2 Corinthians 6:9
As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
As
G5613
ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 14
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀγνοούμενοι
unknown
G50
ἀγνοούμενοι
unknown
Strong's:
G50
Word #:
2 of 14
not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι
yet well known
G1921
ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι
yet well known
Strong's:
G1921
Word #:
4 of 14
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
ὡς
As
G5613
ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
5 of 14
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
As
G5613
ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
10 of 14
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
παιδευόμενοι
chastened
G3811
παιδευόμενοι
chastened
Strong's:
G3811
Word #:
11 of 14
to train up a child, i.e., educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Romans 8:36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.1 Corinthians 4:9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.2 Corinthians 11:6But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
Historical Context
Paul's sufferings catalog in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 demonstrates how frequently he faced mortal danger: shipwrecks, robbers, assassination plots, beatings, imprisonment. Yet God repeatedly preserved him (Acts 14:19-20; 16:25-26; 27:43-44). Paul interprets this pattern through the lens of divine discipline and sovereign purpose rather than randomness or luck.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing you are 'well known' by God, even if 'unknown' by the world, sustain you in obscure or unappreciated service?
- In what ways are you experiencing the 'dying' of Christ in your daily life, and what 'life' is being manifested through that dying?
- How can you learn to interpret hardships as God's loving discipline rather than evidence of His absence or displeasure?
Analysis & Commentary
As unknown, and yet well known (ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι, hōs agnooumenoi kai epiginoskomenoi)—Agnoeō means to be ignored, unrecognized, or regarded as insignificant. Epiginōskō (well known, fully known) indicates thorough recognition. Paul lacked celebrity status in the world's eyes but was fully known by God and true believers. True significance comes from divine rather than human recognition (1 Cor 8:3; Gal 4:9).
As dying, and, behold, we live (ὡς ἀποθνῄσκοντες καὶ ἰδοὺ ζῶμεν, hōs apothnēskontes kai idou zōmen)—The present participle apothnēskontes ('dying') describes Paul's constant brush with death (2 Cor 4:10-11; 11:23; 1 Cor 15:31: 'I die daily'). The interjection idou ('behold!') creates dramatic surprise—yet we live! This paradox reflects both physical preservation despite mortal danger and deeper spiritual truth: Christians die with Christ yet live in resurrection power (Rom 6:8; Gal 2:20; Col 3:3).
As chastened, and not killed (ὡς παιδευόμενοι καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι, hōs paideuomenoi kai mē thanatoumenoi)—Paideuō means to discipline, correct, or train (see Heb 12:5-11 on God's discipline). Paul interprets his sufferings not as random misfortune or divine abandonment but as fatherly discipline. Yet this discipline doesn't destroy (thanatoō, 'put to death')—God's chastening preserves rather than kills (Ps 118:18).
This triad (unknown/known, dying/living, chastened/not killed) expresses the hiddenness, fragility, and suffering of apostolic ministry, which paradoxically validates rather than invalidates Paul's calling. The world sees only the outward weakness; faith perceives the inward resurrection power.