2 Corinthians 6 2

2 Corinthians 6:2 kjv

(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.)

2 Corinthians 6:2 nkjv

For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 niv

For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 esv

For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 nlt

For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you.
On the day of salvation, I helped you."
Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6 verses

2 Corinthians 6 2 Meaning

This verse emphasizes the urgency and opportune nature of God's acceptance of humanity. It clearly states that the present time, while still life continues, is the appointed time for salvation and divine favor. Delaying acceptance or responding without urgency risks missing this unique window of opportunity.

2 Corinthians 6 2 Context

This verse appears within a larger section in 2 Corinthians chapter 6 where the Apostle Paul defends his apostolic ministry. He has been outlining the immense suffering and hardship he has endured for the sake of the Gospel. Following this, he transitions to explaining the nature and significance of his ministry, particularly emphasizing that he and his companions are ministers of reconciliation. In the preceding verses (2 Cor 6:1) and the verse following (2 Cor 6:3), Paul urges believers not to receive God's grace in vain and to avoid causing offense. This verse serves as a direct biblical justification for the urgent call to repentance and acceptance of God's offer of reconciliation. The broader context involves Paul addressing accusations and criticisms from some in the Corinthian church, who perhaps questioned his authority or legitimacy. Paul counters these by showcasing his credentials as a faithful servant of God, even amidst persecution and affliction.

2 Corinthians 6 2 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): "and." A conjunctive particle, often linking ideas, indicating addition or transition.
• γάρ (gar): "for." A postpositive particle introducing a reason or explanation. It signifies that what follows is the basis for the previous statement.
• λέγει (legei): "he says." The present active indicative of the verb λέγω (lego), meaning "to say" or "to speak." It refers to a pronouncement or statement.
• γάρ (gar): "for." Another instance of this particle, introducing the scriptural basis for the "acceptable time."
• εὐπρόσδεκτος (euprosdektos): "acceptable," "well-pleasing," "gracious." This adjective comes from εὖ (eu - well) and προσδέχομαι (prosdékomai - to receive readily, accept kindly). It signifies a time that is pleasing and favorable to God for His actions or reception of prayers and offerings. It implies divine approval and readiness to hear.
• καιρῷ (kairō): "time," "season," "opportunity." This is the dative singular of καιρός (kairos), a specific point in time or a period viewed qualitatively, rather than quantitatively (like chronos). It denotes a favorable, opportune moment. This is a crucial term, suggesting a divinely appointed season for action and decision.
• ἐπήκουσα (epēkousa): "I have heard." The aorist active indicative first person singular of ἐπακούω (epaKOuō), meaning "to hear in response," "to listen favorably," or "to answer (a prayer)." It implies a positive reception of a call or plea.
• ἐν (en): "in," "at." A preposition indicating location or circumstances. Here, it connects with the time of acceptance.
• τοῖς (tois): "the." The dative plural article.
• ἀγαπητοῖς (agapētois): "beloved," "dearly loved." The dative plural masculine adjective from ἀγαπάω (agapaō - to love). While typically referring to beloved people, in some contexts, it can refer to things that are loved or cherished. Here it refers to God’s beloved people, the ones to whom He speaks His gracious invitation.
• ἀγαπητοῖς (agapētois): "beloved ones" or "beloved in whom is pleasure." This term, in relation to God hearing, speaks of those He finds favorable to hear due to His love and prior provision through Christ.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• ἐν (en): "in," "on," "by."
• ἡμέρᾳ (hēmera): "day." The dative singular of ἡμέρα (hēmera), meaning "day."
• σωτηρίας (sōtērias): "salvation," "deliverance," "rescue." The genitive singular of σωτηρία (sōtēria), meaning deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation. It denotes the action of saving or the state of being saved. This refers to the salvation provided by God through Christ.
• βοηθήσω (bōēthēsō): "I will help." The future active indicative first person singular of βοηθέω (bōetheō), meaning "to come to the aid of," "to help," "to assist." It implies active intervention and support.

Words Group Analysis:

• "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.": This phrase is a powerful assurance from God. It indicates that God has already established specific moments when He is particularly receptive to human pleas and responsive to their needs for salvation. The emphasis is on God's initiative and His predetermined favorable seasons. The coupling of "acceptable time" and "day of salvation" underscores that these are divinely ordained opportunities for God's merciful intervention and humanity's rescue. The verb "heard" coupled with "helped" signifies not just passive listening, but active, favorable assistance during these appointed times. The underlying scripture it quotes is Isaiah 49:8. The LXX version of this verse closely matches the Pauline text, further strengthening the connection and interpretation as a scriptural quote.

2 Corinthians 6 2 Bonus Section

The specific phrase "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you" is a direct quotation from Isaiah 49:8. The Septuagint (LXX) rendering of Isaiah 49:8 is remarkably similar to Paul's quote, providing strong evidence for the direct attribution and lending significant weight to its Old Testament prophetic foundation. The quoting of Isaiah highlights that the salvific work through Christ and the era of grace were part of God's ancient plan. The use of the word kairos (καιρός) for "time" is significant; it refers not to mere chronological duration but to a propitious or opportune moment, a divinely set period. This concept implies that while God is always God, there are specific moments ordained by Him for the fullest expression of His saving grace and for human receptivity to that grace. The assurance that God has heard and has helped in these times serves as a powerful testament to His faithfulness and provides a strong foundation for the exhortation in verse 1 that follows the immediate context of this verse.

2 Corinthians 6 2 Commentary

Paul, referencing Isaiah 49:8, asserts that God has designated specific, favorable times for Him to hear and to help humanity. The current era, during which this message of reconciliation is being preached, is precisely such an "acceptable time" and "day of salvation." This means it is the divinely appointed period when God is most willing to receive sinners and grant them salvation. The inclusion of "I have heard you" and "I have helped you" implies God's past willingness and readiness. The emphasis is on the urgency of the present moment; as it is an acceptable time, it is imperative not to delay or neglect this divine offer, lest the opportunity pass, leading to potential hardening of hearts and missed divine assistance.

• Practical Usage: Believers are encouraged to actively seize opportunities for ministry and witness, knowing that these are God-ordained times of impact. Individuals struggling with doubt or sin are reminded that there is an opportune moment when God is actively listening and ready to extend His help for salvation.