2 Corinthians 1:4

In all our affliction (epi pash th qlipsei hmwn). Tlipsi is from qlibw, to press, old and common word, as tribulation is from Latin tribulum (roller). See on "Mt 13:21" aand 1 Thessalonians 1:6 . The English affliction is Latin afflictio from ad-fligere, to strike on. That we may be able to comfort (ei to dunasqai hma parakalein). Purpose clause with ei and the articular infinitive with the accusative of general reference, a common idiom. Paul here gives the purpose of affliction in the preacher's life, in any Christian's life, to qualify him for ministry to others. Otherwise it will be professional and perfunctory. Wherewith (h). Genitive case of the relative attracted to that of the antecedent paraklhsew. The case of the relative here could have been either the accusative hn with the passive verb retained as in Mark 10:38 or the instrumental h. Either is perfectly good Greek (cf. Ephesians 1:6 ; Ephesians 4:1 ). Personal experience of God's comfort is necessary before we can pass it on to others.