An Exegetical Analysis of 2 Corinthians 6:1: The Semantic Range and Syntactic Function of **παρακαλέω**
This exegetical study of 2 Corinthians 6:1 is based on a b-greek discussion from January 5, 2003. The initial query noted that the verb **παρακαλέω** and its cognate noun **παράκλησις** occur frequently in 2 Corinthians 1-7, often conveying the sense of ‘console’ or ‘comfort,’ especially when considering its background in the Septuagint (LXX) Psalms and Second Isaiah. The discussion proposed whether **παρακαλέω** in 2 Corinthians 6:1 could similarly carry this sense of ‘consolation,’ contrasting with the more common ‘appeal to’ or ‘exhort’ sense found in other instances, thereby suggesting an exegetically significant ambiguity.
The central exegetical issue revolves around the precise semantic force of **παρακαλοῦμεν** in 2 Corinthians 6:1, specifically whether it functions primarily as an exhortation (“we urge/appeal”) or as a statement of consolation (“we console/comfort”), particularly when coupled with the infinitive **δέξασθαι**. This involves a thorough examination of the verb’s usage within 2 Corinthians, its broader New Testament and LXX contexts, and the syntactic implications of its construction with an infinitive, ultimately questioning whether creative ambiguity is intended by the author.
Συνεργοῦντες δὲ καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς. (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- Nestle 1904 places **ὑμᾶς** at the end of the clause: `…δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς`. SBLGNT (2010) places **ὑμᾶς** immediately after **παρακαλοῦμεν**: `…παρακαλοῦμεν ὑμᾶς μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ δέξασθαι`.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
From a textual critical perspective, the NA28 apparatus indicates strong manuscript support for the placement of **ὑμᾶς** immediately after **παρακαλοῦμεν** (e.g., P46, 𝔓, A, B, C, D). The reading found in Nestle 1904, with **ὑμᾶς** at the end of the clause, has less robust support (e.g., K, L). While this variant affects the flow and emphasis, it does not fundamentally alter the core grammatical structure of **παρακαλέω** followed by an accusative and infinitive.
Lexically, **παρακαλέω** (verb) and **παράκλησις** (noun) possess a rich semantic range, as detailed by leading lexica such as BDAG and KITTEL (TDNT). BDAG (3rd ed.) outlines several primary senses: (1) to appeal to, implore, entreat (frequently in indirect command/exhortation contexts, e.g., Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 2:8; Ephesians 4:1); (2) to encourage, spur on (e.g., Acts 11:23; 14:22); and (3) to comfort, console, cheer up (e.g., 2 Corinthians 1:4; 7:6-7). The noun **παράκλησις** mirrors these meanings, encompassing exhortation, encouragement, and consolation. BDAG notes that while the ‘comfort’ sense of both verb and noun is prominent in 2 Corinthians 1-7, the specific construction in 2 Corinthians 6:1 typically falls under the ‘appeal/urge’ category.
KITTEL (TDNT, Vol. V, pp. 773-792) provides an extensive historical and theological treatment, tracing **παρακαλέω** from its etymological root (“call to one’s side”) through its varied uses. It highlights the significant influence of the LXX, particularly in Second Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 40:1), where **παρακαλέω** signifies God’s comforting of Israel. Kittel acknowledges Paul’s nuanced deployment of the term. For constructions involving an infinitive, Kittel generally supports the interpretation of **παρακαλέω** as an exhortation or appeal, carrying an imperative force. Nevertheless, it underscores the pervasive ‘comfort’ tradition from the LXX, which is a significant thematic undercurrent throughout 2 Corinthians, potentially contributing to an interpretive ambiguity in certain contexts.
Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The grammatical construction in 2 Corinthians 6:1, **παρακαλοῦμεν** followed by an accusative (the implied or explicit **ὑμᾶς**) and the infinitive **δέξασθαι**, is generally understood to introduce an indirect command or prohibition. The presence of the negative particle **μή** (`not`) preceding the infinitive clearly marks it as a prohibition: “not to receive.”
