And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:6KJV
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2 Corinthians 1:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 1:6 mean?

2 Corinthians 1:6 means that Paul and his companions’ experiences—whether they are suffering or being comforted—are ultimately for the benefit of the Corinthian believers, helping them find encouragement and salvation as they go through similar hardships. The verse emphasizes that both affliction and comfort serve a purpose in strengthening others who face the same challenges.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining that his own troubles and the comfort he receives are not just personal but have a direct impact on the believers he serves. By enduring suffering or receiving comfort, Paul and his team show the Corinthians that God’s encouragement and help are real and available, especially when facing difficulties for their faith.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 1:6

  • "Afflicted" (θλίβω, thlibō) means to be pressed or troubled, often with the sense of being under pressure. Paul uses this word to show that his hardships are real and intense, not just minor inconveniences.
  • "Consolation" (παράκλησις, paraklēsis) is often understood as encouragement or comfort. The Greek here carries the sense of someone coming alongside to help, which highlights how God’s comfort is personal and present in suffering.
  • "Enduring" (ὑπομονή, hypomonē) means patient perseverance. This word points to the active, ongoing nature of facing hardship, not just passively waiting for it to end.
  • "Effectual" (ἐνεργέω, energeō) means to be effective or to work powerfully. Paul is saying that the encouragement and salvation are not just theoretical—they are actually working in the lives of those who endure suffering.

Why 2 Corinthians 1:6 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that suffering is pointless or only about personal growth; Paul insists that what he goes through is meant to help others, too.
  • The verse emphasizes the shared experience between Paul and the Corinthians, showing that Christian suffering and comfort are not isolated but connect believers together.
  • In the wider passage, Paul is building a case for why he can speak with authority about comfort and hope, because he has lived through the same struggles as those he is encouraging.

Where else these words appear

“afflicted” Greek G2346 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

“sufferings” Greek G3804 · used in 16 verses

  • Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
  • Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
  • Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

“effectual” Greek G1754 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • Galatians 2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
  • Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

“consolation” 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.