2 Corinthians 6:4
New International Version
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;

New Living Translation
In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.

English Standard Version
but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,

Berean Standard Bible
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;

Berean Literal Bible
in everything, rather, we are commending ourselves as God's servants: in great endurance, in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses;

King James Bible
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

New King James Version
But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

New American Standard Bible
but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in difficulties,

NASB 1995
but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,

NASB 1977
but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,

Legacy Standard Bible
but in everything commending ourselves as ministers of God, in much perseverance, in afflictions, in distresses, in hardships,

Amplified Bible
but we commend ourselves in every way as servants of God: in great endurance, in sufferings, in hardships, in distresses,

Christian Standard Bible
Instead, as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardship, by difficulties,

American Standard Version
but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

Contemporary English Version
But in everything and in every way we show we truly are God's servants. We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times.

English Revised Version
but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Instead, our lives demonstrate that we are God's servants. We have endured many things: suffering, distress, anxiety,

Good News Translation
Instead, in everything we do we show that we are God's servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties.

International Standard Version
Instead, in every way we demonstrate that we are God's servants by tremendous endurance in the midst of difficulties, hardships, and calamities;

Majority Standard Bible
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;

NET Bible
But as God's servants, we have commended ourselves in every way, with great endurance, in persecutions, in difficulties, in distresses,

New Heart English Bible
but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,

Webster's Bible Translation
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

Weymouth New Testament
On the contrary, as God's servants, we seek their full approval--by unwearied endurance, by afflictions, by distress, by helplessness;

World English Bible
but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God: in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but in everything recommending ourselves as God’s servants; in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in distresses,

Berean Literal Bible
in everything, rather, we are commending ourselves as God's servants: in great endurance, in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses;

Young's Literal Translation
but in everything recommending ourselves as God's ministrants; in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in distresses,

Smith's Literal Translation
But in every thing recommending ourselves as servants of God, in much patience, in pressures, in necessities, in extremities,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses,

Catholic Public Domain Version
But in all things, let us exhibit ourselves as ministers of God with great patience: through tribulation, difficulties, and distress;

New American Bible
on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves as ministers of God, through much endurance, in afflictions, hardships, constraints,

New Revised Standard Version
but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But in all things let us show ourselves, to be the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in imprisonment,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But in everything we shall show ourselves to be Ministers of God: by much patience, by sufferings, by distresses, by imprisonments,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
but in all things we commend ourselves as the ministers of God, in much suffering, in afflictions, in distresses, in straits,

Godbey New Testament
but in everything commending ourselves, as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulations, in straits, in difficulties,

Haweis New Testament
but in every thing approving ourselves as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits,

Mace New Testament
but in all things I approve myself as the minister of God, by great constancy in afflictions, in torments, in distresses, from stripes,

Weymouth New Testament
On the contrary, as God's servants, we seek their full approval--by unwearied endurance, by afflictions, by distress, by helplessness;

Worrell New Testament
but in everything commending ourselves as God's ministers, in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in distresses,

Worsley New Testament
but in every thing approving ourselves as the ministers of God; by much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Hardships and God's Grace
3We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; 5in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:23-28
Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. / Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. ...

1 Corinthians 4:9-13
For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. / We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. / To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. ...

Acts 20:19
I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.

Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ...

Philippians 1:29-30
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, / since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

1 Thessalonians 2:9
Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

2 Timothy 2:3-10
Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. / A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. / Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. ...

1 Peter 4:12-16
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ...

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Hebrews 10:32-34
Remember the early days that you were in the light. In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering. / Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated. / You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Jeremiah 20:2
he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.

Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Psalm 44:22
Yet for Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

Job 13:15
Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.


Treasury of Scripture

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

in all.

2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:11
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Acts 2:22
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

approving.

2 Corinthians 4:2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

as.

2 Corinthians 3:6
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

2 Corinthians 11:23
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

Isaiah 61:6
But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

in much.

2 Corinthians 12:12
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.

Romans 5:3,4
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; …

afflictions.

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Acts 20:23,24
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me…

Colossians 1:24
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

necessities.

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Afflictions Approval Approving Calamities Clear Commend Commending Contrary Distress Distresses Endurance Full God's Great Hardships Making Ministers Necessities Need Ourselves Patience Quiet Rather Seek Servants Sorrow Straits Strength Troubles Unwearied Way
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Afflictions Approval Approving Calamities Clear Commend Commending Contrary Distress Distresses Endurance Full God's Great Hardships Making Ministers Necessities Need Ourselves Patience Quiet Rather Seek Servants Sorrow Straits Strength Troubles Unwearied Way
2 Corinthians 6
1. That he has approved himself a faithful minister of Christ by his exhortations,
3. and by integrity of life,
4. and by patiently enduring all kinds of affliction and disgrace for the gospel.
10. Of which he speaks the more boldly amongst them because his heart is open to them,
13. and he expects the like affection from them again;
14. exhorting them to flee the society and pollutions of idolaters,
17. as being themselves temples of the living God.














