2 Corinthians 5:11
Knowing 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.
Original Language Analysis
Εἰδότες
Knowing
G1492
Εἰδότες
Knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πείθομεν
we persuade
G3982
πείθομεν
we persuade
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
8 of 19
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
θεῷ
unto God
G2316
θεῷ
unto God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πεφανερῶσθαι
are made manifest
G5319
πεφανερῶσθαι
are made manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
11 of 19
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jude 1:23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.Hebrews 10:31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.Revelation 20:15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Acts 18:13Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.Psalms 76:7Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?Psalms 90:11Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.Job 31:23For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.Nahum 1:6Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.2 Corinthians 5:20Now 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.2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Historical Context
Paul's opponents in Corinth accused him of manipulative motives (2:17, 4:2). Paul consistently appeals to transparent ministry—no hidden agendas, no financial exploitation, no rhetorical tricks. His defense rests on God's knowledge and the Corinthians' own experience of his character. This models ministerial integrity for all generations.
Questions for Reflection
- Does awareness of standing before Christ's judgment seat motivate your evangelism and ministry—why or why not?
- How transparent are your motives before God—are there hidden agendas you rationalize but couldn't defend before Him?
- Can you honestly appeal to others' consciences as evidence of your integrity, or would that expose inconsistencies?
Analysis & Commentary
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men—Eidotes oun ton phobon tou Kyriou (εἰδότες οὖν τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου, "knowing therefore the fear of the Lord"). Phobos (φόβος) ranges from reverential awe to terrified dread—here, the sobering reality of standing before Christ's bēma. This fear isn't slavish terror but appropriate seriousness about eternal accountability. It motivates evangelism: anthrōpous peithomen (ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν, "we persuade men")—Paul's apostolic ministry is driven by judgment's reality.
But we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences—Theō de pephanerōmetha (θεῷ δὲ πεφανερώμεθα, perfect tense, "to God we have been and remain manifest"). God sees Paul's motives completely. Paul appeals to the Corinthians' syneidēseis (συνειδήσεσι, "consciences")—their own moral awareness testifies to his integrity despite opponents' slander. This transparency before God and man vindicates authentic ministry versus self-promotion.