2 Corinthians 5:14

Authorized King James Version

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἀγάπη
G26
the love
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#4
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Χριστοῦ
G5547
of Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#6
συνέχει
G4912
constraineth
to hold together, i.e., to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy
#7
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#8
κρίναντας
G2919
judge
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
#9
τοῦτο
G5124
because we thus
that thing
#10
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#11
εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#12
εἷς
G1520
one
one
#13
ὑπὲρ
G5228
for
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#14
πάντες
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#15
ἀπέθανον·
G599
dead
to die off (literally or figuratively)
#16
ἄρα
G686
then
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
#17
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
πάντες
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#19
ἀπέθανον·
G599
dead
to die off (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Corinthians. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, 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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection