2 Corinthians 5:21
What does 2 Corinthians 5:21 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 5:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 5:21 means
Here is the gospel’s deepest truth. Christ “knew no sin”—He was sinless—yet God “made” Him to be sin for us. This does not mean Christ became sinful, but that He was identified with our sin, bearing its guilt and penalty as our substitute. In union with Him, we “become the righteousness of God”—we are counted righteous before God, clothed in a righteousness not our own but His. This grand exchange is the just foundation for reconciliation: God remains righteous while declaring sinners righteous in Christ. The verse centers salvation on Christ’s person and work, inviting faith and grounding the believer’s new identity and bold approach to God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For him who had no knowledge of sin God made to be sin for us; so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for him who did not know sin, in our behalf He did make sin, that we may become the righteousness of God in him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Him, who knew no sin, he hath made sin for us: that we might be made the justice of God in him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Him who knew not sin he has made sin for us, that we might becomeGod's righteousness in him.
Context
Verse 21 concludes the chapter by revealing the divine exchange that makes reconciliation possible. It anchors the ambassador’s appeal (v. 20) in Christ’s sin-bearing work and the gift of God’s righteousness to those in Him. This climactic statement gathers the chapter’s themes—mortal weakness, future glory, present purpose, transforming love, new creation, and reconciling mission—and roots them in the cross. It also transitions naturally into the next chapter’s urgent call not to receive God’s grace in vain.
v.20We 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.
v.21This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
- Daniel 9:26
And after the threescore and two weeks shall the anointed one be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and even unto the end shall be war; desolations are determined.
- 1 John 3:5
And ye know that he was manifested to take away sins; and in him is no sin.
- 1 Peter 3:18
Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
- Romans 1:17
For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith.
- Jeremiah 23:26
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?
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