2 Corinthians 4 11

2 Corinthians 4:11 kjv

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

2 Corinthians 4:11 nkjv

For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

2 Corinthians 4:11 niv

For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.

2 Corinthians 4:11 esv

For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

2 Corinthians 4:11 nlt

Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies.

2 Corinthians 4 verses

2 Corinthians 4 11 Meaning

The verse 2 Corinthians 4:11 expresses a core principle of apostolic and faithful Christian life: believers, particularly those in ministry, are continually exposed to life-threatening perils and suffering for the sake of Jesus. This ongoing experience of facing "death" is not purposeless; rather, its explicit design is to ensure that the resurrected and indwelling life of Jesus Christ is clearly revealed and made evident within their perishable, human bodies. It posits a paradoxical exchange where human weakness and mortality become the very canvas upon which divine life and power are conspicuously displayed.

2 Corinthians 4 11 Context

2 Corinthians chapter 4 finds the Apostle Paul defending his ministry and the integrity of the gospel he preaches. He contrasts his open, sincere declaration of the truth with the deceitful practices of some (v. 1-2), acknowledging that for those blinded by the "god of this age," the gospel remains veiled (v. 3-4). The heart of the chapter then shifts to the paradoxical nature of ministry: God's glorious light shines through humble, fragile messengers (v. 5-7). Paul then lists the constant hardships he faces—persecution, perplexity, suffering—as evidences of God's power being revealed through his weakness (v. 8-9). Verse 10 sets the immediate stage for verse 11 by stating, "always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." Verse 11 directly expands on and reiterates this theme, specifying how the dying and life are experienced. Historically, Paul's ministry was characterized by severe opposition, physical suffering, and constant danger, particularly as he spread the gospel among the gentiles in various Roman provinces, making this personal experience the basis for his theological assertions about God's power and faithfulness.

2 Corinthians 4 11 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A conjunction, indicating a reason or explanation, linking this verse to the preceding statement (v. 10) that ministry involves "carrying about the dying of the Lord Jesus." It clarifies and elaborates on the mechanism and purpose.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Emphatic personal pronoun, referring primarily to Paul and his apostolic co-workers, but broadly applying to any faithful servant of Christ undergoing similar trials.
• who live (οἱ ζῶντες - hoi zōntes): "The living ones." It contrasts their present physical existence with the constant threat of "death," underscoring the paradox that while physically alive, they are spiritually experiencing "death-like" scenarios for Christ.
• are always (πάντοτε - pantote): "At all times, constantly." This adverb emphasizes the continuous, ceaseless nature of the trials and perils faced by the apostles, not an isolated event.
• delivered (παραδιδόμεθα - paradidometha): A present passive verb. "We are being delivered," "we are being handed over." It suggests an external agent or force (persecutors, circumstances, even divine will) subjecting them to this fate. This term notably connects to Jesus being "handed over" (παρεδόθη - paredothē) to His Passion (Rom 4:25).
• to death (τῷ θανάτῳ - tō thanatō): The dative case indicates the ultimate object or destination of their being "delivered." It's not just a near-death experience, but an ongoing reality of facing the prospect of actual physical demise.
• for Jesus’ sake (διὰ Ἰησοῦ - dia Iēsou): "Through Jesus" or "on account of Jesus." This clarifies the motivation and purpose for their suffering: it is not random but directly linked to their allegiance to Christ and the propagation of His gospel. His person and mission are the driving force.
• that (ἵνα - hina): A conjunction introducing a purpose clause. It indicates the divine design behind the suffering—it's not simply an unfortunate consequence but a divinely ordained means to an end.
• the life (ἡ ζωὴ - hē zōē): This refers to the active, spiritual, and powerful resurrection life of Jesus, not merely historical facts about Him. It encompasses His indwelling presence, divine energy, and triumphant reality over death.
• of Jesus (τοῦ Ἰησοῦ - tou Iēsou): Specifically identifying the source and nature of this transformative life.
• also (καὶ - kai): "Also," "even." Implies that just as death is being manifested (in v.10, "the dying"), so too, or conversely, life is being manifested.
• may be manifested (φανερωθῇ - phanerōthē): A passive aorist subjunctive verb. "Might be made visible," "might be plainly shown or revealed." It signifies that Christ's life becomes openly evident, discernable by others, particularly through the very weaknesses of the minister. Divine agency is implied in this revelation.
• in our (ἐν τῇ ἡμετέρᾳ - en tē hēmeterā): "In our own." Possessive, reinforcing the personal locus of this manifestation.
• mortal (θνητῇ - thnētē): "Subject to death, perishable, dying." This adjective critically contrasts with the "life of Jesus." It underscores the frailty and temporary nature of the human body, making the manifestation of divine, immortal life within it even more striking and powerful.
• flesh (σαρκί - sarki): "Body, physical being." In this context, it refers to the human physical organism, which is prone to weakness, decay, and death, not necessarily with a negative moral connotation (as in Rom 7-8), but simply highlighting its vulnerability.

Words-group analysis:

• "For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake": This clause sets forth the premise: the apostles, though physically alive, live in a constant state of mortal danger directly attributed to their service to Christ. It highlights extreme peril and divine intentionality ("delivered to death" mirrors Christ's passion).
• "that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh": This clause expresses the divine purpose and powerful paradox. The continuous experience of "death" ensures that the enduring, vibrant, and victorious life of Christ becomes plainly visible through the fragile, dying human instrument. It transforms apparent defeat into a powerful demonstration of spiritual vitality.

2 Corinthians 4 11 Bonus section

This verse closely follows verse 10 ("always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body"), essentially providing a more precise explanation for the "carrying about the dying." The "delivered to death" of verse 11 highlights the external pressures and the continuous aspect of suffering, suggesting a passive endurance under the hand of God's sovereign will and human opposition, which is purposeful. The deliberate use of "mortal flesh" in verse 11 emphasizes the specific context for this manifestation: it is precisely within the perishable human body, vulnerable to all forms of affliction, that Christ's immortal life triumphs. This is not about believers seeking suffering, but accepting it as an integral part of gospel ministry, especially for those pioneering new territories for Christ or standing against societal norms. The manifestation of Christ's life serves not only for the internal strengthening of the believer but critically, as a visible testimony to a watching world. The apostles’ willingness to suffer unto death confirmed the veracity and power of their message.

2 Corinthians 4 11 Commentary

2 Corinthians 4:11 is a profound statement on the paradoxical nature of Christian ministry and discipleship. Paul asserts that the apostolic calling involves an unending exposure to mortal dangers for the sake of Christ, an experience he terms being "delivered to death." This constant confrontation with physical demise is not a random misfortune but serves a direct, divine purpose: to clearly display the active, resurrection life of Jesus Christ through their frail, perishable bodies. The vulnerability of the human minister becomes the very medium through which the indestructible power and presence of the Lord are made visible to the world. It authenticates the message they preach by showing that it is not human strength or cleverness but divine life that sustains and empowers. The gospel's power is thus highlighted precisely because it is embodied in weakness. This makes Christ, not the human instrument, the focus of glory and testimony.

• Example: A missionary enduring persecution or illness, yet persevering with joy and unwavering faith, demonstrably manifests the "life of Jesus" to onlookers far more powerfully than any outward show of human strength or comfort. Their suffering allows Christ's inner vitality to shine through.