The Meaning of 2 Corinthians 1:3 Explained

2 Corinthians 1:3

KJV: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

YLT: Blessed is God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of the mercies, and God of all comfort,

Darby: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassions, and God of all encouragement;

ASV: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Blessed  [be] God,  even  the Father  of our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the Father  of mercies,  and  the God  of all  comfort; 

What does 2 Corinthians 1:3 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The Greek word translated "blessed" (eulogetos) occurs eight times in the New Testament, mostly in Paul"s writings. It always occurs with the person of God. It expresses both gratitude and adoration (cf. Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3).
"Adored be God! is the expression of the highest veneration and thankfulness." [1]
To Jesus Christ, God is both God and Father (cf. John 20:17). In His humiliation as a Prayer of Manasseh , Jesus related to God as His God (cf. Mark 15:34). However within the Godhead, God was Jesus" Father (cf. Hebrews 10:7). In other words, God was the God of the dependent Jesus in His human nature, but He was the Father of the infinite Christ in His divine nature (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:31).
"In His eternal being, God was always His Father; in His incarnation as the Messiah, God was His God." [2]
God is the "Father of mercies" in two senses. He is their source; all mercies we enjoy come from Him. Moreover He is the Father characterized by mercy, the merciful Father. The Greek construction permits both senses, and Paul probably intended both.
"Comfort" (Gr. paraklesis) is the key word in this section ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-7) occurring10 times as a noun or a verb. It also appears in 2 Corinthians 2:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 7:4; 2 Corinthians 7:6-7; 2 Corinthians 7:13; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 8:17; 2 Corinthians 9:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1; 2 Corinthians 12:8; 2 Corinthians 12:18; and 2 Corinthians 13:11. Thus2Corinthians is truly a letter of encouragement. This Greek word means much more than mere sympathy. It communicates the idea of one person standing alongside another to encourage and support his friend. The same word describes the Holy Spirit ("Paraclete") who strengthens and guides us ( John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7). Christ, too, provides encouragement and support as our Advocate ( 1 John 2:1) and Helper ( Hebrews 2:18). Here it is the Father who comforts and consoles the afflicted.
"There are two things of which God is said to have the monopoly: He is "the God of all grace" and He is "the God of all comfort." All grace comes from Him, all lasting comfort comes from Him." [3]
The double designation of God as the "Father of mercies" and the "God of all comfort" was very appropriate to Paul"s situation. This description really sets the tone for the first nine chapters of this epistle. This verse has a chiastic structure.
"The effect of this rhetorical device is to emphasize that the God who is here "praised" is both (1) Father of his Song of Solomon , our Lord Jesus Christ, and (2) Father (= source) of mercies." [4]

Context Summary

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 - Sharing Comfort In Affliction
This was a circular letter, including in its scope all the scattered communities in the district. Grace was the usual salutation of the West, Peace of the East. Here they meet. All our mercies emanate from the Father's heart, and all comfort comes from the Comforter. When next passing through great sorrow and trial, notice how near God comes and what He says. Try to learn His methods, to get His secret. Remember that you are being comforted in order to comfort others. God is training you to be, like Barnabas, a "son of consolation." The gains of trial are immense, because they furnish the experience from which others may profit. Often God ministers comfort by sending a friend, 2 Corinthians 7:5-7.
Either through persecution or through severe illness Paul had been brought to the gates of death, 2 Corinthians 1:8. His recovery was little less than a miracle, but throughout his trust never wavered. Dare to believe, like Paul, that God has delivered, doth deliver, and will deliver! Past, present, and coming deliverances blend in this sweet verse. What He hath done, He doth now, and will do. Only see to it that you have the sentence of death in yourself, and on yourself, and that you go out of yourself to God, in whom is all necessary help. In such hours we may also receive great help from the faith of our friends, 2 Corinthians 1:11. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 1

1  Paul salutes the Corinthians;
3  he encourages them against troubles,
5  by the comforts and deliverances which God had given him,
8  so particularly in his late danger in Asia
12  And calling both his own conscience and theirs,
15  he excuses his not coming to them, as proceeding not of lightness,
23  but of his care for them

Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 1:3

Blessed [ευλογητος]
From old verb ευλογεω — eulogeō to speak well of, but late verbal in lxx and Philo. Used of men in Genesis 24:31, but only of God in N.T. as in Luke 1:68 and chiefly in Paul (2 Corinthians 11:31; Romans 1:25). Paul has no thanksgiving or prayer as in 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, but he finds his basis for gratitude in God, not in them. [source]
The God and Father [ο τεος και πατηρ]
So rightly, only one article with both substantives as in 2 Peter 1:1. Paul gives the deity of Jesus Christ as our Lord Paul adds an item to each word. He is the compassionate Father characterized by mercies (οικτιρμων — oiktirmōn old word from οικτειρω — oikteirō to pity, and here in plural, emotions and acts of pity). He is the God of all comfort (παρακλησεως — paraklēseōs old word from παρακαλεω — parakaleō to call to one‘s side, common with Paul). Paul has already used it of God who gave eternal comfort (2 Thessalonians 2:16). The English word comfort is from the Latin confortis (brave together). The word used by Jesus of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Paraklete is this very word (John 14:16; John 16:7). Paul makes rich use of the verb παρακαλεω — parakaleō and the substantive παρακλησις — paraklēsis in this passage (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). He urges all sorrowing and troubled hearts to find strength in God. [source]
The father of mercies [ο πατηρ των οικτιρμων]
Paul adds an item to each word. He is the compassionate Father characterized by mercies He is the God of all comfort Paul has already used it of God who gave eternal comfort (2 Thessalonians 2:16). The English word comfort is from the Latin confortis (brave together). The word used by Jesus of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Paraklete is this very word (John 14:16; John 16:7). Paul makes rich use of the verb παρακαλεω — parakaleō and the substantive παρακλησις — paraklēsis in this passage (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). He urges all sorrowing and troubled hearts to find strength in God. [source]
The Father of mercies [ὁ πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν]
Equivalent to the compassionate Father. Compare the phrases Father of glory, Ephesians 1:17; spirits, Hebrews 12:9; lights, James 1:17. Οἰκτιρμός mercyfrom οἶκτος pityor mercy, the feeling which expresses itself in the exclamation οἴ oh!on seeing another's misery. The distinction between this and ἔλεος , according to which οἰκτιρμός signifies the feeling, and ἔλεος themanifestation, cannot be strictly held, since the manifestation is often expressed by οἰκτιρμός . See Sept., 102:4; 118:77. [source]
All comfort [πάσης παρακλήσεως]
The earliest passage in the New Testament where this word comfort or its kindred verb is applied to God. Compare παράκλητος comforteradvocate, of the Holy Spirit, in John href="/desk/?q=joh+14:16&sr=1">John 14:16, John 14:26, etc. All is better rendered every: the God of every consolation. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 1:3

