2 Corinthians 4:1
Διὰ τοῦτο, ἔχοντες τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν, οὐκ ἐκκακοῦμεν,
Therefore, having this ministry, just as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.
Causal Link and Logical Flow
Possessing Ministry as Mercy
ἔχοντες τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην – Present active participle of ἔχω (“having”) plus the direct object τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην (“this ministry”). The demonstrative ταύτην highlights the specific, divine service described earlier. In Paul, διακονία refers to more than menial service—it denotes Spirit-empowered gospel ministry, often used in high contrast to Mosaic ministry (cf. 3:6–9).
καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν – A comparative clause introduced by καθὼς (“just as”), followed by the aorist passive indicative ἠλεήθημεν (“we were shown mercy”), from ἐλεέω. The grammar implies that Paul’s endurance in ministry is not by merit but by mercy. This echoes the Classical and LXX concept that divine mercy precedes and enables vocation (cf. Exod. 33:19).
Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
οὐκ ἐκκακοῦμεν – Present indicative active of ἐκκακέω, meaning “we do not lose heart,” “we do not grow weary.” The compound verb (ἐκ + κακέω) intensifies the idea of internal collapse or cowardice. It is a favorite Pauline term for spiritual endurance (cf. Gal. 6:9, Eph. 3:13), not found frequently in Classical authors but rooted in the moral vocabulary of Stoic ethics—resilience under pressure.
Summary Table
| Greek Phrase | Form | Translation | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Διὰ τοῦτο | Prepositional phrase | Therefore | Logical connection |
| ἔχοντες τὴν διακονίαν | Present participle + object | Having the ministry | Defines present calling |
| καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν | Comparative clause | As we received mercy | Grounds the calling in grace |
| οὐκ ἐκκακοῦμεν | Present indicative | We do not lose heart | Affirmation of perseverance |
Closing Insight
This verse is a compact theological engine. The syntax is simple, the diction pastoral, the logic profound. Paul anchors resilient ministry not in strength or skill, but in mercy received. In the Greek, perseverance flows not from effort, but from being sustained by divine compassion—and that grammar preaches.
