2 Corinthians 5:16
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
Original Language Analysis
Ὥστε
Wherefore
G5620
Ὥστε
Wherefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 20
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ἀπὸ
henceforth
G575
ἀπὸ
henceforth
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
3 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
5 of 20
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οὐδένα
no man
G3762
οὐδένα
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
6 of 20
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
οἴδαμεν
know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
7 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
8 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σάρκα
the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
9 of 20
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γινώσκομεν
know we
G1097
γινώσκομεν
know we
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
13 of 20
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
14 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σάρκα
the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
15 of 20
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἀλλὰ
yet
G235
ἀλλὰ
yet
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman society was rigidly stratified: free/slave, citizen/foreigner, elite/common, male/female. Judaism maintained ethnic distinction: Jew/Gentile. Paul's gospel obliterated these categories' ultimate significance. In Christ, former enemies became siblings. This social revolution threatened existing power structures, contributing to Christian persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you still evaluate people "according to the flesh"—by wealth, education, race, appearance—rather than by their identity in Christ?
- Has your knowledge of Christ moved beyond historical facts to personal, transforming encounter with the Risen Lord?
- What practical steps can you take to see all people through the lens of Christ's death and resurrection rather than worldly categories?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh—Hōste hēmeis apo tou nyn oudena oidamen kata sarka (ὥστε ἡμεῖς ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν οὐδένα οἴδαμεν κατὰ σάρκα). Apo tou nyn (ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν, "from now on") marks decisive turning point. Kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα, "according to the flesh") means evaluating by external criteria—ethnicity, status, appearance, credentials. Christ's death/resurrection revolutionizes epistemology: we no longer assess people by worldly standards.
Yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more—Ei kai egnōkamen kata sarka Christon, alla nyn ouketi ginōskomen (εἰ καὶ ἐγνώκαμεν κατὰ σάρκα Χριστόν, ἀλλὰ νῦν οὐκέτι γινώσκομεν). Did Paul know Jesus physically? Possibly (Acts 22:3 suggests Jerusalem presence). More likely: Paul once evaluated Jesus by fleshly standards—condemned Him as cursed false messiah (Galatians 3:13). Post-Damascus, Paul knows Christ as risen Lord. The point: crucifixion-resurrection transforms how we know everyone, especially Christ. Fleshly assessment saw weakness and defeat; resurrection reveals glory and victory. This new epistemology shatters cultural hierarchies: race, class, gender become secondary (Galatians 3:28).