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2 Corinthians 6

2 Cor. 6:4 KJV (With Strong’s)

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4
But
alla (Greek #235)
properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
KJV usage: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
Pronounce: al-lah'
Origin: neuter plural of 243
in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
all
pas (Greek #3956)
apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole
KJV usage: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
Pronounce: pas
Origin: including all the forms of declension
things δapproving
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)
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
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
the ministers
diakonos (Greek #1249)
an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess)
KJV usage: deacon, minister, servant.
Pronounce: dee-ak'-on-os
Origin: probably from an obsolete διάκω (to run on errands; compare 1377)
e of God
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
, in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
much
polus (Greek #4183)
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
KJV usage: abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly. Compare 4118, 4119.
Pronounce: pol-oos'
Origin: including the forms from the alternate πολλός
patience
hupomone (Greek #5281)
cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
KJV usage: enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).
Pronounce: hoop-om-on-ay'
Origin: from 5278
, in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
afflictions
thlipsis (Greek #2347)
pressure (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.
Pronounce: thlip'-sis
Origin: from 2346
, in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
necessities
anagke (Greek #318)
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
KJV usage: distress, must needs, (of) necessity(-sary), needeth, needful.
Pronounce: an-ang-kay'
Origin: from 303 and the base of 43
, in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
distresses
stenochoria (Greek #4730)
narrowness of room, i.e. (figuratively) calamity
KJV usage: anguish, distress.
Pronounce: sten-okh-o-ree'-ah
Origin: from a compound of 4728 and 5561
,
δ
commending.
e
1 Cor. 4:1• 1Let a man so account of us as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Cor. 4:1)

More on:

