2 Corinthians 5:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 5:19
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 5 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of wisdom, mercy, obedience. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 5:19
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Analysis
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself—Hōs hoti Theos ēn en Christō kosmon katallassōn heautō (ὡς ὅτι θεὸς ἦν ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων ἑαυτῷ). Hōs hoti (ὡς ὅτι, "namely that, to wit") introduces content of reconciliation message. Theos ēn en Christō (θεὸς ἦν ἐν Χριστῷ, "God was in Christ")—the incarnation's mystery: God reconciling through God-in-human-flesh. Kosmon (κόσμον, "world") is cosmic scope—not just Jews but all humanity. Present participle katallassōn (καταλλάσσων) suggests ongoing process—reconciliation accomplished in Christ's death, applied through gospel proclamation.
Not imputing their trespasses unto them—Mē logizomenos autois ta paraptōmata autōn (μὴ λογιζόμενος αὐτοῖς τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν). Logizomai (λογίζομαι) is accounting term—"to reckon, credit, charge." God does NOT charge sins to humanity's account. Paraptōmata (παραπτώματα, "trespasses, transgressions") are willful violations. This is forensic justification—sins credited to Christ (v. 21), righteousness credited to believers (Romans 4:3-8). And hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation—kai themenos en hēmin ton logon tēs katallagēs (καὶ θέμενος ἐν ἡμῖν τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς). Themenos (θέμενος, aorist participle of τίθημι, "placed, entrusted") indicates sacred deposit—gospel message entrusted to believers for proclamation.
Historical Context
The concept of not imputing trespasses was revolutionary in honor-shame cultures that demanded vengeance for wrongs. Paul announces cosmic amnesty—God absorbs offense rather than extracting payment from offenders. This reflected God's character revealed in Christ: enemy-love, substitutionary suffering, grace that justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5).
Reflection
- Do you live with confidence that God is NOT counting your sins against you—or do you still fear His ledger of your failures?
- How faithfully are you discharging the "word of reconciliation" entrusted to you—who needs to hear God is not counting their sins?
- Does God's non-imputation of trespasses lead you to moral laxity or inflamed love and gratitude?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Matthew 1:23, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 John 4:10
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 43:25, 44:22, John 14:20, 17:23