2 Corinthians 10:3 kjv
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2 Corinthians 10:3 nkjv
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 10:3 niv
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
2 Corinthians 10:3 esv
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 10:3 nlt
We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do.
2 Corinthians 10 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 10:4 | For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds | Spiritual Warfare Weapons |
| Eph 6:11 | Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. | Armor of God |
| Eph 6:12 | For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. | Nature of Spiritual Enemy |
| Rom 13:12 | The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. | Believer's Conduct |
| Gal 5:16 | I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. | Walking by the Spirit |
| Gal 5:17 | For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. | Conflict between Flesh and Spirit |
| Phil 3:3 | For we are the [a]circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh | Confidence Not in the Flesh |
| 1 Pet 2:11 | Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul | Fleshly Lusts vs. Soul |
| 1 John 2:16 | For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. | Worldly Desires |
| Rom 7:23 | But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. | Law in Members |
| Col 2:11 | In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ | Spiritual Circumcision |
| Eph 2:1-2 | And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience— | Previous State |
| 1 Cor 15:48 | As was the man of dust, so also were those who are made of dust; as is the heavenly One, so also are those who are heavenly. | Heavenly vs. Earthly |
| 2 Cor 5:10 | For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive according to the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. | Accountability |
| 2 Cor 5:17 | Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. | New Creation |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. | Power of God's Word |
| 1 Thess 5:8 | But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. | Spiritual Defenses |
| Eph 6:13 | Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. | Standing Firm |
| 1 Cor 2:14 | But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. | Natural vs. Spiritual Understanding |
| 1 Cor 3:3 | for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? | Carnal Behavior |
2 Corinthians 10 verses
2 Corinthians 10 3 Meaning
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The spiritual nature of Christian warfare is emphasized, highlighting that the battles fought by believers are not carnal or earthly but supernatural and divine in origin and power.
2 Corinthians 10 3 Context
In 2 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul is addressing a contentious situation within the Corinthian church. A faction had arisen that was questioning his apostolic authority and presenting a contrasting message. Paul’s response is characterized by both gentle persuasion and firm correction. This particular verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3, serves as the transition into Paul’s defense of his ministry, where he contrasts his spiritual approach to conflict with the worldly methods employed by his opponents. The immediate context is Paul defending his legitimate spiritual authority as an apostle against those who were boasting in superficial human qualifications or “fleshly” credentials.
2 Corinthians 10 3 Word Analysis
- For (γάρ - gar): Conjunction, meaning "because," "for," introducing a reason or explanation.
- though (ἐάν - ean): Conditional particle introducing a subordinate clause, meaning "if."
- we walk (περιπατῶμεν - peripatomen): Verb, present subjunctive active, 1st person plural of περιπατέω (peripateō). "To walk" often signifies living, conducting oneself, or proceeding through life. The subjunctive mood indicates a hypothetical or permissive sense.
- in (ἐν - en): Preposition, indicating presence within, on, or by means of. Here, it denotes the sphere or realm of existence.
- the flesh (τῇ σαρκί - tē sarki): Noun, dative singular of σάρξ (sarx). "Sarx" refers to physical nature, the human body, and by extension, the sinful nature or the world influenced by it. It represents human limitations and weaknesses, but also the carnal or unspiritual aspect of human life.
- we do not wage war (οὐ γὰρ στρατευόμεθα - ou gar strateuometha): Noun and verb, present indicative passive, 1st person plural of στρατεύω (strateuō). "Strateuō" means to serve as a soldier, to wage war, or to march. The passive voice with "ou" (not) negates the action, emphasizing the nature of the warfare.
- according to (κατὰ - kata): Preposition, commonly meaning "down," "against," "according to," or "in proportion to." Here, it indicates the basis or standard of the war.
- the flesh (τῆς σαρκός - tēs sarkos): Noun, genitive singular of σάρξ (sarx). Used similarly to the dative instance, signifying the source, manner, or principle of the warfare.
Word Groups Analysis
- "though we walk in the flesh": This phrase acknowledges the apostles’ earthly existence, their humanity, and embodiment in the physical world. It’s not a statement of sinfulness but a recognition of their current mode of existence within the physical realm, subject to its limitations and frailties. This human condition contrasts with the spiritual nature of their mission.
- "we do not wage war according to the flesh": This is the core statement, asserting that the conflict they are engaged in is not defined or conducted by the typical methods of human warfare, which rely on earthly power, political maneuvering, or physical force. The warfare here is spiritual.
2 Corinthians 10 3 Bonus Section
The concept of "walking in the flesh" can also refer to living according to the principles and desires of the unredeemed human nature, as opposed to walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Paul uses the word "flesh" here in a broad sense, encompassing both the physical limitations of existence and the sinful inclinations inherent in humanity that can influence behavior and warfare. The contrast with "fleshly" warfare is crucial; it implies that worldly power struggles, reliance on charisma alone, or resorting to personal attacks and condemnation are characteristic of a carnal approach, not a spiritual one. The spiritual warfare spoken of here involves demolishing arguments and vain imaginations (10:4-5), implying intellectual and spiritual resistance to God's truth. This warfare is not characterized by violence, but by the truth and love of God demonstrated through the life and ministry of believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 10 3 Commentary
The verse establishes a fundamental distinction in Christian experience and ministry: the operational arena is spiritual, even though the agents operate within the flesh. Believers, though human and residing in the physical world, engage in a conflict that transcends human capabilities and resources. The Apostle Paul asserts that his ministry, and by extension the ministry of all genuine believers, is not about winning arguments through worldly wisdom, coercion, or manipulation (characteristics of "fleshly" warfare). Instead, it involves the exercise of divine power to dismantle opposing forces. This highlights that true Christian progress and victory come not from human strength but from God's power, utilized through spiritual means.