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God,
Minister

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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in all.
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)
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2 Cor. 7:11• 11For, behold, this same thing, your being grieved according to God, how much diligence it wrought in *you*, but what excusing of yourselves, but what indignation, but what fear, but what ardent desire, but what zeal, but what vengeance: in every way ye have proved yourselves to be pure in the matter. (2 Cor. 7:11)
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Acts 2:22• 22Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazaraean, a man borne witness to by God to you by works of power and wonders and signs, which God wrought by him in your midst, as yourselves know (Acts 2:22)
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Rom. 14:18• 18For he that in this serves the Christ is acceptable to God and approved of men. (Rom. 14:18)
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Rom. 16:10• 10Salute Apelles, approved in Christ. Salute those who belong to Aristobulus. (Rom. 16:10)
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1 Cor. 9:11• 11If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if *we* shall reap your carnal things? (1 Cor. 9:11)
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1 Thess. 2:3‑11• 3For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile;
 4but even as we have been approved of God to have the glad tidings entrusted to us, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who proves our hearts.
 5For we have not at any time been among you with flattering discourse, even as ye know, nor with a pretext for covetousness, God is witness;
 6nor seeking glory from men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have been a charge as Christ's apostles;
 7but have been gentle in the midst of you, as a nurse would cherish her own children.
 8Thus, yearning over you, we had found our delight in having imparted to you not only the glad tidings of God, but our own lives also, because ye had become beloved of us.
 9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and toil: working night and day, not to be chargeable to any one of you, we have preached to you the glad tidings of God.
 10*Ye* are witnesses, and God, how piously and righteously and blamelessly we have conducted ourselves with you that believe:
 11as ye know how, as a father his own children, we used to exhort each one of you, and comfort and testify, (1 Thess. 2:3‑11)
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1 Tim. 2:15• 15But she shall be preserved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with discretion. (1 Tim. 2:15)
approving.
Gr. commending.
2 Cor. 4:2• 2But we have rejected the hidden things of shame, not walking in deceit, nor falsifying the word of God, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men before God. (2 Cor. 4:2)
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Rom. 5:8• 8but God commends *his* love to us, in that, we being still sinners, Christ has died for us. (Rom. 5:8)
as.
2 Cor. 3:6• 6who has also made us competent, as ministers of the new covenant; not of letter, but of spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit quickens. (2 Cor. 3:6)
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2 Cor. 11:23• 23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as being beside myself) *I* above measure so; in labours exceedingly abundant, in stripes to excess, in prisons exceedingly abundant, in deaths oft. (2 Cor. 11:23)
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Isa. 61:6• 6But as for you, ye shall be called priests of Jehovah; it shall be said of you: Ministers of our God. Ye shall eat the wealth of the nations, and into their glory shall ye enter. (Isa. 61:6)
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Joel 1:9• 9The oblation and the drink-offering are cut off from the house of Jehovah; the priests, Jehovah's ministers, mourn. (Joel 1:9)
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Joel 2:17• 17Let the priests, the ministers of Jehovah, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare, O Jehovah, thy people, and give not thine inheritance to reproach, that they should be a byword of the nations. Wherefore should they say among the peoples, Where is their God? (Joel 2:17)
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1 Cor. 3:5• 5Who then is Apollos, and who Paul? Ministering servants, through whom ye have believed, and as the Lord has given to each. (1 Cor. 3:5)
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1 Cor. 4:1• 1Let a man so account of us as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Cor. 4:1)
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1 Thess. 3:2• 2and sent Timotheus, our brother and fellow-workman under God in the glad tidings of Christ, to confirm you and encourage you concerning your faith, (1 Thess. 3:2)
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1 Tim. 4:6• 6Laying these things before the brethren, thou wilt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished with the words of the faith and of the good teaching which thou hast fully followed up. (1 Tim. 4:6)
in much.
2 Cor. 12:12• 12The signs indeed of the apostle were wrought among you in all endurance, signs, and wonders, and works of power. (2 Cor. 12:12)
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Luke 21:19• 19By your patient endurance gain your souls. (Luke 21:19)
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Rom. 5:3‑4• 3And not only that, but we also boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation works endurance;
 4and endurance, experience; and experience, hope; (Rom. 5:3‑4)
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Col. 1:11• 11strengthened with all power according to the might of his glory unto all endurance and longsuffering with joy; (Col. 1:11)
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1 Thess. 5:14• 14But we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint hearted, sustain the weak, be patient towards all. (1 Thess. 5:14)
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1 Tim. 6:11• 11But *thou*, O man of God, flee these things, and pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, endurance, meekness of spirit. (1 Tim. 6:11)
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2 Tim. 3:10• 10But *thou* hast been thoroughly acquainted with my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, endurance, (2 Tim. 3:10)
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Heb. 12:1• 1Let *us* also therefore, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight, and sin which so easily entangles us, run with endurance the race that lies before us, (Heb. 12:1)
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James 5:7‑10• 7Have patience, therefore, brethren, till the coming of the Lord. Behold, the labourer awaits the precious fruit of the earth, having patience for it until it receive the early and the latter rain.
 8*Ye* also have patience: stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is drawn nigh.
 9Complain not one against another, brethren, that ye be not judged. Behold, the judge stands before the door.
 10Take as an example, brethren, of suffering and having patience, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord. (James 5:7‑10)
