(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 6:2KJVWhat 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.