2 Corinthians 6:1
Intermediate2 Corinthians 6:1 · World English Bible (WEB)
“Working together, we entreat also that you not receive the grace of God in vain,”
Tip: highlight any word or phrase above to go deeper on exactly that.
Overview
Responding faithfully to God’s grace
Paul pleads with the Corinthians not merely to hear or outwardly receive the grace of God, but to let it bear its intended fruit. Grace is not empty; but it can be treated emptily when received without repentance, perseverance, and obedience.
What Makes This Verse Confusing?
The phrase reaches back to Paul’s role as Christ’s ambassador in 2 Corinthians 5:20. Paul is not claiming equality with God, but describing ministry done in fellowship with God’s own reconciling work. God is the One reconciling; Paul and his companions are His servants, pleading through the message God gave them.
The verse does not explicitly state the object of “working together.” The surrounding context supplies it: Paul has just said God makes His appeal through His ambassadors.
This makes the plea weightier. Paul’s appeal is not mere human advice; through apostolic ministry, God Himself is urgently summoning His people to respond rightly to grace.
Theological Insights
God’s graceGraceGod's unmerited, unearned favor and love toward sinners. Not something we can achieve or deserve — it is the free gift at the heart of the gospel. must not be treated as an empty thing; it calls for true reconciliation with God.
Hearing the gospel, receiving Christian instruction, or being near the life of the church is not the same as humbly yielding to the graceGraceGod's unmerited, unearned favor and love toward sinners. Not something we can achieve or deserve — it is the free gift at the heart of the gospel. of God in faithFaithTrust and reliance upon God and His promises, especially the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. Biblical faith is not blind — it rests on the evidence of who God has revealed Himself to be. and obedience.
Original Language
to work with — συνεργέω , -ῶ [in LXX: I Est.7:2 , 1Ma.12:1 * ;] __1. prop., to work together (with): absol., Mrk.16:20 , 1Co.16:16 , 2Co.6:1 ; with dative, Jas.2:22; dative commod., Rom.8:28 , T, R, txt. (but see infr.). __2. In Hellenistic writers (M, Pr. , 65), trans., to cause to work together (cf. ICC , in l): with accusative of thing(s), Rom.8:28 [WH] R, mg. (but see supr.).† (AS)
The word behind “working together” shows Paul’s ministry as participation in God’s work, not independent religious effort. The apostle pleads because God has entrusted him with a real ministry of reconciliation.
empty — κενός , -ή, -όν [in LXX chiefly for רִיק and cognate forms ;] empty ( Gen.37:24 , Jdg.7:16 ). Metaphorical, __(a) empty, vain : λόγοι, Eph.5:6; ἀπάτη, Col.2:8; κήρυγμα, πίστις, 1Co.15:14; __(b) vain, fruitless : ἡ χάρις, 1Co.15:10; κόπος, 1Co.15:50; ἡ εἴσοδος, 1Th.2:1; κενά, Act.4:25 (LXX); εἰς κενόν, in vain, to no purpose (Diod., LXX; cl. διὰ κενῆς), 2Co.6:1 , Gal.2:2 , Php.2:16 , 1Th.3:5 ; __(w…
The word translated “vain” carries the sense of emptiness or fruitlessness. Paul’s concern is not that grace lacks power, but that the Corinthians might receive it in a way that produces no fitting response.
to receive — δέχομαι , depon. mid., [in LXX chiefly for לקח ;] to receive, accept ; __1. with accusative of thing(s), of taking or accepting what is offered: γράμματα, Luk.16:6 , 7; id. in different sense, Act.28:21; ποτήριον, Luk.22:17; παιδίον (εἰς τ. ἀγκάλας), Luk.2:28; περικεφαλαίαν, μάχαιραν, Eph.6:17; ἐπιστολάς, Act.22:5; τ. βασιλείαν τ. Θεοῦ, Mrk.10:15 , Luk.18:17 ; λογία ζῶντα, Act.7:38; εὐαγγέλιον, 2C…
“Receive” points to welcoming or accepting something offered. The warning is therefore sharper: even a received gift can be dishonored if it is not embraced according to its holy purpose.
Lexicon & word tagging: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0)
Related Passages
Hebrews 12:15
parallelHebrews also warns believers to see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God.
1 Corinthians 3:9
Background1 Peter 4:10
Background2 Corinthians 5:18-20
backgroundThis immediately precedes 2 Corinthians 6:1 and explains Paul’s language: God has given the ministry and message of reconciliation, and Paul serves as Christ’s ambassador.
Galatians 2:21
parallelPaul says, “I do not frustrate the grace of God,” showing the same concern that grace not be treated in a way that empties its purpose.
Romans 12:1
Background2 Corinthians 8:1-2
BackgroundGalatians 4:11-12
BackgroundCross-references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · openbible.info (CC-BY)
How This Applies Today
This verse calls believers to examine whether God’s grace is producing its intended fruit: reconciliation with God, repentance, holiness, endurance, and faithful obedience.
- →Ask the Lord to expose any place where His grace has been heard but not obeyed.
- →Respond promptly to God’s appeal rather than postponing repentance or reconciliation.
- Where might I be treating the grace of God as something familiar rather than holy?
- Is the grace I have received bearing visible fruit in my life?
Key Takeaway
Grace is never empty, but it must not be received in an empty way.
God’s grace is a gift to be lived in, not merely a truth to be acknowledged.“
Analysis generated on September 2, 2026 · version 2.0
Support DeeperBible
If this analysis helped you understand Scripture better, consider buying me a coffee to keep the site running. 100% free, forever.
☕ Buy Me a Coffee