2 Corinthians 4:12
So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
So
G5620
ὥστε
So
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 12
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
then
G3303
μὲν
then
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
θάνατος
death
G2288
θάνατος
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
4 of 12
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:9For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.1 John 3:16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.1 Corinthians 4:10We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.Philippians 2:17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.2 Corinthians 12:15And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.Philippians 2:30Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Historical Context
This verse would convict Corinthian Christians who judged Paul's sufferings as divine disapproval. Paul reverses the evaluation: your spiritual vitality (life) comes precisely through my sufferings (death). If they rejected suffering apostles, they rejected the means of their own spiritual life. This addresses the broader Corinthian pattern of despising weakness (1 Cor 4:8-13).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's principle that 'death in us produces life in you' challenge self-protective ministry or leadership?
- Where have you benefited from someone else's sacrificial dying (literal or metaphorical) that produced life in you?
- What 'deaths' might God be calling you to embrace so that life might work in others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So then death worketh in us, but life in you (hōste ho thanatos en hēmin energeitai, hē de zōē en hymin, ὥστε ὁ θάνατος ἐν ἡμῖν ἐνεργεῖται, ἡ δὲ ζωὴ ἐν ὑμῖν)—Paul draws a stunning conclusion: apostolic dying produces congregational living. Energeō (ἐνεργέω, 'to work, be effective, operate') shows death actively working in Paul but its fruit is life in the Corinthians. This is vicarious, sacrificial ministry—not penal substitution but life-through-death mediation.
The pattern is Christ's: His death produced our life. Now apostolic death (smaller participation in Christ's larger death) produces spiritual life in believers. This demolishes any ministry model centered on leader comfort or self-preservation. True spiritual fruitfulness comes through death to self, not self-actualization. The grain of wheat must fall into the ground and die (John 12:24).