Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:4KJV
Know the Bible

2 Corinthians 1:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 1:4 mean?

2 Corinthians 1:4 says that God comforts us in every kind of trouble so that we can then comfort others who are facing any kind of difficulty, using the same comfort we ourselves have received from God. The verse highlights a cycle: God’s comfort to us is meant to be shared with others in their struggles.

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Corinth, explaining how he and his companions have faced hardships but have been comforted by God. The verse shows that comfort from God is not just for personal relief, but equips believers to support others who are suffering. This sets the tone for the whole passage, where Paul talks about suffering, encouragement, and the way God works through difficult times.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 1:4

  • The word “comforteth” (παρακαλέω, parakaleō) is used several times and means more than just soothing; it carries the sense of coming alongside to encourage, strengthen, or help. Paul repeats this word to stress how active and ongoing God’s support is.
  • “Tribulation” (θλῖψις, thlipsis) refers to pressure, distress, or trouble. It is not just minor inconvenience, but real hardship or suffering. Paul is talking about serious difficulties, not everyday annoyances.
  • “Comfort” (παράκλησις, paraklēsis) is closely related to “comforteth” and means encouragement, consolation, or help. The repetition of this word in different forms emphasizes how central God’s encouragement is in times of trouble.

Why 2 Corinthians 1:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that comfort from God is not meant to stop with us; it is given so we can pass it on to others who are hurting, making comfort a shared experience.
  • Paul’s emphasis on real hardship (not just small problems) helps readers understand that God’s comfort is available in the most difficult situations, not just minor setbacks.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that suffering and comfort are both part of the Christian experience, and that God’s help is meant to build a caring, supportive community.

Where else these words appear

“comfort” Greek G3874 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

“tribulation” Greek G2347 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
  • Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

“comforteth” Greek G3870 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Acts 16:39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?