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2 Corinthians 3

2 Cor. 3:1 KJV (With Strong’s)

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1
Do we begin
archomai (Greek #756)
to commence (in order of time)
KJV usage: (rehearse from the) begin(-ning).
Pronounce: ar'-khom-ahee
Origin: middle voice of 757 (through the implication, of precedence)
again
palin (Greek #3825)
(adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
KJV usage: again.
Pronounce: pal'-in
Origin: probably from the same as 3823 (through the idea of oscillatory repetition)
to commend
sunistao (Greek #4921)
to set together, i.e. (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to constitute
KJV usage: approve, commend, consist, make, stand (with).
Pronounce: soon-is-tah'-o
Origin: συνιστάνω (soon-is-tan'-o), or συνίστημι (soon-is'-tay-mee) from 4862 and 2476 (including its collateral forms)
q ourselves
heautou (Greek #1438)
him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.
KJV usage: alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves).
Pronounce: heh-ow-too'
Origin: from a reflexive pronoun otherwise obsolete and the genitive case (dative case or accusative case) of 846
? or
ei (Greek #1487)
if, whether, that, etc.
KJV usage: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in 1489, 1490, 1499, 1508, 1509, 1512, 1513, 1536, 1537. See also 1437.
Pronounce: i
Origin: a primary particle of conditionality
need we
me (Greek #3361)
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
KJV usage: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also 3362, 3363, 3364, 3372, 3373, 3375, 3378.
Pronounce: may
Origin: a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial)
chreizo (Greek #5535)
to make (i.e. have) necessity, i.e. be in want of
KJV usage: (have) need.
Pronounce: khrade'-zo
Origin: from 5532
, as
hos (Greek #5613)
which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
KJV usage: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
Pronounce: hoce
Origin: probably adverb of comparative from 3739
some
tis (Greek #5100)
some or any person or object
KJV usage: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).
Pronounce: tis
Origin: an enclitic indefinite pronoun
others, epistles
epistole (Greek #1992)
a written message
KJV usage: "epistle," letter.
Pronounce: ep-is-tol-ay'
Origin: from 1989
s of commendation
sustatikos (Greek #4956)
introductory, i.e. recommendatory
KJV usage: of commendation.
Pronounce: soos-tat-ee-kos'
Origin: from a derivative of 4921
to
pros (Greek #4314)
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated)
KJV usage: about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at.
Pronounce: pros
Origin: a strengthened form of 4253
you
humas (Greek #5209)
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
KJV usage: ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).
Pronounce: hoo-mas'
Origin: accusative case of 5210
, or
e (Greek #2228)
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
KJV usage: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially 2235, 2260, 2273.
Pronounce: ay
Origin: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms
letters of
ek (Greek #1537)
or ἐξ (ex) a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote)
KJV usage: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
Pronounce: ek
commendation
sustatikos (Greek #4956)
introductory, i.e. recommendatory
KJV usage: of commendation.
Pronounce: soos-tat-ee-kos'
Origin: from a derivative of 4921
from you
humon (Greek #5216)
of (from or concerning) you
KJV usage: ye, you, your (own, -selves).
Pronounce: hoo-mone'
Origin: genitive case of 5210
?
q
2 Cor. 5:12• 12For we do not again commend ourselves to you, but we are giving to you occasion of boast in our behalf, that ye may have such with those boasting in countenance, and not in heart. (2 Cor. 5:12)
s
Acts 18:27• 27And when he purposed to go into Achaia, the brethren wrote to the disciples engaging them to receive him, who, being come, contributed much to those who believed through grace. (Acts 18:27)

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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1-5:  Lest their false teachers should charge him with vain glory, he shows the faith and graces of the Corinthians to be a sufficient commendation of his ministry.
6-11:  Whereupon entering a comparison between the ministers of the law and of the gospel,
12-18:  he proves that his ministry is so far the more excellent, as the gospel of life and liberty is more glorious than the law of condemnation.
begin.
2 Cor. 2:17• 17For we do not, as the many, make a trade of the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, before God, we speak in Christ. (2 Cor. 2:17)
;
2 Cor. 5:12• 12For we do not again commend ourselves to you, but we are giving to you occasion of boast in our behalf, that ye may have such with those boasting in countenance, and not in heart. (2 Cor. 5:12)
;
2 Cor. 10:8,12• 8For and if I should boast even somewhat more abundantly of our authority, which the Lord has given to us for building up and not for your overthrowing, I shall not be put to shame;
 12For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves; but these, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are not intelligent. (2 Cor. 10:8,12)
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2 Cor. 12:11,19• 11I have become a fool; *ye* have compelled me; for *I* ought to have been commended by you; for I have been nothing behind those who were in surpassing degree apostles, if also I am nothing.
 19Ye have long been supposing that we excuse ourselves to you: we speak before God in Christ; and all things, beloved, for your building up. (2 Cor. 12:11,19)
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1 Cor. 3:10• 10According to the grace of God which has been given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation, but another builds upon it. But let each see how he builds upon it. (1 Cor. 3:10)
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1 Cor. 4:15• 15For if ye should have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus *I* have begotten you through the glad tidings. (1 Cor. 4:15)
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1 Cor. 10:33• 33Even as *I* also please all in all things; not seeking my own profit, but that of the many, that they may be saved. (1 Cor. 10:33)
epistles.
Acts 18:27• 27And when he purposed to go into Achaia, the brethren wrote to the disciples engaging them to receive him, who, being come, contributed much to those who believed through grace. (Acts 18:27)
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1 Cor. 16:3• 3And when I am arrived, whomsoever ye shall approve, these I will send with letters to carry your bounty to Jerusalem: (1 Cor. 16:3)
• {letters of commendation} The aim of all such provisions is to afford adequate testimony to the assembly of God, which is in no way bound to a form however excellent, if wanting, provided perchance other means of godly satisfaction leave no reasonable hesitation to those who judge fairly and in love. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 3:1-6”)

J. N. Darby Translation

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1
Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or do we need, as some, commendatory letters to you, or commendatory from you?

W. Kelly Translation

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Begin we again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some, recommendatory epistles unto you or from youa?

WK Translation Notes

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a
The addition of "commendatory" added at the end of the verse in the T. R. following most MSS. is rejected by the best witnesses.