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Rev. 1:9• 9I John, your brother and fellow-partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and patience, in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 1:9)
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Rev. 3:10• 10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, *I* also will keep thee out of the hour of trial, which is about to come upon the whole habitable world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Rev. 3:10)
afflictions.
2 Cor. 4:17• 17For our momentary and light affliction works for us in surpassing measure an eternal weight of glory; (2 Cor. 4:17)
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Acts 20:23‑24• 23only that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations await me.
 24But I make no account of my life as dear to myself, so that I finish my course, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the glad tidings of the grace of God. (Acts 20:23‑24)
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Col. 1:24• 24Now, I rejoice in sufferings for you, and I fill up that which is behind of the tribulations of Christ in my flesh, for his body, which is the assembly; (Col. 1:24)
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1 Thess. 3:3• 3that no one might be moved by these afflictions. (For yourselves know that we are set for this; (1 Thess. 3:3)
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2 Tim. 1:8• 8Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but suffer evil along with the glad tidings, according to the power of God; (2 Tim. 1:8)
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2 Tim. 3:11‑12• 11persecutions, sufferings: what sufferings happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, in Lystra; what persecutions I endured; and the Lord delivered me out of all.
 12And all indeed who desire to live piously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Tim. 3:11‑12)
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2 Tim. 4:5• 5But *thou*, be sober in all things, bear evils, do the work of an evangelist, fill up the full measure of thy ministry. (2 Tim. 4:5)
necessities.
2 Cor. 11:9,27• 9And being present with you and lacking, I did not lazily burden any one, (for the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied what I lacked,) and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will keep myself.
 27in labour and toil, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (2 Cor. 11:9,27)
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2 Cor. 12:10• 10Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ: for when I am weak, then I am powerful. (2 Cor. 12:10)
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Acts 20:34• 34Yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my wants, and to those who were with me. (Acts 20:34)
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1 Cor. 4:11‑12• 11To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are in nakedness, and buffeted, and wander without a home,
 12and labour, working with our own hands. Railed at, we bless; persecuted, we suffer it; (1 Cor. 4:11‑12)
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Phil. 4:11‑12• 11Not that I speak as regards privation, for as to me *I* have learnt in those circumstances in which I am, to be satisfied in myself.
 12I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am initiated both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer privation. (Phil. 4:11‑12)
distresses.
2 Cor. 4:8• 8every way afflicted, but not straitened; seeing no apparent issue, but our way not entirely shut up; (2 Cor. 4:8)
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Rom. 8:35‑36• 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
 36According as it is written, For thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we have been reckoned as sheep for slaughter. (Rom. 8:35‑36)
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1 Thess. 3:7• 7for this reason we have been comforted in you, brethren, in all our distress and tribulation, through your faith, (1 Thess. 3:7)
• As a fixed purpose of the soul, not now and then, nor in specified duties only, but in everything as God's ministers commending ourselves….When impatient, one is overcome of evil instead of overcoming it with good in the lowliest form. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 6:4-7” by W. Kelly)
• He approved himself in all things as a minister of God, worthily representing Him in whose name he spoke to men...which showed an inward energy, a sense of obligation to God, and a dependence on Him. (“2 Corinthians 6” by J.N. Darby)
• "Afflictions" that touch the body; "necessities" that arise from daily needs; and "straits" from a lack of resources to meet these needs. (“2 Corinthians 6” by H. Smith)
• If not as His ministers, what are we? Worse than useless. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 6:4-7” by W. Kelly)
• So the Apostle in chapter 12:12, where he sets “all endurance,” or patience, before signs and wonders and works of power as apostolic vouchers. God Himself is called the God of patience no less than of comfort or encouragement. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 6:4-7” by W. Kelly)
• When impatient, one is overcome of evil instead of overcoming it with good in the lowliest form. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 6:4-7” by W. Kelly)
• “Afflictions” or tribulations (θλίψεις) are cases of pressure which every saint has in the world. We are set for this, and must through many tribulations enter into the kingdom of God. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 6:4-7” by W. Kelly)
• Necessities (ἀνάγκαι) express distresses which take the shape of need or constraint, and so, as the early Greek writers noticed, indicate an advance in suffering. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 6:4-7” by W. Kelly)
• Straits (στενοχώριαι) point to such troubles as shut a man up without space to move or turn. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 6:4-7” by W. Kelly)
• (v.4-10) These testings and provings fall into three categories, each having nine items: in outward adverse circumstances, in moral ways and characteristics, and in paradoxical misunderstandings. (“The Christian Minister Tested and Approved of God: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10” by B. Anstey)

J. N. Darby Translation

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but in everything commending ourselves as God’s ministers, in much endurancek, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits,

JND Translation Notes

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k
Or "patience."

W. Kelly Translation

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4
But in everything as ministers of God commendinga ourselves, in much patience, in afflictionb, in necessities, in straits,

WK Translation Notes

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a
Were it the accusative, the meaning would be commending ourselves as competent to be God’s ministers, whereas with the nominative as it is, the force is that in everything we in the capacity of his ministers commend ourselves.
b
"Afflictions" or tribulations are cases of pressure which every saint has in the world. We are set for this, and must through many tribulations enter into the kingdom of God. "Necessities" express distresses which take the shape of need or constraint, and so indicate an advance in suffering; "straits" point to such troubles as shut a man up without space to move or turn.