2 Corinthians 6 6

2 Corinthians 6:6 kjv

By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

2 Corinthians 6:6 nkjv

by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

2 Corinthians 6:6 niv

in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;

2 Corinthians 6:6 esv

by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love;

2 Corinthians 6:6 nlt

We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.

2 Corinthians 6 verses

2 Corinthians 6 6 Meaning

In 2 Corinthians 6:6, the Apostle Paul continues to delineate the characteristics and manner by which he and his fellow ministers commend themselves as servants of God. This verse presents a crucial list of six virtues and empowering realities: purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, and sincere love. These qualities describe not merely internal dispositions but actively lived expressions that authenticate their ministry and provide compelling evidence of their faithfulness and integrity amidst hardship and opposition. They are the essential spiritual and ethical qualifications for effective and genuine service for Christ, demonstrating that their commitment is real and Spirit-enabled, free from hidden agendas or hypocrisy.

2 Corinthians 6 6 Context

2 Corinthians 6:6 is part of a longer section (vv. 3-10) where Paul articulates the "marks" of genuine apostolic ministry. After warning the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain (v. 1), and highlighting his relentless toil (v. 2), he immediately transitions to describe how he and his co-workers "commend themselves" as servants of God. This commendation comes not through eloquent speech, impressive background, or worldly power – methods often favored by false teachers in Corinth – but through suffering for the Gospel (v. 4-5) and through their exemplary character (v. 6-7a). The list in verse 6 serves as a continuation of these positive qualities, presenting ethical and spiritual virtues that testify to their authenticity. It stands in direct contrast to any claims of apostleship based on external show or the manipulation of followers, asserting that true service is internally empowered and demonstrated through righteous living, driven by divine love. This specific list sets a standard for ministers of Christ in the face of ongoing persecution and skepticism.

2 Corinthians 6 6 Word analysis

• in purity (ἐν ἁγνότητι - en hagnotēti):

  • ἁγνότητι (hagnotēti): This noun denotes moral, ethical, and spiritual purity, including sexual chastity, but extends to purity of motive and intention. It refers to a blameless state, free from defilement, both outwardly in conduct and inwardly in purpose.
  • Significance: Paul emphasizes a transparent and blameless life as fundamental for credibility in ministry, particularly crucial in a morally diverse city like Corinth where sexual ethics could be fluid. It counters accusations of ulterior motives.

• in knowledge (ἐν γνώσει - en gnōsei):

  • γνώσει (gnōsei): This signifies spiritual understanding, discernment, and insight into divine truth and God's will. It is more than intellectual acquisition; it implies a practical, experiential grasp that allows one to skillfully apply truth.
  • Significance: Ministry requires not just good intentions but also a sound, divinely given wisdom to interpret scripture, guide believers, and navigate complex situations, preventing doctrinal error or spiritual ignorance.

• in patience (ἐν μακροθυμίᾳ - en makrothymiā):

  • μακροθυμίᾳ (makrothymiā): Literally "long-temperedness," denoting longsuffering, forbearance, and enduring difficult circumstances or persistent provocations from people without giving in or retaliating. It is an enduring steadfastness.
  • Significance: Essential for ministry which inevitably faces opposition, misunderstanding, and the need to gently guide immature or obstinate individuals, mirroring God's own patience with humanity.

• in kindness (ἐν χρηστότητι - en chrēstotēti):

  • χρηστότητι (chrēstotēti): Refers to moral goodness, gentleness, benignity, and uprightness. It describes a gracious and benevolent disposition, leading to pleasant, helpful, and compassionate interactions with others.
  • Significance: Balances patience by ensuring that endurance is accompanied by an active, positive disposition. A kind and gentle spirit makes ministry approachable and attractive, fostering trust rather than resentment.

