Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:20

What does 2 Corinthians 5:20 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 5:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 5:20 means

Given God’s reconciling work, Paul speaks as an ambassador on behalf of Christ. An ambassador carries the authority and message of the one who sends him. Through such preaching, God Himself is entreating people. Therefore Paul pleads: “be ye reconciled to God.” The tone is earnest and personal because the stakes are eternal. Reconciliation is not automatic; it must be received. The verse dignifies gospel ministry and summons hearers to respond to God’s gracious initiative. In Christ’s name, Paul urges estranged people to lay down arms, trust the Savior, and enter restored fellowship with God secured by Christ’s death and resurrection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So we are the representatives of Christ, as if God was making a request to you through us: we make our request to you, in the name of Christ, be at peace with God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in behalf of Christ, then, we are ambassadors, as if God were calling through us, we beseech, in behalf of Christ, `Be ye reconciled to God;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting by us, for Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

We are ambassadors therefore for Christ,God as [it were] beseeching by us, we entreat for Christ, Be reconciled toGod.

Context

After explaining reconciliation and the entrusted word (v. 19), Paul assumes the ambassador’s role. Verse 20 is the practical outworking: God appeals through human messengers to summon people into peace. The appeal prepares for verse 21, which grounds the call in the saving exchange at the heart of the gospel—Christ made sin for us so we might become God’s righteousness in Him. Thus the chapter culminates in the cross-centered basis for reconciliation.

v.19to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

v.20This passage

v.21Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 5:11

    Knowing 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.

  • 2 Kings 17:13

    Yet Jehovah testified unto Israel, and unto Judah, by every prophet, and every seer, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

  • Luke 14:23

    And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and constrain them to come in, that my house may be filled.

  • Isaiah 55:6

    Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near:

  • Jeremiah 13:16

    Give glory to Jehovah your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:15

    And Jehovah, the God of their fathers, sent to them by his messengers, rising up early and sending, because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling-place:

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