2 Corinthians 5:21

Authorized King James Version

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τὸν

G3588

who

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)

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γνόντα

G1097

knew

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ἁμαρτίαν

G266

him to be sin

a sin (properly abstract)

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

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

ἁμαρτίαν

G266

him to be sin

a sin (properly abstract)

ἐποίησεν

G4160

he hath made

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#10

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#11

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

#12

γινώμεθα

G1096

might be made

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#13

δικαιοσύνη

G1343

the righteousness

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

#14

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#15

ἐν

G1722

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

#16

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Isaiah 53:6 Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
— LORD hath laid on him iniquity
² 1 Peter 2:24 1 Peter 2:24
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
— Bare our sins

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 righteousness 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

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 righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of righteousness differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?