Rather
This word serves as a contrast to the previous verses where Paul discusses not putting obstacles in anyone's way. The Greek word "ἀλλά" (alla) indicates a strong contrast, emphasizing a shift from what should not be done to what should be done. It sets the stage for the positive attributes and actions that follow, highlighting the apostolic commitment to integrity and service.

as servants of God
The term "servants" is translated from the Greek "διάκονοι" (diakonoi), which can also mean ministers or deacons. This word underscores the humility and dedication required in serving God. Historically, the role of a servant in biblical times was one of submission and obedience, reflecting the Christian call to serve God and others selflessly.

we commend ourselves
The Greek word "συνιστάνομεν" (synistanomen) means to present or to recommend. Paul is not boasting but rather demonstrating the authenticity of his ministry. In a historical context, commendation was often necessary to establish credibility, especially in a culture where false teachers were prevalent.

in every way
This phrase, "ἐν παντί" (en panti), suggests completeness and thoroughness. Paul is emphasizing that in all aspects of life and ministry, they strive to be exemplary. This comprehensive approach is a call to Christians to live out their faith consistently in all circumstances.

in great endurance
The Greek word "ὑπομονῇ" (hypomonē) is often translated as patience or perseverance. It implies steadfastness and the ability to remain faithful under pressure. Historically, endurance was a valued virtue, especially in the face of persecution, which was common for early Christians.

in troubles
The word "θλίψεσιν" (thlipsesin) refers to afflictions or pressures. This term is used throughout the New Testament to describe the trials faced by believers. It reflects the reality of the Christian journey, which often involves suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

hardships
The Greek "ἀνάγκαις" (anankais) can be translated as necessities or distresses. This word conveys the idea of unavoidable difficulties that one must endure. In the historical context of Paul's ministry, these hardships were often physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges.

and calamities
The term "στενοχωρίαις" (stenochōriais) refers to dire straits or extreme difficulties. It paints a picture of being in a tight spot, with no easy way out. This word captures the intensity of the trials faced by Paul and his companions, serving as a reminder of the cost of discipleship.

(4) But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God.--Better, as keeping up the connection with 2Corinthians 3:1; 2Corinthians 5:12, as ministers of God commending ourselves. He harps, as it were, upon that phrase. Yes, he does commend himself; but how? He looks back on his life of labour and sufferings and challenges comparison. Can others, with their letters of commendation, point to anything like this? The word "ministers" in the Greek is in the nominative case, while the English at least suggests that it is in the objective after the verb. What he means is that he, as the minister of God should do, commends himself by acts and not by words. It is obvious that what follows was likely to expose him to a repetition of the cynical sneer, but of this his generous indignation makes him nobly regardless.

In much patience . . .--Better, as elsewhere, endurance. The word has a much stronger meaning than our English "patience." (See Notes on Luke 8:15; Luke 21:19.) The general term is naturally followed by a specification of details. It is not, perhaps, easy to specify what he refers to under each head. Possibly he used such words, as we habitually use them, without a formal classification. The root-idea of the first word of the triad is that of being pressed upon; of the second, that of a constraint that leaves no choice of action; of the third, that of being so hemmed in that there is no room to move.

Verse 4. - Approving ourselves; rather, commending ourselves, He is again referring to the insinuation, which had evidently caused him deep pain, that he was not authorized to preach, as his Judaic opponents were, by "letters of commendation" (2 Corinthians 3:1-3) from James or from the ciders at Jerusalem. His credentials came from God, who had enabled him to be so faithful. As the ministers of God (1 Corinthians 4:1). The article should be omitted. In much patience. Christ had forewarned his apostles that they would have much to endure, and had strengthened them by the promise that "he that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22). In afflictions. This word, as we have seen, is one of the haunting words in 2 Corinthians 1:4-11. In necessities. St, Paul was poor, and was often in want (Acts 20:34). In distresses. The same word which occurs in 2 Corinthians 4:8. It means "extreme pressure" (literally, narrowness of space), and is a climax of the other words.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Rather,
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

servants
διάκονοι (diakonoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1249: Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

we commend
συνιστάνοντες (synistanontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4921: To place together, commend, prove, exhibit; instrans: I stand with; To be composed of, cohere.

ourselves
ἑαυτοὺς (heautous)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

every way:
παντὶ (panti)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

great
πολλῇ (pollē)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

endurance;
ὑπομονῇ (hypomonē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5281: Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

troubles,
θλίψεσιν (thlipsesin)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.

hardships,
ἀνάγκαις (anankais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 318: From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.

[and]
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

calamities;
στενοχωρίαις (stenochōriais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4730: A narrow space, great distress, anguish. From a compound of stenos and chora; narrowness of room, i.e. calamity.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 6:4 But in everything commending ourselves as servants (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 6:3
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