2 Corinthians 1:4

1:4 who comforts us in all our troubles ¹  so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble ²  with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 2:3

2:3 And I wrote this very thing to you, ³  so that when I came ⁴  I would not have sadness from those who ought to make me rejoice, since I am confident in you all that my joy would be yours.

2 Corinthians 8:7

8:7 But as you excel ⁵  in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you ⁶  – make sure that you excel ⁷  in this act of kindness ⁸  too.

[1:4]  ¹ tn Or “our trials”; traditionally, “our affliction.” The term θλῖψις (qliyi") refers to trouble (including persecution) that involves direct suffering (L&N 22.2).

[1:4]  ² tn Or “any trials”; traditionally, “any affliction.”

[2:3]  ³ tn The words “to you” are not in the Greek text but are implied.

[2:3]  ⁴ sn So that when I came. Regarding this still future visit by Paul, see 2 Cor 12:14; 13:1.

[8:7]  ⁵ tn Grk “as you abound.”

[8:7]  ⁶ tc The reading “the love from us that is in you” is very difficult in this context, for Paul is here enumerating the Corinthians’ attributes: How is it possible for them to excel “in the love from us that is in you”? Most likely, because of this difficulty, several early scribes, as well as most later ones (א C D F G Ψ [33] Ï lat), altered the text to read “your love for us” (so NIV; Grk ἐξ ὑμῶν ἐν ἡμῖν ἀγάπῃ [ex Jumwn en Jhmin agaph]). The reading ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν ἀγάπῃ (ex Jhmwn en Jumin agaph) is found, however, in excellent and early witnesses (Ì⁴⁶ B 0243 6 104 630 1175 1739 1881 co). As the harder reading it explains the rise of the other reading. What, then, is the force of “in the love from us that is in you”? Most likely, Paul is commending the Corinthians for excelling in deriving some inspiration from the apostles’ love for them.

[8:7]  ⁷ tn Grk “you abound.”

[8:7]  ⁸ tn Grk “this grace.”