Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:12

What does 2 Corinthians 4:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 4:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 4:12 means

“Death works in us, but life in you” sums up Paul’s sacrificial ministry. His ordeals are not pointless; they serve the spiritual vitality of the church. As he faces danger and depletion for Jesus’ sake, the Corinthians receive the benefits of the gospel—strength, encouragement, and growth. This is not mere rhetoric; it is the pattern of Christ reproduced in His servants: one suffers so that others might live. The statement also carries quiet assurance—God is bringing life out of death even now, not only in the future resurrection. Paul’s trials are instruments in God’s hand for the flourishing of those he serves.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So then, death is working in us, but life in you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so that, the death indeed in us doth work, and the life in you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So then death worketh in us: but life in you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

so that death works in us, but life in you.

Context

This aphorism gathers the preceding ideas (verses 10–11) into a ministry outcome. From preservation in weakness to purpose in suffering, now to fruit in others’ lives, the argument turns outward. The next verses (13–14) will show the faith and resurrection hope that keep Paul speaking boldly despite the cost. Then verse 15 will tie the benefits to a wider horizon—grace spreading, thanksgiving rising, God being glorified.

v.11For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

v.12This passage

v.13But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak;

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 4:10

    We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:15

    And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

  • Acts 20:24

    But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • Philippians 2:17

    Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all:

  • 1 John 3:16

    Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

  • Philippians 2:30

    because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

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