2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
6 of 25
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
7 of 25
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βήματος
the judgment seat
G968
βήματος
the judgment seat
Strong's:
G968
Word #:
9 of 25
a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κομίσηται
may receive
G2865
κομίσηται
may receive
Strong's:
G2865
Word #:
13 of 25
properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
the things done in
G1223
διὰ
the things done in
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
16 of 25
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
his body
G4983
σώματος
his body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
18 of 25
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
πρὸς
according
G4314
πρὸς
according
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
19 of 25
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἃ
to that
G3739
ἃ
to that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
20 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔπραξεν
he hath done
G4238
ἔπραξεν
he hath done
Strong's:
G4238
Word #:
21 of 25
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
Cross References
Matthew 16:27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.Revelation 22:12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.Ephesians 6:8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.Ecclesiastes 12:14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.Psalms 62:12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.1 Peter 4:5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.Psalms 98:9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Job 34:11For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
Historical Context
The bēma in Corinth was visible in the agora—Paul likely stood there before Gallio (Acts 18:12-17). This imagery made Christ's judgment seat vivid and tangible. First-century Christians lived with conscious awareness of coming judgment, motivating holy living. Modern Western Christianity often neglects this theme, producing ethical laxity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing your every action will be "made manifest" before Christ affect your private behavior when no one else is watching?
- What does judgment by Christ (not just salvation from hell) reveal about the seriousness of how you spend your life?
- Are there areas of your life currently categorized as "worthless" rather than "good"—how can you redirect that time and energy?
Analysis & Commentary
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ—Tous gar pantas hēmas phanērōthēnai dei (τοὺς γὰρ πάντας ἡμᾶς φανερωθῆναι δεῖ, "for it is necessary that all of us be made manifest"). Phaneroō (φανερόω) means "to make visible, expose, reveal"—nothing hidden, all laid bare. The bēma (βῆμα, "judgment seat") was the raised platform where Roman officials rendered verdicts. This isn't condemnation (Romans 8:1) but evaluation—believers' works tested for reward (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
That every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad—Hina komisētai hekastos ta dia tou sōmatos (ἵνα κομίσηται ἕκαστος τὰ διὰ τοῦ σώματος, "that each one may receive the things through the body"). Komizō (κομίζω) means "receive back, obtain" what is due. Dia tou sōmatos emphasizes embodied actions—not mere thoughts but deeds. Agathos ē phaulon (ἀγαθὸς ἢ φαῦλον, "good or worthless")—Paul doesn't say "evil" (kakos) but phaulon (φαῦλον, "worthless, useless")—wasted opportunity.
This grounds Paul's ambition (v. 9): judgment is real, universal, searching, and consequential. Yet judgment occurs after secure homecoming with Christ (v. 8)—this is family accountability, not criminal trial. God's children give account to their Father for stewardship, receiving rewards or suffering loss of reward (1 Corinthians 3:15).