2 Corinthians 4:1

2 Corinthians 4:1 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
• New International Version (NIV)Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

Context of 2 Corinthians 4:1

God has given us this work to speak his message. Because he has been so kind to us, we are not afraid to continue. 2We refuse to do anything secretly that we might be ashamed of. We do not tell lies. We do not change God's message to deceive people. No. We tell God's true message clearly. God himself sees that we teach people in an honest way. Everyone should understand that we only do what is right. 3Some people may not understand the good news that we speak. They are only the people who are losing their lives with God.

2 Corinthians 4:1 word by word

Διὰ τοῦτο ἔχοντες τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν, οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν,Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Thereforeοὗτοςhoutos houtoi hautē hautai · this/he/she/itG3778
• seeingδιάdia · through/because ofG1223
• we haveἔχωechō · to have/beG2192
• ministryὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• ministryδιακονίαdiakonia · serviceG1248
• asκαθώςkathōs · as/just asG2531
• we have received mercyἐλεέωeleeō · to have mercyG1653
• we faintἐκκακέωekkakeō · to lose heartG1573
• notοὐou · noG3756

Cross-references for 2 Corinthians 4:1

• 2 Corinthians 3:6God has made us his servants. So we are able to tell people the message of his new agreement. This new agreement is not about rules. Rules tell people what they must do and they bring death. But God's new agreement comes from his Spirit. And the Spirit brings new life to us, not death.
• 2 Corinthians 5:18All this is what God does for us. Because of what Christ has done, God has brought us back to himself, as his friends. Now he wants us to bring other people to be his friends too. That is the job that he has given to us.
• Ephesians 3:7I tell that good news to other people, because God chose me to serve him in that way. That was God's gift to me, because he is so kind. God uses his great power to help me in that work.
• 1 Corinthians 7:25You asked me a question about people who have not yet married. The Lord has not told me any special rule about this. But I will tell you what I myself think about it. The Lord has been very kind to me. You know that you can believe what I say.
• 1 Timothy 1:13Before he chose me, I said bad things about him. I caused great trouble for his people. I was a cruel man, but God was very kind to me. He forgave me because I did not know what I was doing. That was because I did not believe in Jesus.
• 1 Peter 2:10In past times, you were not people who knew God. But now you are God's people. In past times, God did not forgive you. But now he has been very kind to you and he has forgiven you.
• 2 Corinthians 4:16That is why we are not afraid to continue our work. Yes, our bodies are getting older and weaker. But our spirits are becoming stronger every day!
• Isaiah 40:30Even young people become tired and weak. Even strong young men may slip and fall down.
• Galatians 6:9We must continue to do things that are good and we should not get tired. If we do not feel weak and stop doing good things, then we will receive a good harvest at the proper time.
• Ephesians 3:13So do not become weak or afraid. I am now suffering so that I can help you. So you should be strong, so that God will bless you.
• Philippians 4:13I can do all these things because Christ makes me strong.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:13But you must never stop doing what is right, our Christian friends, even when it causes trouble for you.
• Hebrews 12:3So think carefully about how Jesus lived on earth. Bad people did very bad things against him, but he continued to be strong. Think about him, and then you will not become weak as Christians. You will not stop trusting God.
• Revelation 2:3You have been patient and strong in times of trouble. You have continued to serve me because you believe in me. You have not stopped when you become tired.

Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 4:1

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 1Seeing we have this ministry - The Gospel, of which he gave that noble account which we read in the preceding chapter. We faint not - We meet with many tribulations, but are supported in and through all by the grace of the Gospel. Instead of , we faint not, , we act not wickedly, is the reading of ADFG, and some others. Wakefield thinks it the genuine reading; it certainly makes a very good sense with what goes before and what follows. If we follow this…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 1Therefore - ̀ ͂ Dia toutoOn account of this. That is, because the light of the gospel is so clear; because it reveals so glorious truths, and all obscurity is taken away, and we are permitted to behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, 2 Corinthians 3:18. Since the glories of the gospel dispensation are so great, and its effects on the heart are so transforming and purifying. The object is, to show the “effect” of being entrusted with such a ministry…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 1Chapter Outline The apostles laboured with much diligence, sincerity, and faithfulness. (1-7) Their sufferings for the gospel were great, yet with rich supports. (8-12) Prospects of eternal glory keep believers from fainting under troubles. (13-18) Verses 1-7 The best of men would faint, if they did not receive mercy from God. And that mercy which has helped us out, and helped us on, hitherto, we may rely upon to help us even to the end. The apostles had…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1This new way (or this new ministry) demonstrates God’s mercy. Paul felt honored to share the message of good news (1 Corinthians 15:9–11; 1 Timothy 1:12–17).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-182Co 4:1-18. His Preaching Is Open and Sincere, though to Many the Gospel Is Hidden. For he preaches Christ, not himself: the human vessel is frail that God may have the glory; yet, though frail, faith and the hope of future glory sustain him amidst the decay of the outward man. 1. Therefore--Greek, "For this cause": Because we have the liberty-giving Spirit of the Lord, and with unveiled face behold His glory (2Co 3:17, 18). seeing we have this…Read the comment

Topics related to 2 Corinthians 4:1

• Honesty
• Minister, Christian
• Righteous
• Zeal, Religious

In the dictionaries

• Corinthians, Second Epistle to the
• Craftiness
• Despair
• Dishonesty
• Distress
• Light
• Temporal
• Church
• Corinthians, Second Epistle to the
• Faint

Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 4

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings