2 Corinthians 5 14

2 Corinthians 5:14 kjv

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

2 Corinthians 5:14 nkjv

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;

2 Corinthians 5:14 niv

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.

2 Corinthians 5:14 esv

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;

2 Corinthians 5:14 nlt

Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.

2 Corinthians 5 verses

2 Corinthians 5 14 Meaning

The profound and selfless love of Christ acts as an irresistible force, powerfully impelling and governing the actions and motivations of believers, especially the Apostle Paul and his co-workers. This controlling influence stems from a deeply reasoned and unwavering conviction: the singular, historical fact that Jesus Christ willingly suffered death on behalf of all humanity. From this foundational truth, a theological conclusion is drawn: by virtue of Christ's substitutionary death, all who are in Him are considered to have died spiritually with Him, signifying a decisive break from the old life and its dominion.

2 Corinthians 5 14 Context

This verse sits within Paul's fervent defense of his apostolic ministry and the authenticity of his devotion to Christ and the Corinthian church. Chapter 5 particularly focuses on the nature of Christian hope concerning the eternal dwelling, the future judgment before Christ, and the ultimate transformation into a new creation. Paul explains that his intense passion and seeming eccentricities in ministry (v. 13) are not due to madness or selfish ambition, but are fully driven by divine purpose. Verse 14 directly serves to explicate this driving force, introducing Christ's love and the foundational truth of the atonement as the motivation for his relentless service. Paul grounds his actions not in external approval or human reasoning, but in a theological certainty about Christ's death and its universal implication for believers, setting the stage for his discussion of reconciliation in the subsequent verses (vv. 18-20). Culturally, this contrasted sharply with prevailing Hellenistic ideals of self-sufficiency or rhetorical showmanship, emphasizing instead an entire life oriented by an unseen Christ.

2 Corinthians 5 14 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): A strong explanatory conjunction. It introduces the reason or justification for Paul's preceding statements about his conduct in ministry, acting as a logical bridge.
• the love (ἀγάπη - agape): This refers to divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love, distinguishing it from human romantic (eros) or fraternal (philia) love. Here, it is primarily subjective: Christ's love for humanity, demonstrated supremely in His death, though it evokes and shapes the believer's responsive love for Christ.
• of Christ (τοῦ Χριστοῦ - tou Christou): In this genitive construction, it specifies the source and content of the agape. It is not merely human affection, but the unique, redemptive love emanating from the Messiah, Jesus Christ, which he actively exercised for humanity.
• controls/compels (συνέχει - synechei): A vivid verb meaning "to hold together," "to hem in," "to press on all sides," "to constrain." It signifies an overpowering, irresistible internal and external force that shapes, motivates, and directs actions, leaving no room for alternative pathways. It denotes a strong, persistent internal urgency.
• us (ἡμᾶς - hēmas): Refers to Paul and his fellow ministers, explicitly connecting this powerful motivation to their apostolic labor and their manner of life.
• because (κρίναντας τοῦτο - krinantas touto): Literally "having judged this" or "having concluded this." This is an aorist active participle, indicating a prior, completed act of logical discernment or reasoned judgment on their part. Their being controlled by Christ's love is not blind emotion but rests on a profound, settled theological conviction.
• that one (ὅτι εἷς - hoti heis): The "one" here is undeniably Jesus Christ, presented as the solitary, decisive actor in the work of atonement.
• has died (ἀπέθανεν - apethanen): A completed past action (aorist tense) referring to Christ's historical, physical death on the cross. It signifies the decisive and final nature of His sacrifice.
• for all (ὑπὲρ πάντων - hyper pantōn): "On behalf of all," "instead of all," "for the sake of all." This phrase signifies both substitution and benefit, highlighting the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work. While the efficacy of this death is applied through faith, the provision itself is comprehensive.
• therefore (ἄρα - ara): A strong logical inferential particle, introducing the inevitable consequence or deduction drawn from the preceding premise. It signals a conclusion.
• all (οἱ πάντες - hoi pantes): While initially referring to the "all" for whom Christ died, in this dependent clause, it denotes those who identify with Christ's death through faith, thereby participating in its implications. This is not a universalistic statement of salvation, but an expression of the believer's spiritual identification with Christ.
• have died (ἀπέθανον - apethanon): Another aorist tense, signifying a completed spiritual event for believers. It refers to a decisive break from the power of sin, the world, and the old self—a spiritual co-crucifixion and end of an old way of life in Christ.

• Words-group Analysis:
• "the love of Christ controls us": This phrase identifies the ultimate impetus behind Paul's life and ministry. It is not self-will, legalism, or human ambition, but an overwhelming divine affection that grips and governs the inner and outer man.
• "because we have concluded this: that one has died for all": This is the rational foundation of the controlling love. The compelling force comes from a deep conviction about the truth of Christ's substitutionary, comprehensive death. It moves from an objective theological fact to subjective, life-altering experience.
• "therefore all have died": This reveals the profound identification that results from Christ's death. It speaks to a new status for believers—a participation in Christ's death that marks an end to the old life, opening the way for new life in Him. It’s a call to understand one's new identity in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5 14 Bonus section

The concept of "control" (synechei) here does not imply a loss of free will but rather an overpowering persuasion and inner disposition forged by the magnitude of Christ's love and sacrifice. It transforms the believer's desires and priorities, aligning them with God's will. This "control" becomes freedom from the slavery of sin, guiding believers towards a life lived "to the praise of His glorious grace" (Eph 1:6). The "all" in "one died for all" and "all have died" must be carefully interpreted. While Christ's sacrifice is objectively sufficient for all humanity (the scope of redemption), the subjective experience of having "died with Him" applies specifically to believers (the application of redemption through faith). This theological understanding forms the basis for the subsequent declaration in 2 Cor 5:17 about new creation and the ministry of reconciliation. The powerful transformation inherent in "all have died" is an invitation to understand and live out the reality of one's death to the old self, ushering in the resurrection life in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5 14 Commentary

2 Corinthians 5:14 is a pivot point in Paul's defense of his ministry, revealing the profound spiritual wellspring of his dedication. It teaches that the animating force for Christian service and lifestyle is not human willpower or external pressure, but the magnificent love that Christ demonstrated in laying down His life for all humanity. This love, upon mature reflection and conviction, becomes a constant, driving constraint that shapes every decision and action. The verse establishes two critical, interconnected truths: the historical, substitutionary death of Christ for all people, and the consequent spiritual death of believers with Christ. This co-crucifixion signifies a definitive break from sin, the old self, and allegiance to the world, resulting in a new identity and purpose to live for Christ (v. 15). The profound implication is that true Christian living stems from an apprehension of Christ's sacrificial love and the resultant spiritual identification with Him, making a self-centered life no longer tenable or desirable.

• Example for Practical Usage:
  • When faced with temptation to revert to old sinful habits, recalling "therefore all have died" strengthens the resolve, knowing that the old self died with Christ.
  • In moments of self-doubt or apathy in serving others, reflecting on "the love of Christ controls us" re-energizes commitment, knowing one is acting out of God's overwhelming love, not personal strength.