Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. New Living Translation Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. English Standard Version Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. Berean Standard Bible Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. Berean Literal Bible Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men. And we have been made manifest to God, and I hope to have been made manifest in your consciences also. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. New American Standard Bible Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we are well known to God; and I hope that we are also well known in your consciences. NASB 1995 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. NASB 1977 Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. Legacy Standard Bible So then, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we have been made manifest to God; and I hope that we have been made manifest also in your consciences. Amplified Bible Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment]. Christian Standard Bible Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your consciences. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we seek to persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well. American Standard Version Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. Contemporary English Version We know what it means to respect the Lord, and we encourage everyone to turn to him. God himself knows what we are like, and I hope you also know what kind of people we are. English Revised Version Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. GOD'S WORD® Translation As people who know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. God already knows what we are, and I hope that you also know what we are. Good News Translation We know what it means to fear the Lord, and so we try to persuade others. God knows us completely, and I hope that in your hearts you know me as well. International Standard Version Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade people. We ourselves are perfectly known to God. I hope we are also really known to your consciences. Majority Standard Bible Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. NET Bible Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too. New Heart English Bible Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we are revealed to God; and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences. Webster's Bible Translation Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest to God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. Weymouth New Testament Therefore, because we realize how greatly the Lord is to be feared, we are endeavouring to win men over, and God recognizes what our motives are, and I hope that you, in your hearts, recognize them too. World English Bible Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are revealed to God, and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionhaving known, therefore, the fear of the LORD, we persuade men, and we are revealed to God, and I also hope to have been revealed in your consciences; Berean Literal Bible Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men. And we have been made manifest to God, and I hope to have been made manifest in your consciences also. Young's Literal Translation having known, therefore, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, and to God we are manifested, and I hope also in your consciences to have been manifested; Smith's Literal Translation Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; and we are made manifest to God; and I hope also to have been made manifest to your consciences. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleKnowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we use persuasion to men; but to God we are manifest. And I trust also that in your consciences we are manifest. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, having knowledge of the fear of the Lord, we appeal to men, but we are made manifest before God. Yet I hope, too, that we may be made manifest in your consciences. New American Bible Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we are clearly apparent to God, and I hope we are also apparent to your consciousness. New Revised Standard Version Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleKnowing therefore the fear of our LORD, we try in a persuasive way to win men; so we are very well understood by God; and I trust we are also understood by you. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Therefore, because we know the awesomeness of Our Lord, we persuade the children of men, but we are revealed to God, and I hope also that we are revealed to your understanding. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentKnowing, then, the fearful judgment of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest to God. I hope, indeed, that we are also made manifest in your consciences. Godbey New Testament Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but we have been made manifest unto God; and I hope that we have indeed been made manifest in your consciences. Haweis New Testament Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we have been made manifest to God, and I hope also have been made manifest in your consciences. Mace New Testament Shall I then, who know this terrible judgment of the Lord, endeavour to appease men? as for God, I am approved by him, and I trust also you are convinced of my being so approved. Weymouth New Testament Therefore, because we realize how greatly the Lord is to be feared, we are endeavouring to win men over, and God recognizes what our motives are, and I hope that you, in your hearts, recognize them too. Worrell New Testament Knowing, therefore, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but to God we have been made manifest, and I hope that we have been made manifest also in your consciences. Worsley New Testament Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men: but if not, we are manifest unto God, and I hope we are also manifested to your consciences: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ambassadors for Christ10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. 11Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. 12We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.… Cross References Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners. Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Romans 3:18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. / For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil. Job 28:28 And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Isaiah 11:3 And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, Jeremiah 32:40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me. 1 Samuel 12:24 Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! Luke 12:5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! Treasury of Scripture Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest to God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. the terror. Genesis 35:5 And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. Job 6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me. Job 18:11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet. we persuade. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now 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 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. but. 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward… 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1,2 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; … Jump to Previous Conscience Consciences Endeavouring Fear Feared Greatly Hearts Hope Manifest Mind Motives Persuade Plain Realize Recognizes Revealed Right Seem Terror Trust Try WinJump to Next Conscience Consciences Endeavouring Fear Feared Greatly Hearts Hope Manifest Mind Motives Persuade Plain Realize Recognizes Revealed Right Seem Terror Trust Try Win2 Corinthians 5 1. That in his assured hope of immortal glory,9. and in expectation of it, he labors to keep a good conscience; 12. not that he may boast of himself, 14. but as one that, having received life from Christ, 17. endeavors to live as a new creature to Christ only, 18. and by his ministry of reconciliation, to reconcile others also in Christ to God. Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord The phrase "fear the Lord" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it signifies a profound respect and reverence for God, acknowledging His power and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," indicating that understanding and respecting God's nature is foundational to spiritual insight. In the New Testament context, this fear is not about terror but about a reverent awe that leads to obedience and worship. Paul, having experienced the transformative power of Christ, understands the gravity of God's holiness and justice, which compels him to live and preach with sincerity and urgency. we try to persuade men What we are is clear to God and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. Paul is emphasizing his ministry's sincerity and the motivation behind his actions. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced various issues, including questions about Paul's authority and integrity. 3. The Corinthian Church The recipients of this letter, who were struggling with internal divisions and external pressures. Paul writes to clarify his intentions and to strengthen their faith. Teaching Points The Fear of the LordUnderstanding the "fear of the Lord" is crucial. It is not about being afraid but having a deep reverence and respect for God's holiness and authority. This reverence should motivate our actions and interactions with others. Persuasion with Integrity Paul emphasizes persuading others about the Gospel with integrity. Our lives should reflect the truth we proclaim, ensuring that our motives are pure and transparent before God and others. Living Transparently Just as Paul hoped his life was clear to the Corinthians, we should strive to live transparently, ensuring our actions align with our faith. This transparency builds trust and credibility in our witness. Conscience and Accountability Paul appeals to the conscience of the Corinthians, suggesting that a clear conscience is vital in our walk with Christ. Regular self-examination and accountability help maintain a clear conscience before God and others. Motivation for Ministry Our motivation for ministry should stem from our reverence for God and love for others. This ensures that our efforts are not self-serving but aimed at glorifying God and edifying others.(11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord.--Better, the fear of the Lord. The English word "terror" is unduly strong, and hinders the reader from seeing that what St. Paul speaks of is identical with "the fear of the Lord"--the temper not of slavish dread, but reverential awe, which had been described in the Old Testament as "the beginning of wisdom" (Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10). Tyndale's and Cranmer's versions give, "how the Lord is to be feared;" the Rhemish, "fear." "Terror," characteristically enough, makes its first appearance in the Geneva version. We persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God.--The antithesis is singularly indicative of the rapid turn of thought in the Apostle's mind. "We go on our way of winning men to Christ." (Comp. the use of the same Greek word in Acts 12:20, "having made Blastus . . . their friend.") It is singular to note that, in an Epistle probably nearly contemporary with this, St. Paul uses the phrase almost in a bad sense: "Do we now persuade men, or God?" i.e., "Are we seeking to please our friends or God?" (Galatians 1:10.) And here, apparently, the imperfection of the phrase and its liability to misconstruction occurs to him, and he therefore immediately adds, "Yes, we do our work of persuading men" (the case of Felix, in Acts 24:25, may be noted as showing the prominence of "the judgment to come" in St. Paul's method), "but it is all along with the thought that our own lives also have been laid open in their inmost recesses to the sight of God." The word "made manifest" is clearly used in reference to the same word (in the Greek) as is translated "appear" in 2Corinthians 5:10. . . . Verses 11-19. - Self-devotion of the ministry of reconciliation. Verse 11. - Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. Multitudes of texts have been torn from their context and grossly abused and misinterpreted, but few more so than this. It is the text usually chosen by those who wish to excuse a setting forth of God under the attributes of Moloch. With any such views it has not the remotest connection. It simply means, "Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men," either "to keep in view the same fear of the Lord as ourselves," or (reverting to his last assertion of his own sincerity and integrity in ver. 9), "that our sole ambition is to please God." The rendering, "the terror of the Lord," for the every day expression, "the fear of the Lord," was wantonly intruded into modern versions by Beza, and has not a single word to be said in its favour. The phrase means (as always) not the dread which God inspires, but the holy fear which mingles with our love of him. To teach men to regard God with terror is to undo the best teaching of all Scripture, which indeed has too often been the main end of human systems of theology. We persuade men. Not in a bad sense (Galatians 1:10). The attacks and calumnies of enemies make it necessary to vindicate our integrity is men; but we have no need to do so to God, because he already knows us (comp. "persuading Blastus," Acts 12:20). We are made manifest unto God; rather, but to God we have been (and are) manifested. He needs no self defence from us. Are made manifest in your consciences; but I hope that I have been, and am now, made manifest in your consciences. In other words, I trust that this apology into which you have driven me has achieved its ends; and that, whatever may be your prejudices and innuendoes, before the bar of the individual conscience of each of you we now stand clear (comp. 2 Corinthians 4:2).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Therefore,οὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. since we know Εἰδότες (Eidotes) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate. [what it means] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. to fear φόβον (phobon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 5401: (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord, Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. we try to persuade πείθομεν (peithomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely. men. ἀνθρώπους (anthrōpous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. What we are is clear πεφανερώμεθα (pephanerōmetha) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural Strong's 5319: To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent. to God, Θεῷ (Theō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. I hope ἐλπίζω (elpizō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 1679: To hope, hope for, expect, trust. From elpis; to expect or confide. it is clear πεφανερῶσθαι (pephanerōsthai) Verb - Perfect Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 5319: To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent. to ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. conscience συνειδήσεσιν (syneidēsesin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 4893: The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness. as well. καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Links 2 Corinthians 5:11 NIV2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT 2 Corinthians 5:11 ESV 2 Corinthians 5:11 NASB 2 Corinthians 5:11 KJV 2 Corinthians 5:11 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 5:11 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 5:11 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 5:11 French Bible 2 Corinthians 5:11 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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