2 Corinthians 5:11
What does 2 Corinthians 5:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 5:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 5:11 means
Awed by the Lord’s coming judgment, Paul seeks to persuade people—to win them to the truth and to earnest living before God. He insists his ministry is already exposed to God, who knows his motives and methods. He hopes the Corinthians also recognize this in their consciences. The “fear of the Lord” here is reverent awareness, not cringing terror; it produces persuasion and integrity, not manipulation. The verse shows that right theology fuels right ministry: certainty about accountability shapes how we speak and live. Paul invites the Corinthians to measure him by God’s gaze and their own Spirit-informed conscience, not by flashy appearances.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Knowing 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Knowing 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Knowing 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Having in mind, then, the fear of the Lord, we put these things before men, but God sees our hearts; and it is my hope that we may seem right in your eyes.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having 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;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Knowing 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men, but have been manifested toGod, and I hope also that we have been manifested in your consciences.
Context
Flowing from the reality of Christ’s judgment (v. 10), Paul explains his ministry’s tone: persuasion shaped by reverent fear and transparent integrity. This sets the stage for verse 12, where he distances himself from self-commendation and gives the Corinthians grounds to answer critics who boast in outward show. Verse 13 will then address accusations about Paul’s demeanor, explaining that whether he seems ecstatic or restrained, his motives are God-centered and church-serving.
v.10For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
v.11This passage
v.12We are not again commending ourselves unto you, but speak as giving you occasion of glorying on our behalf, that ye may have wherewith to answer them that glory in appearance, and not in heart.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 33:14
The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling hath seized the godless ones: Who among us can dwell with the devouring fire? who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?
- 2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:
- Jude 1:23
and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
- Acts 18:13
saying, This man persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
- Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.
- Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.
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