2 Corinthians 5:11

Authorized King James Version

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Εἰδότες

G1492

Knowing

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

οὖν

G3767

therefore

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὸν

G3588

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

φόβον

G5401

the terror

alarm or fright

τοῦ

G3588

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

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἀνθρώπους

G444

men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

πείθομεν

G3982

we persuade

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

θεῷ

G2316

unto God

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

#10

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#11

πεφανερῶσθαι

G5319

are made manifest

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

#12

ἐλπίζω

G1679

I trust

to expect or confide

#13

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#14

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#15

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#16

ταῖς

G3588

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

#17

συνειδήσεσιν

G4893

consciences

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

#18

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#19

πεφανερῶσθαι

G5319

are made manifest

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?