Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:9

What does 2 Corinthians 6:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 6:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 6:9 means

From the world’s vantage, Paul is insignificant—“unknown.” Yet among God’s people and before God, he is well known as a faithful servant. He lives under constant threat—“as dying”—but paradoxically continues to live, preserved by God’s mercy. Trials discipline him—“as chastened”—but do not destroy him—“not killed.” The line between life and death is thin for gospel workers, yet God’s hand keeps them. These tensions remind us that the measure of a life is not fame or safety but fidelity. Apparent weakness can be the theater of God’s preserving strength, keeping His servants fruitful amid adversity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Unnoted, but still kept fully in mind; as near to death, but still living; as undergoing punishment, but not put to death;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

as unknown, and recognized; as dying, and lo, we live; as chastened, and not put to death;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

as unknown, and well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as disciplined, and not put to death;

Context

Continuing the contrasts of verse 8, this verse intensifies the life-and-death stakes. It shows that the paradox is not mere reputation but survival itself. Paul’s pattern echoes the cross-shaped path of Christian service—death working in the messenger, life in the message’s recipients. The next verse (v. 10) will pull the threads together by showing how sorrow and poverty coexist with joy and spiritual wealth, completing the portrait of Spirit-enabled resilience.

v.8by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

v.9This passage

v.10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 21:37

    And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle, he saith unto the chief captain, May I say something unto thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek?

  • Galatians 1:22

    And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judæa which were in Christ:

  • 2 Corinthians 1:8

    For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

  • 2 Corinthians 4:10

    always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:31

    I protest by that glorying in you, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

  • Romans 8:36

    Even as it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 6

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 6.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 2 Corinthians 6:9.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary