Who was Corrie ten Boom?

Early Life and Family

Corrie ten Boom was born Cornelia Arnolda Johanna ten Boom on April 15, 1892, in Haarlem, the Netherlands. Her family had a long tradition of watchmaking, and her father, Casper ten Boom, was a well-respected watchmaker and devout believer. Corrie grew up in a close-knit home, developing strong convictions about the importance of prayer, Bible study, and practical care for others. She was known for her cheerful disposition and love of service, which became key themes throughout her life.

Service during World War II

When German forces occupied the Netherlands in World War II, Corrie’s family risked their lives by helping Jewish people hide from Nazi persecution. They modified their home to create a secret room, often referred to as “the hiding place,” where those fleeing danger could find refuge. Corrie became an active participant in the Dutch Resistance, helping secure food ration cards and offering spiritual comfort to those who were under threat.

Just as Scripture teaches believers to protect and serve the vulnerable—“Defend the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17, partial quote)—the ten Boom family felt compelled to act. Their unwavering commitment to rescue and protect reflects this biblical principle of sacrificial love.

Imprisonment and Trials

In February of 1944, the Gestapo raided the ten Boom home after receiving a tip. Several Jews hiding in the secret room escaped detection, but Corrie and her family were arrested. Though the Gestapo searched thoroughly, they failed to discover those hidden behind a false wall in Corrie’s bedroom. Corrie’s father, Casper, died shortly after being taken into custody, and Corrie and her sister, Betsie, were sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp.

Their time there was marked by extreme hardship, illness, and relentless cruelty. Despite these conditions, Corrie and Betsie held prayer meetings and Bible readings with the other prisoners, emphasizing hope and faith even in suffering. In line with Romans 8:28 (BSB, partial quote), which states that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,” Corrie and Betsie trusted that God’s purposes could be fulfilled in the darkest of places.

Betsie died in December of 1944, yet her joy and faith in God became a lasting example to Corrie. Corrie was released shortly thereafter, later learning that it was due to a clerical error—an event that she described as providential.

Message of Forgiveness

After the war, Corrie returned to the Netherlands but soon felt called to share a message of healing and forgiveness, particularly toward those who had caused immense suffering. In her public talks and personal interactions, she exemplified the teaching to “forgive, if you have anything against anyone” (Mark 11:25, partial quote).

One of her most famous anecdotes recounts when she met a former Ravensbrück guard who asked her for forgiveness. In that pivotal moment, she remembered the biblical command: “Forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, partial quote). She struggled inwardly but chose to forgive, illustrating that true forgiveness requires an act of the will, rooted in faith.

Postwar Ministry and Writings

Corrie’s most famous book, “The Hiding Place” (released in 1971), details her family’s story, their faith during the Holocaust, and God’s sustaining power in the face of evil. The book reached worldwide audiences and was later adapted into a film. Beyond this seminal work, Corrie wrote other books and traveled extensively as a public speaker, testifying about God’s provision.

Her ministry took her across Europe, the Americas, and beyond, where she witnessed many coming to faith or rediscovering hope through her testimony. She continued to speak on practical faith lessons—topics such as worry, trust, God’s guidance, and the promise of eternal life.

Legacy and Impact

Corrie ten Boom lived simply, believing that every believer is called to share the transformative power of Christ’s love. Her family’s actions modeled the compassion taught in Scripture: “Rescue those being led away to death” (Proverbs 24:11, partial quote). Corrie’s life illustrated that even a single household, armed with faith, can become a place of refuge to many.

Multitudes have cited Corrie’s testimony as evidence of how divinely inspired forgiveness and perseverance can bring about spiritual and emotional healing. Her story underscores the reality that God works in history through ordinary people who trust Him and make themselves available to serve. Although she died on April 15, 1983—her 91st birthday—her influence endures in churches, schools, and Christian ministries worldwide, where her story continues to inspire forgiveness, hope, and steadfast love.

Related Biblical Themes

• God’s Sovereignty in Difficult Times – Much like the faith of Joseph (Genesis 50:20), Corrie and her family understood that God can bring good out of dire circumstances.

• Love for the Neighbor and the Stranger – Corrie’s presence in the Dutch Resistance parallels the principle of showing hospitality and saving lives (Hebrews 13:2, partial quote).

• Forgiveness and Reconciliation – Her transformative encounters exemplify the depth of Christlike forgiveness (Colossians 3:13, partial quote).

• Steadfast Faith and Hope – Corrie and Betsie’s commitment to prayer and Scripture at Ravensbrück highlights the biblical call to stand firm in all circumstances (Ephesians 6:13, partial quote).

Corrie ten Boom’s life serves as a powerful illustration of how faith in difficult times can be a beacon of light to those living in fear and despair. Her message resonates today, pointing to God’s enduring presence, the victory of forgiveness, and the perennial hope offered through Christ.