resolve and prevents them from succumbing to weariness or despair in the face of adversities.

2 Corinthians 4 1 Bonus Section

The concept of God's mercy being the source of ministry connects to the broader biblical narrative where God frequently chooses and calls individuals out of His compassion, not their own merit. Think of Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3), who felt inadequate but was assured of God's presence and empowerment. The Greek word "eleous" (mercy) underscores that the ministry is a response to human need, an expression of God's benevolent character extending salvation and hope. This inherent hope, rooted in God's grace, enables believers to withstand suffering, viewing afflictions not as signs of God's displeasure but as refining processes that strengthen faith and demonstrate His power through their lives (2 Cor 4:17-18).

2 Corinthians 4 1 Commentary

The opening of 2 Corinthians 4 asserts a fundamental principle for Christian service: endurance is rooted in divine enablement. Paul frames the apostleship and ministry not as a human achievement or a career choice, but as a gift from God, bestowed by His abundant mercy. This perspective is crucial. When faced with persecution, hardship, and opposition—all of which Paul details in this chapter—believers can persevere because their calling originates from God's grace. His mercy qualifies them and empowers them. Therefore, despite outward afflictions that might lead others to despair, they remain steadfast, holding onto the assurance that the God who called them is also the one who sustains them. This divine entrustment is the wellspring of their courage and persistence. The "earthen vessel" containing this divine "treasure" is not strong in itself, but the power is of God (2 Cor 4:7).