(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

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

What does 2 Corinthians 6:2 mean?

2 Corinthians 6:2 says that God has listened and helped at the right time, and now is the moment when salvation is available. Paul is urging his readers not to delay, because this is the time God is offering His help and rescue.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures to show that God’s promise of salvation is happening now through Jesus. Paul wants the Corinthians to realize the urgency and importance of responding to God’s invitation without waiting for a “better” time.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 6:2

  • The word for “accepted” (δεκτός, dektos) means “welcomed” or “favorable.” Paul is stressing that this is a special, favorable moment in God’s plan.
  • The word for “succoured” (βοηθέω, boētheō) means “to help” or “to come to the aid of.” Paul uses it to show that God is actively helping people right now, not just in the past.
  • The word for “now” (νῦν, nyn) is repeated twice, highlighting the urgency and immediacy of the message—Paul wants his readers to sense that this is not a distant promise but a present reality.

Why 2 Corinthians 6:2 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that salvation is only for a future time or a select group; Paul insists that God’s offer is available right now to everyone who hears.
  • Paul’s use of “now” twice emphasizes that there is no reason to wait or put off responding to God—this is the moment of opportunity.
  • In the wider context, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to take his message seriously and not to let God’s grace go to waste by ignoring or delaying their response.

Where else these words appear

“accepted” Greek G1184 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
  • Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
  • Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

“accepted” Greek G2144 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
  • Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
  • 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

“succoured” Greek G997 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
  • Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
  • Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

“salvation” Greek G4991 · used in 43 verses

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  • Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
  • Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;