2 Corinthians 4:1
New International Version
Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.

New Living Translation
Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up.

English Standard Version
Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.

Berean Literal Bible
Because of this, having this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.

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

New King James Version
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,

NASB 1995
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,

NASB 1977
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,

Amplified Bible
Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our motivation.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up.

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

Contemporary English Version
God has been kind enough to trust us with this work. This is why we never give up.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We don't become discouraged, since God has given us this ministry through his mercy.

Good News Translation
God in his mercy has given us this work to do, and so we do not become discouraged.

International Standard Version
Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown to us, we do not get discouraged.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.

NET Bible
Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, we do not become discouraged.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we do not faint.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, being engaged in this service and being mindful of the mercy which has been shown us, we are not cowards.

World English Bible
Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Because of this, having this ministry, according as we received kindness, we do not faint,

Berean Literal Bible
Because of this, having this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.

Young's Literal Translation
Because of this, having this ministration, according as we did receive kindness, we do not faint,

Smith's Literal Translation
For this, having this service, as we were compassionated, we lose not courage;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore, seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not;

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, since we have this ministry, and in as much as we have obtained mercy for ourselves, we are not inadequate.

New American Bible
Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged.

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
FOR this reason we are not weary of the ministry in which we are engaged, just as we are not weary of the mercies that have been upon us;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Because of this, it has not been tiresome to us in this ministry which we hold, as mercy has been upon us.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Wherefore, having this ministry, inasmuch as we have received mercy, we faint not;

Godbey New Testament
Therefore having this ministry, as we have obtained mercy, we faint not;

Haweis New Testament
THEREFORE having this ministry, as we have obtained mercy, we faint not;

Mace New Testament
Therefore, having by the divine favour such a ministry, I exert myself:

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, being engaged in this service and being mindful of the mercy which has been shown us, we are not cowards.

Worrell New Testament
Therefore, having this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not;

Worsley New Testament
Therefore having received this ministry, as we have obtained mercy, we are not disheartened:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Light of the Gospel
1Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:6
And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

1 Corinthians 7:25
Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Ephesians 3:7
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.

1 Timothy 1:12-14
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. / I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. / And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Peter 4:10-11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Acts 20:24
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Galatians 1:15-16
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,

Colossians 1:25
I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,

1 Corinthians 4:1-2
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. / Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

Hebrews 12:3
Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Jeremiah 1:5-8
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” / “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. ...

Isaiah 6:8-9
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!” / And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’


Treasury of Scripture

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

seeing.

2 Corinthians 3:6,12
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life…

2 Corinthians 5:18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Ephesians 3:7,8
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power…

as.

1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

1 Timothy 1:13
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

1 Peter 2:10
Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

we faint not.

2 Corinthians 4:16
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Isaiah 40:30
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Jump to Previous
Cowards Engaged Faint God's Heart Kindness Lose Mercy Mindful Ministration Ministry New Obtained Order Reason Receive Received Servants Service Shewn Shown
Jump to Next
Cowards Engaged Faint God's Heart Kindness Lose Mercy Mindful Ministration Ministry New Obtained Order Reason Receive Received Servants Service Shewn Shown
2 Corinthians 4
1. Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,
7. and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,
12. to the benefit of the church,
16. and to the apostle's own eternal glory.














Therefore,
The word "therefore" connects this verse to the preceding context, where Paul discusses the glory of the new covenant and the transformative power of the Spirit. It indicates a conclusion or result based on what has been previously stated, emphasizing the continuity of thought.

since God in His mercy has given us this ministry,
Paul acknowledges that the ministry he and his companions have received is a result of God's mercy. This reflects the biblical theme of grace, where God bestows gifts and responsibilities not based on human merit but out of His compassion and kindness. The ministry refers to the apostolic mission of spreading the gospel, which Paul sees as a divine calling. This aligns with passages like Ephesians 3:7, where Paul speaks of becoming a servant of the gospel by the gift of God's grace.

we do not lose heart.
Despite the challenges and opposition faced in ministry, Paul and his companions remain steadfast and encouraged. The phrase "do not lose heart" suggests perseverance and resilience, which are central themes in Paul's letters. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of enduring faith, as seen in Hebrews 12:1-3, where believers are encouraged to run with perseverance the race marked out for them, fixing their eyes on Jesus. The assurance of God's mercy and the significance of their calling provide the strength to continue despite difficulties.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues and encouraging them in their faith.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality, where Paul established a church during his missionary journeys.

3. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of this letter, a diverse group of believers facing challenges both from within and outside the church.

4. The Ministry
Refers to the apostolic ministry of spreading the Gospel, which Paul and his companions are engaged in.

5. God's Mercy
The divine compassion and grace that enables Paul and others to carry out their ministry.
Teaching Points
The Source of Ministry
Our ministry is a gift from God, rooted in His mercy. Recognizing this helps us remain humble and dependent on Him.

Perseverance in Ministry
Despite challenges, we are called not to lose heart. God's mercy sustains us, enabling us to continue in our calling.

The Role of Mercy
Understanding that our ability to serve comes from God's mercy should inspire gratitude and motivate us to extend mercy to others.

The Importance of Perspective
Keeping our focus on God's mercy and the eternal significance of our ministry helps us endure temporary hardships.

Encouragement in Community
Sharing our struggles and victories with fellow believers can provide mutual encouragement and strengthen our resolve.IV.

(1) Therefore seeing we have this ministry.--The ministry referred to is that of which such great things have just been said: the ministry of the new covenant, of the Spirit, of righteousness, of glory (2Corinthians 3:6; 2Corinthians 3:8-9). Two thoughts rise up in the Apostle's mind in immediate association with this: (1) His own utter unworthiness of it, which finds expression in "as we have received mercy" (comp. 1Timothy 1:12); and (2) the manifold trials and difficulties in the midst of which it had to be accomplished. The very fact that he has been called to such a work is, however, a source of strength. He cannot faint or show cowardice in discharging it.

Verse 1. - Therefore. Because of the freedom and open vision of the gospel. As we have received mercy. Gratitude for a mercy so undeserved (1 Timothy 1:13) makes us fearless and vigorous in a ministry so glorious (Acts 20:23, 24). We faint not. The word implies the maintenance of a holy courage (1 Corinthians 16:13) and perseverance (2 Thessalonians 3:13). It occurs again in ver. 16, and in Luke 18:1; Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 3:13.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore,
Διὰ (Dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

since we have
ἔχοντες (echontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

this
ταύτην (tautēn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

ministry
διακονίαν (diakonian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.

through
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

the mercy [of God],
ἠλεήθημεν (ēleēthēmen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1653: To pity, have mercy on. From eleos; to compassionate.

we do not lose heart.
ἐγκακοῦμεν (enkakoumen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1573: To be faint, be weary. From ek and kakos; to be weak, i.e. to fail.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry even (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 3:18
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