2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Consider the word even in this verse. It is in the Greek the word kai. It is a place holder, used to connect the subject of one part to the subject of another part of a sentence. In this case God being the same subject as Father. In the NIV the word is interpreted as and but kai also means, also, indeed and but.

Languages and translations from the originals can be very confusing. This is even more difficult when translating Hebrew and much of the understanding is specific to a people at a specific time in their history. An understanding of who is reading these letters and what their recent history also reveals a better understand since it does not relate to the present day reader.

Consider that the first century Corinthians were a people that were subject to a high degree of polytheism. The Greek word kai would have been used to identify and single out the One true God. Paul was about to address characteristics of God which in a polytheistic view might have been confusing as polytheists attributed singular characteristics to different gods. The word kai made a connection that clarified a localized issue that is not a major concern in today’s context, but in an effort to be accurate in translation revisionists render one of these Greek meanings into syntax that allows for the sentence to be read with as little misunderstanding as possible.

Herein lies the problem, there will always be people like me that ask the question; “Why was the word even included if there is but One God?” I will admit that these types of questions do not come up often but when they do, I’d like to have an answer that doesn’t sound made up or silly. One who asks questions with sincerity deserves a serious answer. If their faith is wavering, that faith needs to be anchored.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.