Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:16

What does 2 Corinthians 5:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 5:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 5:16 means

Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, Paul now regards people through a new lens. He no longer “knows” anyone according to the flesh—by worldly categories like status, ethnicity, or outward impressiveness. Even his former assessment of Christ “after the flesh” (as merely a human figure) has been superseded. Now he recognizes Christ as the crucified and risen Lord, and thus sees every person in relation to Him—either in Adam or in Christ. This conversion of perspective is a mark of the gospel’s power. It dissolves old prejudices and resets evaluations according to spiritual reality, anticipating the announcement of new creation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this reason, from this time forward we have knowledge of no man after the flesh: even if we have had knowledge of Christ after the flesh, we have no longer any such knowledge.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

So that we henceforth have known no one according to the flesh, and even if we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him no more;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Wherefore henceforth, we know no man according to the flesh. And if we have known Christ according to the flesh: but now we know him so no longer.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So that we henceforth know no one according to flesh; but if even we have known Christ according to flesh, yet now we know [him thus] no longer.

Context

Flowing from the purpose of living for Christ (v. 15), verse 16 describes the changed way believers perceive others and Christ Himself. It bridges to verse 17, where Paul will state the ontological change that occurs “in Christ.” Thus, the argument moves from motive (love of Christ), to purpose (live for Him), to perception (no longer according to the flesh), to reality (new creation), setting up the ministry dynamics of reconciliation in verses 18–21.

v.15and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.

v.16This passage

v.17Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

Cross references

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

  • John 15:14

    Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

  • Mark 3:31

    And there come his mother and his brethren; and, standing without, they sent unto him, calling him.

  • John 2:4

    And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

  • Deuteronomy 33:9

    Who said of his father, and of his mother, I have not seen him; Neither did he acknowledge his brethren, Nor knew he his own children: For they have observed thy word, And keep thy covenant.

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