2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Original Language Analysis
λογισμούς
imaginations
G3053
λογισμούς
imaginations
Strong's:
G3053
Word #:
1 of 20
computation, i.e., (figuratively) reasoning (conscience, conceit)
καθαιροῦντες
Casting down
G2507
καθαιροῦντες
Casting down
Strong's:
G2507
Word #:
2 of 20
to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὕψωμα
high thing
G5313
ὕψωμα
high thing
Strong's:
G5313
Word #:
5 of 20
an elevated place or thing, i.e., (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier (figuratively)
ἐπαιρόμενον
that exalteth itself
G1869
ἐπαιρόμενον
that exalteth itself
Strong's:
G1869
Word #:
6 of 20
to raise up (literally or figuratively)
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γνώσεως
the knowledge
G1108
γνώσεως
the knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
9 of 20
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νόημα
thought
G3540
νόημα
thought
Strong's:
G3540
Word #:
15 of 20
a perception, i.e., purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπακοὴν
the obedience
G5218
ὑπακοὴν
the obedience
Strong's:
G5218
Word #:
18 of 20
attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission
Cross References
Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.Romans 7:23But 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.Matthew 15:19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:1 Corinthians 3:19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?Romans 1:21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.1 Corinthians 1:19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.Psalms 139:2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.Proverbs 15:26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy valued autonomous reason as humanity's highest faculty. Corinth celebrated intellectual sophistication and rhetorical brilliance. Paul's demand that every thought submit to Christ scandalized both Jewish legalists (who trusted Torah observance) and Greek philosophers (who trusted human reason). The gospel assaults human pride at its core—the mind's claim to self-sufficient authority.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'high things'—ideologies, philosophies, or cultural assumptions—currently 'exalt themselves against the knowledge of God' in your thinking?
- How do you practice taking 'every thought captive to Christ's obedience' when your mind rebels against biblical truth?
- Why does Paul use warfare language (demolishing, casting down, taking captive) rather than educational language (informing, persuading, teaching)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Casting down imaginations (καθαιροῦντες λογισμοὺς)—Logismous (λογισμοὺς, "reasonings/arguments") denotes sophisticated intellectual constructs, philosophical systems, or rationalistic arguments. Paul targets not ignorance but educated rebellion—the mind's pretensions to autonomous authority apart from divine revelation. The verb kathaireō (καθαιρέω, "cast down/destroy") is violent, suggesting thorough demolition, not gentle correction.
And every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God (καὶ πᾶν ὕψωμα ἐπαιρόμενον κατὰ τῆς γνώσεως τοῦ θεοῦ)—Hypsōma (ὕψωμα, "high thing/barrier") denotes anything elevated in opposition to God. Gnōsis tou theou (γνώσεως τοῦ θεοῦ) is not mere information but covenantal relationship and revealed truth. Paul targets intellectual pride that positions human reason above God's self-disclosure.
Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (αἰχμαλωτίζοντες πᾶν νόημα εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—Aichmalōtizontes (αἰχμαλωτίζοντες, "taking captive") extends the warfare metaphor: thoughts are prisoners of war, forcibly subjugated to Christ's lordship. Hypakoē (ὑπακοή, "obedience") demands complete submission—not neutral investigation but worshipful surrender of the mind to Christ's authority.