2 Corinthians 1:5

5 Because, even as the sufferings of the Christ ^[a] abound towards us, so through the Christ does our encouragement also abound.

2 Corinthians 1:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 1:5

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us
By "the sufferings of Christ" are not meant those which he suffered in his own person for the sake, and in the room and stead of his people, the fruits and effects of which abound to them, and in them; but those which he suffers in his members, or which they suffer for his sake; and which are said to "abound in" them, because of the variety and greatness of them; though not as if they were more or greater than what Christ suffered in his soul and body, when he was made sin and a curse for his people: yet notwithstanding the abundance of them, such is the goodness and grace of God, that he proportions comforts to them; as their afflictions increase, so do their comforts; as their sufferings for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel, are more and greater,

so,
says he, our consolation aboundeth by Christ:
meaning, either that consolation which they felt and enjoyed in their own souls, under all their tribulations, which abundantly answered to them, and which they ascribe to Christ, from and by whom it comes to them; or else that consolation, which, by preaching Christ, abounded to the relief of others who were in distress and trouble.

2 Corinthians 1:5 In-Context

3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassions, and God of all encouragement;

4 who encourages us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to encourage those who are in any tribulation whatever, through the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged of God.

5 Because, even as the sufferings of the Christ abound towards us, so through the Christ does our encouragement also abound.

6 But whether we are in tribulation, [it is] for your encouragement and salvation, wrought in the endurance of the same sufferings which *we* also suffer,

7 (and our hope for you [is] sure;) or whether we are encouraged, [it is] for your encouragement and salvation: knowing that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also of the encouragement.

Footnotes

• [a]. I would take this opportunity of drawing attention to the difference between 'Christ' and 'the Christ.' 'The Christ' is a title, the designation of a condition or office, not a name; 'Christ' is a name. These are not used indifferently, and in the Gospels, where in Greek the word occurs alone, it is almost invariably 'the Christ,' the Messiah, or Anointed; while in the Epistles it is rarely so, but is used as a name. Some cases are doubtful, because the structure of the Greek phrase requires or prefers the article: this is the case here. However, on the whole I believe the article should be inserted here in English. When the article is inserted in this translation, the office or condition is considered to be the prominent thought.