Luke 6:24 Consolation [παράκλησις]
From παρά , to the side of, and καλέω , to call or summon. Literally, a calling to one's side to help; and therefore entreaty, passing on into the sense of exhortation, and thence into that of consolatory exhortation; and so coming round to mean that which one is summoned to give to a suppliant - consolation. Thus it embodies the call for help, and the response to the call. Its use corresponds with that of the kindred verb παρακαλέω , to exhort or console. In its original sense of calling for aid the noun appears in the New Testament only in 2 Corinthians 8:4: with much entreaty. The verb appears frequently in this sense, rendered beseech, pray (Matthew 8:34; Matthew 14:36; Mark 1:40; Mark 5:12, etc.). In the sense of consolation or comfort the noun occurs in Luke 2:25; Luke 6:24; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 7:4; Philemon 1:7. The verb, in Matthew 2:18; Matthew 5:4:; Luke 16:25; 2 Corinthians 1:4. In some instances, however, the meaning wavers between console and exhort. In the sense of exhortation or counsel, the noun may be found in Acts 13:15; Romans 12:8; Hebrews 13:22. The verb, in Acts 2:40; Acts 11:23; Acts 14:22; Romans 12:8; Titus 2:15. Neither the noun nor the verb appear in the writings of John, but the kindred word παράκλητος the Paraclete, Comforter, or Advocate, is peculiar to him. On this word, see on John 14:16. It should be noted, however, that the word comfort goes deeper than its popular conception of soothing. It is from the later Latin confortare, to make strong. Thus Wycliffe renders Luke 1:80, “the child waxed, and was comforted in spirit” (A. V., waxed strong )and Tyndale, Luke 22:43, “there appeared an angel from heaven comforting him” (A. V., strengthening )The comfort which Christ gives is not always soothing. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, is to convince of sin and ofjudgment. Underlying the word is the sense of a wise counsel or admonition which rouses and braces the moral nature and encourages and strengthens it to do and to endure. When, therefore, Christ says “they that mourn shall be comforted,” he speaks in recognition of the fact that all sorrow is the outcome of sin, and that true comfort is given, not only in pardon for the past, but in strength to fight and resist and overcome sin. The atmosphere of the word, in short, is not the atmosphere of the sick-chamber, but the tonic breath of the open world, of moral struggle and victory; the atmosphere for him that climbs and toils and fights. [source]
Romans 12:1 By the mercies [δια των οικτιρμων]
“By means of the mercies of God” as shown in his argument and in our lives. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:3 for “the Father of mercies.” To present (παραστησαι — parastēsai). First aorist active infinitive of παριστημι — paristēmi for which verb see note on Romans 6:13, a technical term for offering a sacrifice (Josephus, Ant. IV. 6, 4), though not in the O.T. Used of presenting the child Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:22), of the Christian presenting himself (Romans 6:13), of God presenting the saved (Ephesians 5:27), of Christ presenting the church (Colossians 1:28). Bodies So literally as in Romans 6:13, Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:10 and in contrast with νους — nous (mind) in Romans 12:2. A living sacrifice (τυσιαν ζωσαν — thusian zōsan). In contrast with the Levitical sacrifices of slain animals. Cf. Romans 6:8, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:13. Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise. Acceptable “Well-pleasing.” See note on 2 Corinthians 5:9. Which is your reasonable service (tēn logikēn humōn latreian). “Your rational (spiritual) service (worship).” For latreia see note on Romans 9:4. την λογικην υμων λατρειαν — Logikos is from λατρεια — logos reason. The phrase means here “worship rendered by the reason (or soul).” Old word, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:2 Λογικος — to logikon gala (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul). [source]
Romans 15:5 The God of patience and comfort [ο τεος της υπομονης και της παρακλησεως]
Genitive case of the two words in Romans 15:4 used to describe God who uses the Scriptures to reveal himself to us. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:3 for this idea; Romans 15:13 for “the God of hope”; Romans 15:33 for “the God of peace.” [source]
Romans 15:6 With one mouth [εν ενι στοματι]
Vivid outward expression of the unity of feeling. May glorify (δοχαζητε — doxazēte). Present active subjunctive of δοχαζω — doxazō final clause with ινα — hina “that ye may keep on glorifying.” For “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” see note on 2 Corinthians 1:3 for discussion; 2 Corinthians 11:31. It occurs also in Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3. [source]
Romans 15:6 May glorify [δοχαζητε]
Present active subjunctive of δοχαζω — doxazō final clause with ινα — hina “that ye may keep on glorifying.” For “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” see note on 2 Corinthians 1:3 for discussion; 2 Corinthians 11:31. It occurs also in Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3. [source]