• in the Holy Spirit (ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ - en Pneumati Hagiō):

  • Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ (Pneumati Hagiō): "Holy Spirit" in the dative case. This phrase signifies the source, sphere, and enabling power of their ministry. These virtues are not merely human endeavors but are cultivated, empowered, and expressed by the Holy Spirit working within and through them.
  • Significance: This profoundly theological statement clarifies that their entire mode of being and ministering is divinely empowered. It is not their own strength, but the Spirit of God manifesting Christ-like qualities through them, elevating their work above mere human effort or charisma.

• in sincere love (ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ - en agapē anypokritō):

  • ἀγάπῃ (agapē): "Love," specifically a selfless, benevolent, unconditional love characteristic of God. It acts sacrificially for the good of others, regardless of their response.
  • ἀνυποκρίτῳ (anypokritō): "Unfeigned," "without hypocrisy," "genuine," "sincere." It explicitly negates any pretense or facade, emphasizing the authentic and heartfelt nature of this divine love.
  • Significance: Love is the supreme virtue and the ultimate motive for Christian ministry. Its "sincere" quality is paramount, contrasting with those who minister for show or personal gain. It ensures that all other qualities are expressed with pure motives and genuine concern for others' welfare.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "in purity, in knowledge": These form a pair focusing on internal character and intellectual/spiritual understanding. They denote integrity of life and clarity of thought, establishing a foundation of genuine self and accurate message. A minister must be both morally sound and doctrinally clear.
• "in patience, in kindness": These describe the minister's disposition towards people and circumstances, particularly in the face of adversity. They emphasize enduring without bitterness and responding with gentleness, crucial for long-term and compassionate engagement. They showcase perseverance tempered with compassion.
• "in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love": These culminating phrases underscore the divine enablement and ultimate motivation for all the preceding virtues. The Holy Spirit is the power behind them, and sincere love is the summation and driving force of their ministry, confirming its authenticity as a divinely inspired endeavor. These ensure the ministry is not human-centered but God-breathed and genuinely selfless.
• The repeated preposition "en" (ἐν - "in" or "by") highlights that these are not isolated traits but are the sphere, means, or manner in which their ministry is continually lived out. They define how they conducted themselves.

2 Corinthians 6 6 Bonus section

The entire list of qualities in 2 Cor 6:6-7a—purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, sincere love, truthful speech, and the power of God—can be understood as facets of the "fruit of the Spirit" mentioned in Gal 5:22-23. While not an exact one-to-one mapping, these are evidential signs of the Spirit's active presence and work in a believer's life, especially for those in ministry. The connection underscores that Paul's commendation isn't of self-achieved virtues but of qualities supernaturally cultivated and expressed through faithful reliance on God's indwelling Spirit. These spiritual credentials speak volumes more than humanly impressive resumés.

2 Corinthians 6 6 Commentary

2 Corinthians 6:6 concisely articulates a multi-faceted portrait of authentic Christian ministry, positioning character as the primary credential. Rather than relying on human accolades, rhetorical skill, or outward displays, Paul presents an inner landscape shaped by God's Spirit. The virtues of purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness form a robust ethical and practical framework for interaction and conduct. Purity speaks to blameless integrity, essential for trust. Knowledge speaks to wise discernment, essential for truth. Patience speaks to steadfast endurance, essential for adversity. Kindness speaks to gracious disposition, essential for compassion. Critically, these qualities are not merely human attainments but are lived "in the Holy Spirit," identifying God as their source and enabler. This divine empowerment ensures the ultimate virtue, "sincere love," which drives all their actions. This unfeigned love validates every other quality, revealing the heart of ministry. Paul provides a standard that transcends outward success, rooting legitimate service in a Spirit-empowered, loving character, thus inviting believers to a life of integrity and purpose.

Examples of practical usage:

• A leader maintaining moral clarity despite tempting compromises, reflecting "purity."
• A teacher explaining complex biblical truths with clarity and depth, embodying "knowledge."
• A pastor persevering with a difficult church member over many years, showing "patience."
• A missionary responding with gentleness to cultural misunderstandings, practicing "kindness."
• Any Christian ministering from a place of genuine care rather than self-interest, displaying "sincere love" fueled "in the Holy Spirit."