2 Corinthians 5:10

Authorized King James Version

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τοὺς

G3588

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

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πάντας

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

ἡμᾶς

G2248

φανερωθῆναι

G5319

appear

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

δεῖ

G1163

must

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

ἔμπροσθεν

G1715

before

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

τοῦ

G3588

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

βήματος

G968

the judgment seat

a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal

#10

τοῦ

G3588

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

#11

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

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

#12

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#13

κομίσηται

G2865

may receive

properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)

#14

ἕκαστος

G1538

every one

each or every

#15

τὰ

G3588

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

#16

διὰ

G1223

the things done in

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#17

τοῦ

G3588

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

#18

σώματος

G4983

his body

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

#19

πρὸς

G4314

according

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#20

ἃ

G3739

to that

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#21

ἔπραξεν

G4238

he hath done

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

#22

εἴτε

G1535

if too

#23

ἀγαθὸν

G18

it be good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#24

εἴτε

G1535

if too

#25

κακόν

G2556

bad

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?