2 Corinthians 1:3 The father of mercies [ο πατηρ των οικτιρμων]
Paul adds an item to each word. He is the compassionate Father characterized by mercies He is the God of all comfort Paul has already used it of God who gave eternal comfort (2 Thessalonians 2:16). The English word comfort is from the Latin confortis (brave together). The word used by Jesus of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Paraklete is this very word (John 14:16; John 16:7). Paul makes rich use of the verb παρακαλεω — parakaleō and the substantive παρακλησις — paraklēsis in this passage (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). He urges all sorrowing and troubled hearts to find strength in God. [source]
2 Corinthians 7:6 Comforteth [παρακαλων]
See note on 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 for this word. [source]
2 Corinthians 1:3 The God and Father [ο τεος και πατηρ]
So rightly, only one article with both substantives as in 2 Peter 1:1. Paul gives the deity of Jesus Christ as our Lord Paul adds an item to each word. He is the compassionate Father characterized by mercies (οικτιρμων — oiktirmōn old word from οικτειρω — oikteirō to pity, and here in plural, emotions and acts of pity). He is the God of all comfort (παρακλησεως — paraklēseōs old word from παρακαλεω — parakaleō to call to one‘s side, common with Paul). Paul has already used it of God who gave eternal comfort (2 Thessalonians 2:16). The English word comfort is from the Latin confortis (brave together). The word used by Jesus of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Paraklete is this very word (John 14:16; John 16:7). Paul makes rich use of the verb παρακαλεω — parakaleō and the substantive παρακλησις — paraklēsis in this passage (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). He urges all sorrowing and troubled hearts to find strength in God. [source]
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed [ευλογητος]
Verbal of ευλογεω — eulogeō common in the lxx for Hebrew baruk (Vulgate benedictus) and applied usually to God, sometimes to men (Genesis 24:31), but in N.T. always to God (Luke 1:68), while ευλογημενος — eulogēmenos (perfect passive participle) is applied to men (Luke 1:42). “While ευλογημενος — eulogēmenos points to an isolated act or acts, ευλογητος — eulogētos describes the intrinsic character” (Lightfoot). Instead of the usual ευχαριστουμεν — eucharistoumen (Colossians 1:3) Paul here uses ευλογητος — eulogētos elsewhere only in 2 Corinthians 1:3 in opening, though in a doxology in Romans 1:25; Romans 9:5; 2 Corinthians 11:31. The copula here is probably εστιν — estin (is), though either εστω — estō (imperative) or ειη — eiē (optative as wish) will make sense. [source]
Ephesians 1:17 The Father of glory [ο πατηρ της δοχης]
The God characterized by glory (the Shekinah, Hebrews 9:5) as in Acts 7:2; 1 Corinthians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 1:3; James 2:1. [source]
Philippians 2:1 Bowels and mercies [σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί]
For mercies, see on 2 Corinthians 1:3, and compare Colossians 3:12. [source]
Colossians 3:12 Bowels of mercies [σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ]
See on 1 Peter 3:8; see on 2 Corinthians 1:3. Rev., a heart of compassion. [source]
Colossians 1:3 God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ [τωι τεωι πατρι του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου]
Correct text without και — kai (and) as in Colossians 3:17, though usually “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 11:31; Romans 15:6; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6). In Colossians 1:2 we have the only instance in the opening benediction of an epistle when the name of “Jesus Christ” is not joined with “God our Father.” [source]
Colossians 2:2 May be comforted [παρακλητωσιν]
First aorist passive subjunctive of παρακαλεω — parakaleō (for which see note on 2 Corinthians 1:3-7) in final clause with ινα — hina [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:17 Comfort and stablish [παρακαλεσαι και στηριχαι]
First aorist active optative of wish for the future of two common verbs παρακαλεω — parakaleō (see 1 Thessalonians 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:14) and στεριζω — sterizō (see 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 3:13). God is the God of comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) and strength (Romans 1:11; Romans 16:25). [source]
Hebrews 10:28 Without mercy [χωρὶς οἰκτιρμῶν]
The phrase N.T.oFor the noun see on 2 Corinthians 1:3. [source]
Hebrews 10:28 Hath set at naught [ατετησας]
First aorist active participle of ατετεω — atheteō late compound, very common in lxx, from alpha privative and τιτημι — tithēmi to render null and void, to set aside, only here in Hebrews (see Mark 7:9), but note ατετησις — athetēsis (Hebrews 7:18; Hebrews 9:26). Without mercy See 2 Corinthians 1:3. This was the law (Deuteronomy 17:6) for apostates. On the word of two or three “On the basis of two or three.” For this use of επι — epi with the locative see Hebrews 9:17. [source]
