Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:1

What does 2 Corinthians 4:1 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 4:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 4:1 means

Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians that his ministry is a gift received by mercy, not a role earned by merit. Because God entrusted him with the new covenant work described in the previous chapter, he refuses to lose heart. The awareness of mercy steadies him amid trials and accusations. He sees himself as a steward of something given by God’s kindness, which keeps him from despair or quitting when the path is hard. This verse paints ministry as sustained not by human stamina but by God’s compassion. Knowing the origin and character of his calling gives Paul confidence to continue with integrity, regardless of opposition.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this reason, because we have been made servants of this new order, through the mercy given to us, we are strong:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Because of this, having this ministration, according as we did receive kindness, we do not faint,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Therefore, having this ministry, as we have had mercy shewn us, we faint not.

Context

This opening “therefore” reaches back to chapter 3’s vision of the new covenant ministry that brings righteousness and life. Verse 1 sets the tone for the chapter’s theme: perseverance rooted in God’s mercy. It prepares the reader for Paul’s contrast between his straightforward, open conduct and the deceitful practices of his opponents (verse 2). It also anticipates the later insistence that discouragement does not define the apostolic task (verses 8–9, 16), since the strength to endure flows from God’s gracious commissioning, not from Paul’s natural resilience.

v.1This passage

v.2but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.

  • Ephesians 3:13

    Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.

  • Revelation 2:3

    and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name’s sake, and hast not grown weary.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:12

    Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18

    But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;

  • Ephesians 3:7

    whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.

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