2 Corinthians 6 4

2 Corinthians 6:4 kjv

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

2 Corinthians 6:4 nkjv

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

2 Corinthians 6:4 niv

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;

2 Corinthians 6:4 esv

but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,

2 Corinthians 6:4 nlt

In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.

2 Corinthians 6 verses

2 Corinthians 6 4 Meaning

2 Corinthians 6:4 expresses how authentic ministers of God demonstrate their genuineness not through worldly show or eloquent speech, but through an unwavering commitment to enduring various forms of suffering and difficulty in the service of Christ. It posits that their suffering, far from being a disqualifier, is the very means by which their divine calling and character are proven, in direct contrast to those who seek ease and human commendation.

2 Corinthians 6 4 Context

2 Corinthians 6:4 is part of a larger section (2 Cor 5:11-6:13) where Paul passionately defends his apostolic ministry and appeals to the Corinthian believers to fully embrace reconciliation with God. He has just articulated the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-20) and implored them "not to receive the grace of God in vain" (2 Cor 6:1). The verse directly follows Paul's commitment to "give no offense in anything" (2 Cor 6:3). The Corinthian church was influenced by "super-apostles" (2 Cor 11:5, 12:11) who likely judged spiritual authority by human metrics like eloquence, freedom from suffering, and outward success. Paul, in sharp contrast, points to his manifold hardships as proof of his genuine, Spirit-empowered service to God, defining true ministry through selfless endurance and suffering for the sake of the Gospel and the church. This sets up a profound polemic against the superficial criteria prevalent among his critics and in the broader Hellenistic culture.

2 Corinthians 6 4 Word analysis

• But (ἀλλὰ - alla): This strong adversative conjunction marks a distinct contrast. It shifts the focus from avoiding offense (v.3) to how Paul positively commends his ministry.

• in everything (ἐν παντὶ - en panti): A comprehensive adverbial phrase. It denotes an all-encompassing quality or sphere of action. Paul's commendation is not selective or occasional, but present in every aspect of his life and ministry.

• commending ourselves (συνιστῶντες ἑαυτοὺς - synistōntes heautous): A present active participle. "To recommend, introduce, establish by proof, demonstrate." It suggests an ongoing act of self-presentation or self-demonstration, not in a boastful way but as living proof of authenticity, similar to presenting credentials. It echoes Paul's prior discussion about not needing letters of commendation (2 Cor 3:1).

• as ministers (ὡς διάκονοι - hōs diakonoi): "As servants/attendants/ministers." Diakonos (διάκονος) signifies humble, diligent service, contrasting with leaders seeking honor or recognition. It implies functionality and devoted action rather than mere title or status.

• of God (θεοῦ - theou): The possessive genitive clarifies whose ministers they are. Their service is directed to and empowered by God, validating their authenticity and authority, unlike those serving themselves or other masters.

• by great endurance (ἐν ὑπομονῇ πολλῇ - en hypomonē pollē): "In much steadfastness." Hypomonē (ὑπομονή) denotes an active, hopeful steadfastness, perseverance not merely under, but through difficulties, not just passively bearing but triumphing over them. The adjective pollē (πολλῇ - "great" or "much") intensifies this quality, highlighting the substantial amount and intensity of this perseverance. It's a critical fruit of the Spirit and a hallmark of discipleship.

• by afflictions (ἐν θλίψεσιν - en thlipsesin): "In tribulations, distresses." Thlipsis (θλῖψις) literally means "pressure, squeezing," metaphorically indicating physical or emotional oppression and distress that constricts one's circumstances. These are external pressures and trials.

• by hardships (ἐν ἀνάγκαις - en anagkais): "In necessities, unavoidable distresses." Anankē (ἀνάγκη) implies constraint, dire need, or urgent, unavoidable trials often brought on by circumstances. This could be literal physical lack or compelling difficulties.

• by calamities (ἐν στενοχωρίαις - en stenochōriais): "In narrow places, confined spaces, extreme distresses." Stenochōria (στενοχωρία) literally means a "narrow place" or "strait." It speaks of extreme difficulty where one feels hemmed in, without escape, facing anguish. Often paired with thlipsis, it denotes psychological as well as physical anguish from difficult circumstances.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "But in everything commending ourselves as ministers of God": This phrase establishes the central claim and the standard by which Paul's ministry is judged. It's a declaration of comprehensive self-demonstration as authentic servants of the divine, distinct from self-praise. The method of commendation is then elucidated by the subsequent list.
  • "by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by calamities": This is the first of several sets of four examples detailing how they commend themselves. It forms a powerful anaphoric list, each "by" (en) emphasizing the means or sphere through which their ministry is validated. These terms together paint a vivid picture of the relentless, cumulative difficulties faced, demonstrating a life lived in persistent, active suffering. They highlight the external and internal pressures characteristic of faithful gospel ministry.

2 Corinthians 6 4 Bonus section

The repeated use of "by" (ἐν - en) introduces these trials not as hindrances to ministry but as the context or sphere in which true ministry operates and is demonstrated. It's not despite these difficulties that Paul commends himself, but through and within them. This anaphoric structure emphasizes the consistent presence and cumulative impact of these struggles. The series of four terms for suffering also suggests an increasing intensity or different facets of distress, portraying a comprehensive and unrelenting barrage of opposition and difficulty faced by Paul and his fellow ministers. This isn't just about bearing suffering but actively ministering in it, letting the struggles reveal God's working. This emphasis underscores a core paradox of the New Testament: divine strength manifested through human weakness and suffering.

2 Corinthians 6 4 Commentary

2 Corinthians 6:4 offers a profound counter-cultural and counter-intuitive definition of true Christian ministry. In an environment where worldly measures of success, power, and comfort might validate a leader, Paul asserts that the genuineness of a "minister of God" is demonstrated precisely through enduring and persevering in suffering. This verse sets the stage for a lengthy enumeration (vv. 4-10) of specific trials, presenting a stark contrast to the boasting of the "super-apostles" in Corinth.

Paul isn't masochistic; rather, he sees suffering as an inevitable consequence and a proving ground for those truly dedicated to Christ's mission. The phrase "commending ourselves" isn't about human vanity but about offering irrefutable proof of divine calling and commitment through practical demonstration. The accumulation of terms – "great endurance," "afflictions," "hardships," "calamities" – moves from a general attitude of steadfastness (hypomonē) to specific types of acute, external, and internal distresses. These trials serve not to break but to validate, revealing God's power perfected in weakness (2 Cor 12:9-10). They testify that the minister relies not on human strength or shrewdness, but solely on God. This serves as a vital boundary for genuine ministry: those who flee from suffering and consistently seek ease often demonstrate a departure from the cross-shaped path of Christ.