2 Corinthians 5:16

Translations

Modern

So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

Traditional

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

Literal

Therefore, from now, we know no one according to the flesh. Even if we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

Latin

Itaque nos ex hoc neminem novimus secundum carnem. Et si cognovimus secundum carnem Christum, sed nunc jam non novimus.

Original

Greek

English

So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

Notes

2 Corinthians 5:16–17

From a human perspective, Paul might recall his past belief as a Pharisee that the Messiah would free the Jews from political oppression.
Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer: Christ rose from the dead, began the new creation (5:17), and became the redeemer from sin and Lord of the universe (Romans 1:3–4; Philippians 2:6–11; Colossians 1:15–20).

2 Corinthians 5:14–17

Paul's teaching on reconciliation comes from his beliefs that:

Christ died for all believers;
in Christ, believers also die to sin and self; and
now all believers should live for Christ.

This new life in Christ leads to a new way of seeing others and Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:11–7:4

Paul explains the main theme of his message: reconciliation. This means turning enemies into friends and restoring relationships. Paul's ideas are based on what God did through Christ to reconcile sinners to Himself (5:18–21). He presents this explanation while defending his own ministry (5:11–17) and applying his message to the situation in Corinth (6:1–7:4).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Paul’s Role as an Apostle

Related verses

Colossians 3:11
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
Philippians 3:7–8
But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.
John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
James 2:1–4
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism.
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.
John 15:14
You are My friends if you do what I command you.
1 Timothy 5:21–22
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.
Matthew 10:37
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;
Deuteronomy 33:9
He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.
Galatians 2:5–6
We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.
John 2:4
“Woman, what is that to you and to Me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Crucifixion Flesh Glorification Gospel Judgment Seat Life Redeemer, Redemption Rest Second Letter to the Corinthians Sin Spirit of Jesus Christ

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Jesus, the Christ: Kingdom of Its Nature

2 Corinthians 5:16

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