2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
1 of 16
"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
οὖν
Now then
G3767
οὖν
Now then
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 16
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
πρεσβεύομεν
we are ambassadors
G4243
πρεσβεύομεν
we are ambassadors
Strong's:
G4243
Word #:
4 of 16
to be a senior, i.e., (by implication) act as a representative (figuratively, preacher)
ὡς
as though
G5613
ὡς
as though
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
5 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
παρακαλοῦντος
did beseech
G3870
παρακαλοῦντος
did beseech
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
8 of 16
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
δι'
you by
G1223
δι'
you by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
12 of 16
"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
καταλλάγητε
be ye reconciled
G2644
καταλλάγητε
be ye reconciled
Strong's:
G2644
Word #:
14 of 16
to change mutually, i.e., (figuratively) to compound a difference
Cross References
Luke 14:23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.Ephesians 6:20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.Malachi 2:7For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.2 Corinthians 5:11Knowing 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.John 20:21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.2 Corinthians 3:6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.1 Thessalonians 4:8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.Luke 10:16He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.Job 22:21Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
Historical Context
Ancient ambassadors represented emperors with full authority—rejecting ambassador was rejecting sender. Paul's ambassadorial claim was audacious: he spoke with divine authority, not personal opinion. Corinthian critics questioned this authority; Paul insists his message carries God's own voice. This established gospel preaching's authority through church history.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you take seriously your identity as Christ's ambassador—that you represent Him wherever you go?
- How does God "beseech" unbelievers through you—is your life and witness a visible, urgent plea for reconciliation?
- Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear "Be reconciled to God"—what holds you back from speaking?
Analysis & Commentary
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ—Hyper Christou oun presbeuomen (ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν). Presbeuo (πρεσβεύω) means "to serve as ambassador, represent officially." Hyper Christou (ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ, "on behalf of Christ") indicates representative authority—ambassadors speak for absent kings. We represent heaven's kingdom on hostile earth, bearing Christ's message with His authority. Oun (οὖν, "therefore") connects to vv. 18-19—since God entrusted reconciliation ministry, we function as His official envoys.
As though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God—Hōs tou Theou parakalountos di' hēmōn, deometha hyper Christou, katallagēte tō Theō (ὡς τοῦ θεοῦ παρακαλοῦντος δι' ἡμῶν, δεόμεθα ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ, καταλλάγητε τῷ θεῷ). Parakalountos (παρακαλοῦντος, present participle of παρακαλέω, "entreating, beseeching") suggests urgent appeal, not casual invitation. God Himself pleads di' hēmōn (δι' ἡμῶν, "through us")—stunning condescension: Creator beseeching creatures. Deometha (δεόμεθα, "we beg, we beseech") intensifies—Paul begs on God's behalf. Katallagēte (καταλλάγητε, aorist passive imperative, "be reconciled!") is urgent command—accept reconciliation God offers. Passive voice: humans cannot reconcile themselves to God; they can only receive reconciliation God accomplished.