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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• 1So let a man account of us, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. (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 are not as the many, corrupting 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 very thing that ye were grieved according to God, how much diligence it wrought out in you, nay self-clearing, nay indignation, nay fear, nay longing desire, nay zeal, nay avenging! In everything did ye prove 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 of Nazareth, a man shown forth from God to you by mighty works, 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 serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God and approved by men. (Rom. 14:18)
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Rom. 16:10• 10Salute Apelles, the approved in Christ. Salute those of the [household] of Aristobulus. (Rom. 16:10)
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1 Cor. 9:11• 11If we sowed for you the 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 is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile;
 4but even as we have been approved of God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God that proveth our hearts.
 5For neither at any time were we with speech of flattery, as ye know, nor with a cloke of covetousness, God [is] witness;
 6nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have been burdensome as apostles of Christ.
 7But we were gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children;
 8so yearning over you, we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls because ye became beloved by us.
 9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and our toil; working night and day that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
 10Ye [are] witnesses, and God, how holily and righteously and blamelessly we behaved ourselves to you that believe;
 11just as ye know how each one of you as a father his own children, we [were] exhorting you, and comforting, and testifying (1 Thess. 2:3‑11)
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1 Tim. 2:15• 15but she shall be saved in child-bearing, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with sobriety. (1 Tim. 2:15)
approving.
Gr. commending.
2 Cor. 4:2• 2but refused the hidden things of shame, not walking in deceit, nor guilefully using the word of God, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men in the sight of God. (2 Cor. 4:2)
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Rom. 5:8• 8but God commendeth his own love towards us, because, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)
as.
2 Cor. 3:6• 6who also made us competent [as] servants of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit, for the letter killeth but the spirit quickeneth. (2 Cor. 3:6)
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2 Cor. 11:23• 23Are they ministers of Christ? (Beside myself I speak) I above measure; in labours very abundantly, in prisons very abundantly, in stripes exceedingly, in deaths often. (2 Cor. 11:23)
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Isa. 61:6•  (Isa. 61:6)
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Joel 1:9•  (Joel 1:9)
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Joel 2:17•  (Joel 2:17)
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1 Cor. 3:5• 5What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers by whom ye believed, and as the Lord gave to each. (1 Cor. 3:5)
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1 Cor. 4:1• 1So let a man account of us, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. (1 Cor. 4:1)
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1 Thess. 3:2• 2and sent Timothy our brother and work-fellow under God in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage concerning your faith, (1 Thess. 3:2)
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1 Tim. 4:6• 6Setting these things before the brethren, thou wilt be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and the good teaching which thou hast followed up. (1 Tim. 4:6)
in much.
2 Cor. 12:12• 12The signs indeed of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by both signs and wonders and powers. (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 [so], but we also boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh out endurance;
 4and endurance proof, and proof hope: (Rom. 5:3‑4)
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Col. 1:11• 11in all power empowered according to the might of his glory, unto all endurance and long-suffering with joy; (Col. 1:11)
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1 Thess. 5:14• 14And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, be long-suffering toward 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 followed closely my teaching, course, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, patience, (2 Tim. 3:10)
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Heb. 12:1• 1Therefore let us also, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight and the readily besetting sin, run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Heb. 12:1)
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James 5:7‑10• 7Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it, until it receive early and latter rain.
 8Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
 9Murmur not, brethren, one against another, that ye be not judged. Behold, the judge standeth before the door.
 10Take, brethren, [for] an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of [the] Lord. (James 5:7‑10)
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Rev. 1:9• 9I, John, your brother and joint-partaker in tribulation and the kingdom and patience in Christ [Jesus], was in the isle that is called Patmos, because of the word of God and [because of] the testimony of Jesus [Christ]. (Rev. 1:9)
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Rev. 3:10• 10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial that is about to come on all the habitable {i}world{/i}, to try those that dwell on the earth. (Rev. 3:10)
afflictions.
2 Cor. 4:17• 17For the momentary lightness of our affliction worketh out for us in surpassing measure an eternal weight of glory: (2 Cor. 4:17)
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Acts 20:23‑24• 23save that the Holy Spirit testifieth to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
 24But I hold not my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:23‑24)
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Col. 1:24• 24who now rejoice in sufferings for you, and fill up what is wanting of the afflictions 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 for this we are set. (1 Thess. 3:3)
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2 Tim. 1:8• 8Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but suffer hardship with the gospel, according to the power of God, (2 Tim. 1:8)
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2 Tim. 3:11‑12• 11persecutions, sufferings; what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of all the Lord delivered me.
 12Yea, and all that desire to live piously in Christ Jesus shall be persecuted. (2 Tim. 3:11‑12)
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2 Tim. 4:5• 5But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship [evils], do an evangelist's work, fully perform thy ministry. (2 Tim. 4:5)
necessities.
2 Cor. 11:9,27• 9And when present with you and in want, I have not been a burden to anyone (for my want the brethren on coming from Macedonia supplied); and in everything unburdensome to you I kept and will keep myself.
 27in 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 am I strong. (2 Cor. 12:10)
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Acts 20:34• 34yea, yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those that were with me. (Acts 20:34)
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1 Cor. 4:11‑12• 11Until the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked and are buffeted and are homeless wanderers,
 12and we toil, working with our own hands; reviled, we bless, persecuted, we suffer; (1 Cor. 4:11‑12)
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Phil. 4:11‑12• 11Not that I speak in regard to want; for I learned in the circumstances in which I am to find competence.
 12I know also to be abased, I know also to abound. In everything and in all things I am initiated both to be filled and to hunger, both to abound and to be in want. (Phil. 4:11‑12)
distresses.
2 Cor. 4:8• 8in everything being afflicted, yet not straitened, sorely yet not utterly perplexed, (2 Cor. 4:8)
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Rom. 8:35‑36• 35who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
 36according as it is written, “For thy sake are we being put to death all the day long, we have been reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” (Rom. 8:35‑36)
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1 Thess. 3:7• 7on this account we were comforted by 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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4
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.