2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀγάπη
the love
G26
ἀγάπη
the love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
3 of 19
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνέχει
constraineth
G4912
συνέχει
constraineth
Strong's:
G4912
Word #:
6 of 19
to hold together, i.e., to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
13 of 19
"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
ἄρα
then
G686
ἄρα
then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
16 of 19
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
Cross References
Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.Romans 5:15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.Hebrews 2:9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.1 Timothy 5:6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.2 Corinthians 3:9For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
Historical Context
Substitutionary atonement was scandalous—Greeks considered crucifixion disgraceful, Jews saw it as cursed (Deuteronomy 21:23, Galatians 3:13). Paul insists Christ's shameful death was cosmic victory—bearing humanity's death sentence, liberating captives. This became Christianity's central distinctive: salvation through a crucified Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's love constrain your choices—what pursuits has His love made impossible for you?
- Do you truly grasp that Christ died because you deserved death—how does this sober reality intensify gratitude?
- What evidence exists in your life that you have "died" with Christ—what old patterns and identities have been crucified?
Analysis & Commentary
For the love of Christ constraineth us—Hē gar agapē tou Christou synechei hēmas (ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ συνέχει ἡμᾶς). Synechō (συνέχω) means "to hold together, compress, constrain, compel." Genitive tou Christou (τοῦ Χριστοῦ) is likely objective—"the love FOR Christ" (our love toward Him) or subjective—"Christ's love FOR us." Context favors the latter: Christ's love demonstrated in His death (vv. 14-15) compels Paul's ministry. This love is irresistible pressure, narrowing options to single-minded devotion.
Because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead—Krinantas touto, hoti heis hyper pantōn apethanen, ara hoi pantes apethanon (κρίναντας τοῦτο, ὅτι εἷς ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν, ἄρα οἱ πάντες ἀπέθανον). Paul's theological reasoning: Christ's substitutionary death means all died in Him. Hyper (ὑπέρ, "on behalf of, instead of") indicates substitution—Christ died in humanity's place. Ara (ἄρα, "therefore, consequently") draws the conclusion: Christ's death implies all were under death's sentence. His death represents and accomplishes ours. This is forensic: Christ's death credits to all who believe, satisfying divine justice (Romans 6:3-11).