2 Corinthians 1:4
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 1:4
What does 2 Corinthians 1:4 mean?
Paul describes God as the one who comforts believers in all their troubles, so that they, in turn, can comfort others going through similar difficulty. Comfort received isn't meant to stop with the receiver — it's meant to flow outward.
Context
This verse opens Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, written after a painful, strained period in his relationship with that church. Paul begins not with correction but with reflection on God's comfort in his own suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-11), setting a tone of shared vulnerability before addressing harder topics later in the letter.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Bible study
- Why do you think Paul opens this letter with comfort in suffering, rather than jumping straight to his concerns?
- How does this verse describe the purpose of receiving comfort — what is it meant to lead to?
- Who in your life could use the comfort you've received from God in your own hard seasons?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
God of all comfort, thank You for meeting me in my troubles. Help me to pass that same comfort on to someone else who needs it. Amen.
Memorize this verse
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.
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
What is the context of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians?
It follows a painful, strained period in Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church, and he opens the letter reflecting on God's comfort in suffering before addressing harder matters.
What is comfort meant to lead to, according to this verse?
Paul says believers are comforted so that they can comfort others in similar trouble — comfort received is meant to be shared, not kept.