2 Corinthians 4:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀεὶ
alway
G104
ἀεὶ
alway
Strong's:
G104
Word #:
1 of 22
"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly
γὰρ
G1063
γὰρ
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
θάνατον
death
G2288
θάνατον
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
7 of 22
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
16 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
φανερωθῇ
might be made manifest
G5319
φανερωθῇ
might be made manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
17 of 22
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.Psalms 44:22Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.Romans 8:36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.1 Corinthians 15:31I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.2 Corinthians 5:4For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.Romans 8:11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Historical Context
Paul's theology of suffering as participation in Christ's death countered both Jewish expectations of Messianic triumph and Greek concepts of divine impassibility. His opponents likely saw his sufferings as proof of divine disfavor. Paul turns this inside out: suffering proves Christ-likeness, and endurance through suffering proves resurrection power at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's description of being 'delivered unto death for Jesus' sake' challenge comfortable Christianity that avoids suffering?
- In what ways have you seen Christ's life manifested specifically in 'mortal flesh'—in weakness, sickness, or limitation?
- What's the difference between suffering for Jesus' sake versus suffering due to foolishness or sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake (aei gar hēmeis hoi zōntes eis thanaton paradidometha dia Iēsoun, ἀεὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες εἰς θάνατον παραδιδόμεθα διὰ Ἰησοῦν)—aei (ἀεί, 'always, continually') intensifies pantote ('always') from v. 10. Paradidōmi (παραδίδωμι, 'to hand over, deliver up, betray') is the verb used of Christ's betrayal and of God 'giving up' His Son (Rom 8:32). Paul frames apostolic suffering as participatory death with Christ.
That the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh (hina kai hē zōē tou Iēsou phanerōthē en tē thnētē sarki hēmōn, ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν)—thnētē sarki (θνητῇ σαρκί, 'mortal flesh') emphasizes bodily frailty. Resurrection life shines through dying bodies, not glorified ones. The gospel's power is proven in weakness, not strength—a complete inversion of worldly expectations.