Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 10:4

What does 2 Corinthians 10:4 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 10:4 means

Paul declares that the weapons he uses are not fleshly. They are empowered “before God,” effective to demolish strongholds. These strongholds are not physical fortresses but entrenched patterns of thought, false ideologies, and sinful reasonings that resist God’s truth. The gospel, Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit’s power pull down what human cleverness cannot. This claim answers critics who prized rhetoric and external show. Paul’s effectiveness lies in divine enablement, not in showy technique. Where human tools often only shift appearances, God’s weapons reach the mind and heart, bringing deep change and exposing the lies that keep people from knowing and obeying God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

(for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds);

KJV

King James Version · 1611

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

(for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds);

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

(For the arms with which we are fighting are not those of the flesh, but are strong before God for the destruction of high places);

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the weapons of our warfare <FI>are<Fi> not fleshly, but powerful to God for bringing down of strongholds,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty to God, unto the pulling down of fortifications, destroying counsels,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For the arms of our warfare [are] not fleshly, but powerful according toGod to [the] overthrow of strongholds;

Context

Continuing the theme from verse 3, verse 4 clarifies the nature and potency of Paul’s ministry tools. The contrast between fleshly and God-empowered methods sets up verse 5, which details the specific targets of this warfare: imaginations and lofty claims against the knowledge of God. This emphasis on divine power undercuts the Corinthians’ temptation to judge by outward skills. Verse 6 will then explain the practical outcome: Paul stands ready to act in discipline, but only after the church has aligned itself in obedience.

v.3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh

v.4This passage

v.5casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 41:14

    Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith Jehovah, and thy Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

  • 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;

  • Joshua 6:20

    So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

  • Zechariah 4:6

    Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts.

  • Ephesians 6:13

    Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10

    For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.

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