James 1:17 From the Father of lights [ουκ ενι]
“Of the lights” (the heavenly bodies). For this use of εν — patēr see Job 38:28 (Father of rain); 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:17. God is the Author of light and lights.With whom (ενεστι — par' hōi). For ενι εν — para (beside) with locative sense for standpoint of God see εινε — para tōi theōi (Mark 10:27; Romans 2:11; Romans 9:14; Ephesians 6:9.Can be no This old idiom (also in Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11) may be merely the original form of παραλλαγη — en with recessive accent (Winer, Mayor) or a shortened form of παραλλασσω — enesti The use of παραλλαχις — eni en in 1 Corinthians 6:5 argues for this view, as does the use of τροπης αποσκιασμα — eine Old word from Αποσκιασμα — parallassō to make things alternate, here only in N.T. In Aristeas in sense of alternate stones in pavements. Dio Cassius has αποσκιασμος — parallaxis without reference to the modern astronomical parallax, though James here is comparing God (Father of the lights) to the sun (Malachi 4:2), which does have periodic variations.Shadow that is cast by turning απο σκια — Tropē is an old word for “turning” (from αποσκιαζω — trepō to turn), here only in N.T. η τροπης αποσκιασματος — Aposkiasma is a late and rare word Ropes argues strongly for this reading, and rather convincingly. At any rate there is no such periodic variation in God like that we see in the heavenly bodies. [source]
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed [εὐλογητὸς]
εὖ , well, λόγος , a word. Well-spoken-of; praised; honored. Used in the New Testament of God only. The kindred verb is applied to human beings, as to Mary (Luke 1:28): “Blessed ( εὐλογημένη ) art thou.” Compare the different word for blessed in Matthew 5:3, etc. ( μακάριοι )and see notes there. The style of this doxological phrase is Pauline. Compare 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3. [source]
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be [ευλογητος]
No copula in the Greek The verbal adjective (from ευλογεω — eulogeō) occurs in the N.T. only of God, as in the lxx (Luke 1:68). See also 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3. [source]
1 Peter 1:3 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ [ο τεος και πατηρ του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου]
This precise language in 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3; and part of it in 2 Corinthians 11:31; Romans 15:6. See John 20:17 for similar language by Jesus.Great (πολυ — polu). Much.Begat us again First aorist active articular The Stoics used αναγεννησις — anagennēsis for παλινγενεσια — palingenesia (Titus 3:5). If ανωτεν — anōthen in John 3:3 be taken to mean “again,” the same idea of regeneration is there, and if “from above” it is the new birth, anyhow.Unto a living hope (εις ελπιδα ζωσαν — eis elpida zōsan). Peter is fond of the word “living” (present active participle of ζαω — zaō) as in 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Peter 2:4, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 4:5, 1 Peter 4:6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Acts 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1 Corinthians 15:14, 1 Corinthians 15:17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (James 2:17, James 2:26). This revival of hope was wrought “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (δια αναστασεως — dia anastaseōs). Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it. [source]
Revelation 1:6 Unto God and His Father [τῷ Θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ]
Lit., to the God and Father of Him. Hence Rev., correctly, His God and Father. For the phrase compare Romans 15:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 1:3 mean?

Blessed [be] the God and Father of the Lord of us Jesus Christ - of compassions of all comfort
Εὐλογητὸς Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν πάσης παρακλήσεως

Εὐλογητὸς  Blessed  [be] 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: εὐλογητός  
Sense: blessed, praised.
Θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
Πατὴρ  Father 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: προπάτωρ 
Sense: generator or male ancestor.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Κυρίου  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
ἡμῶν  of  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
Ἰησοῦ  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
Χριστοῦ  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
τῶν  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
οἰκτιρμῶν  of  compassions 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: οἰκτιρμός  
Sense: compassion, pity, mercy.
πάσης  of  all 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: πᾶς  
Sense: individually.
παρακλήσεως  comfort 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: παράκλησις  
Sense: a calling near, summons, (esp.