2 Corinthians 10:5

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

λογισμούς

G3053

imaginations

computation, i.e., (figuratively) reasoning (conscience, conceit)

καθαιροῦντες

G2507

Casting down

to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πᾶν

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

ὕψωμα

G5313

high thing

an elevated place or thing, i.e., (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier (figuratively)

ἐπαιρόμενον

G1869

that exalteth itself

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

κατὰ

G2596

against

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γνώσεως

G1108

the knowledge

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

#10

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

αἰχμαλωτίζοντες

G163

bringing into captivity

to make captive

#14

πᾶν

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

#15

νόημα

G3540

thought

a perception, i.e., purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself

#16

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#17

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

ὑπακοὴν

G5218

the obedience

attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission

#19

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Corinthians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?