The prevalent scholarly interpretation favors the “urge/exhort” sense for **παρακαλοῦμεν**. This is supported by numerous New Testament parallels, both within the Pauline corpus and beyond, where **παρακαλέω** + accusative + infinitive constructions consistently convey an indirect exhortation (e.g., Romans 12:1; 15:30; Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; 1 Timothy 1:3; Titus 2:6; Acts 14:22; Jude 3). In these instances, the infinitive clause is semantically equivalent to an imperative (e.g., “do not receive the grace of God in vain”). Furthermore, the conjunction **καί** (`also`) in 6:1 is often understood as linking back to Paul’s role as Christ’s envoy in 5:20, where he makes an “appeal” to “be reconciled to God.” This continuity suggests that 6:1 carries a similar, urgent hortatory force, especially in light of the emphatic **νῦν** (`now`) in 6:2, which underlines the immediacy of salvation.
However, an alternative perspective suggests that **παρακαλέω** might carry a “console/comfort” sense, aligning with the frequent usage of this semantic field elsewhere in 2 Corinthians (e.g., 1:3-7; 7:6-7). This interpretation proposes that Paul is not commanding but rather consoling them with a truth: “we also console, (declaring that) you have not received God’s grace in vain.” This would imply an indirect discourse where Paul affirms a reality to offer comfort, rather than issuing a direct command. While proponents acknowledge the rarity of such a construction for “console” in secular or New Testament Greek, they question if it is syntactically impossible, citing Paul’s capacity for unique linguistic constructions (e.g., **καταλλάσσω** in 2 Corinthians 5:18). This view emphasizes the deeply theological context derived from LXX Isaiah, where God’s comfort often involves proclamations of deliverance and restoration (e.g., Isaiah 40:1-2; 49:8-10).
Rhetorically, the possibility of creative or intentional ambiguity is raised. Paul, writing in Koine Greek, may have crafted his language to allow for both the hortatory and consolatory senses to resonate with his audience. This dual reading would encourage readers to engage more deeply with the text, reflecting on the multifaceted nature of God’s grace and Paul’s ministry. The phrase **συνεργοῦντες δὲ καὶ** (“as fellow-workers, also”) could refer to Paul being a fellow-worker *with God* (continuing the theme of divine reconciliation from 5:20) or a fellow-worker *with the Corinthians* (emphasizing shared partnership and a supportive, comforting role). This ambiguity, if intended, would compel the original readers to discern the interplay of command and comfort within the broader theological argument of the epistle.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
While the overwhelming grammatical and syntactic evidence strongly supports a hortatory interpretation of **παρακαλοῦμεν** in 2 Corinthians 6:1, the profound theological and rhetorical context of 2 Corinthians, particularly chapters 1-7 with their recurrent themes of suffering, comfort, and reconciliation, suggests that a nuanced understanding is warranted. Paul frequently grounds his urgent appeals in the already-received reality of God’s grace, meaning that an exhortation not to receive grace “in vain” is simultaneously an affirmation of its prior reception. Therefore, while primarily an appeal for steadfastness, an undertone of comfort and assurance for those who have indeed received grace cannot be entirely dismissed. The more textually supported placement of **ὑμᾶς** immediately after **παρακαλοῦμεν** further strengthens the direct nature of this appeal.
Here are three translation suggestions, reflecting different nuances:
- “As fellow workers, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.”
This translation emphasizes the primary hortatory function of **παρακαλοῦμεν** as an urgent appeal or command, aligning with the prevalent syntactic patterns in the New Testament and the immediate context of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:20. - “Working together with God, we appeal to you, so that you do not let the grace of God be wasted.”
This rendering highlights Paul’s partnership with God (connecting to 2 Corinthians 5:20) and subtly shifts the focus from a direct command to an appeal for the Corinthians to live consistently with the grace they have already been given, thus not rendering it purposeless. - “As fellow workers, we also encourage you, by affirming that you have not received God’s grace in vain.”
This translation attempts to integrate the ‘comfort’ aspect of **παρακαλέω** by phrasing it as an encouraging affirmation, while still maintaining the call to responsible living. It interprets the infinitive as indirect discourse reflecting a state of affairs rather than a direct command.