2 Corinthians 10:3
What does 2 Corinthians 10:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 10:3 means
Paul acknowledges that he lives “in the flesh,” meaning he shares ordinary human limitations. Yet his ministry is not conducted “according to the flesh.” He does not rely on worldly strategies, personal charisma, or manipulative power to advance the gospel. His struggle is spiritual in nature—opposing lies, sin, and the devil’s schemes. This perspective reframes the conflict in Corinth. The battle is not about personalities or appearances but about allegiance to God’s truth. By distinguishing physical existence from fleshly methods, Paul invites the church to evaluate ministry by spiritual faithfulness rather than human metrics like eloquence, status, or outward dominance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
KJV
King James Version · 1611For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For though we may be living in the flesh, we are not fighting after the way of the flesh
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for walking in the flesh, not according to the flesh do we war,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For walking in flesh, we do not war according to flesh.
Context
Paul has asked not to exercise harsh boldness (verse 2). Now, in verses 3–6, he explains the basis of his confidence: his warfare is spiritual. Verse 3 launches that explanation, separating human frailty from worldly methods. Verse 4 will describe the nature and power of his weapons, and verse 5 the targets of this warfare—arguments and proud ideas. Verse 6 will close the section with his readiness to discipline once the church’s obedience is settled. This sequence helps the Corinthians reinterpret the conflict through a spiritual lens.
v.2yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
v.3This passage
v.4(for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds);
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 10:4
(for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds);
- 1 Timothy 1:18
This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare;
- 1 Peter 4:1
Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
- Hebrews 12:1
Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
- Romans 8:13
for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
- Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
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