2 Corinthians 1:5-7
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse hints at a beautiful symmetry: the more we dive into the deep waters of Christ's suffering, the more we’ll discover the overflowing well of His comfort. It’s not just that comfort comes after suffering, but that suffering opens us up to receive an even greater abundance of comfort through Christ.
For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is continuing his defense of his apostleship to the Corinthian church, which has been challenged by some. He's just described the intense sufferings he and his companions have endured for the sake of the gospel, and here he pivots to show how God meets them in those very trials with overwhelming comfort and encouragement. This isn't a one-off experience, but an ongoing reality that strengthens their faith and equips them to minister to others who are suffering.
Ever feel like your struggles are isolating? This verse reminds us that our pain connects us to something bigger.
Paul is talking about experiencing hardship because of our faith in Christ. It's not just random bad luck; it's often the cost of following Jesus in a world that doesn't always welcome Him.
Not Our Own Suffering
When Paul says 'Christ's sufferings,' he's not saying we are suffering like Christ in His atoning sacrifice for sin. Instead, he means we are suffering with Christ, sharing in the opposition and difficulties He faced when He was on earth, and that His followers can expect to face.
The 'Abundantly' Principle
Notice the word 'abundantly.' It suggests a fullness, a deep and pervasive experience. Our suffering for Christ isn't a trickle; it can feel like a flood. But the good news is that our comfort is also abundant.
When troubles hit hard, where do you turn for relief? This verse points to an incredible source of enduring comfort.
The second half of the verse is the powerful counterbalance to the first: 'so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.' This isn't just a passing feeling; it's a deep, abiding peace and strength that comes from Jesus.
Source of Comfort
Ask a follow-up
This comfort isn't something we conjure up. It's 'through Christ.' It flows from His presence, His promises, and His finished work on the cross. When we suffer for Him, He doesn't leave us alone; He draws near.
The Twin Pillars
Suffering and comfort aren't opposites in God's economy; they are often intertwined. The depth of suffering can prepare us to receive and experience an equally deep level of comfort. This abundance means God's provision for us in hardship is more than enough to sustain us.
Understand the original words
koinōneō · Greek Verb (koinōneō)
To participate in or have in common; it implies a fellowship where believers enter into the same experiences, burdens, or life-realities as Christ.
pathēma · Greek Noun
The physical, mental, or spiritual pains suffered by Christ during His earthly life and passion, which believers are called to endure as part of their identification with Him.
thlipsis · Greek Noun
A state of distress, pressure, or trouble caused by external circumstances. In the New Testament, it often refers to the trials believers face for the sake of the Gospel.
paraklesis · Greek Noun
The Greek word 'paraklesis' denotes calling someone to one's side for help, comfort, consolation, or exhortation. It is the work of the Holy Spirit and the result of God's presence in times of suffering.
sōtēria · Greek Noun
The comprehensive work of God to deliver humanity from sin, death, and the wrath of God through faith in Jesus Christ, resulting in eternal life.
hypomonē · Greek Noun
To remain under a load, to persevere, or to bear up under testing. It is a fundamental virtue for the believer, demonstrating steadfastness in the face of trial.
elpis · Greek Noun
Confident expectation and assurance regarding the promises of God. It is not wishful thinking but a certainty anchored in the character and faithfulness of God.
This passage echoes the idea that our present suffering is tied to future glory with Christ, mirroring the connection between suffering and comfort in our verse.
Philippians 3:10Paul’s desire to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, including the fellowship of his sufferings, directly relates to the 'sharing abundantly in Christ's sufferings' mentioned in 2 Corinthians.
Colossians 1:24This verse speaks of Paul rejoicing in his sufferings for the sake of the church, seeing them as filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions, which powerfully illuminates the reality of suffering for Christ.
1 Peter 4:13Peter encourages believers to rejoice in their suffering because it is participation in Christ’s sufferings, a direct parallel to the theme of sharing in Christ's afflictions found in our verse.
This verse hints at a beautiful symmetry: the more we dive into the deep waters of Christ's suffering, the more we’ll discover the overflowing well of His comfort. It’s not just that comfort comes after suffering, but that suffering opens us up to receive an even greater abundance of comfort through Christ.
Paul is continuing his defense of his apostleship to the Corinthian church, which has been challenged by some. He's just described the intense sufferings he and his companions have endured for the sake of the gospel, and here he pivots to show how God meets them in those very trials with overwhelming comfort and encouragement. This isn't a one-off experience, but an ongoing reality that strengthens their faith and equips them to minister to others who are suffering.
Paul is continuing his defense of his apostleship to the Corinthian church, which has been challenged by some. He's just described the intense sufferings he and his companions have endured for the sake of the gospel, and here he pivots to show how God meets them in those very trials with overwhelming comfort and encouragement. This isn't a one-off experience, but an ongoing reality that strengthens their faith and equips them to minister to others who are suffering.
"For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when…" — This verse hints at a beautiful symmetry: the more we dive into the deep waters of Christ's suffering, the more we’ll discover the overflowing well of His comfort. It’s not just that comfort comes…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
