2 Corinthians 4:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Thus death is at work in us but life in you.

Berean Standard Bible:

So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

American Standard Version:

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

So^{G5620} then^{G3303} death^{G2288} worketh^{G1754} in^{G1722} us^{G2254}, but^{G1161} life^{G2222} in^{G1722} you^{G5213}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 2 Corinthians 4:12

2 Corinthians 4:12 is a verse in which the Apostle Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, continuing a theme of the hardships and sufferings he and his fellow workers endure for the sake of the Gospel. In this particular verse, Paul is drawing a contrast between the effects of his ministry on himself and on the Corinthian believers. The phrase "death worketh in us" reflects the idea that Paul and his companions are experiencing a form of death through their sacrifices, persecutions, and the toll taken on their bodies as they spread the message of Christ. This "death" is a metaphor for the trials they face, which serve to weaken their physical selves.

However, the outcome of these sacrifices is not purely negative. Paul explains that while they suffer, their ministry brings "life in you," meaning the Corinthians and other recipients of the Gospel. The "life" here is spiritual life, the eternal life that comes from faith in Jesus Christ, which Paul's ministry helps to impart to others. This verse encapsulates the paradoxical nature of Christian ministry as seen in the New Testament: suffering and weakness in the messenger leading to strength and life in those who receive the message.

Historically, Paul's letters to the Corinthians were written in the context of correcting various problems within the Corinthian church and defending his apostolic authority. His discussion of suffering and service is set against the backdrop of the early Christian community's struggles and the challenges of spreading Christianity in a hostile environment. Paul's message is one of encouragement, reminding the Corinthians of the value and impact of his work among them, despite the personal cost to himself and his co-laborers. This verse, therefore, highlights the selfless nature of apostolic ministry and the transformative power of the Gospel that brings life to believers.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G5620
   There are 83 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὥστε
   Transliteration: hṓste
   Pronunciation: hoce'-teh
   Description: from ὡς and τέ; so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow):--(insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3303
   There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μέν
   Transliteration: mén
   Pronunciation: men
   Description: a primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with δέ (this one, the former, etc.):--even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily. Often compounded with other particles in an intensive or asseverative sense.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2288
   There are 106 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θάνατος
   Transliteration: thánatos
   Pronunciation: than'-at-os
   Description: from θνήσκω; (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively):--X deadly, (be…) death.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1754
   There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐνεργέω
   Transliteration: energéō
   Pronunciation: en-erg-eh'-o
   Description: from ἐνεργής; to be active, efficient:--do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).
   
5. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2254
   There are 167 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἡμῖν
   Transliteration: hēmîn
   Pronunciation: hay-meen'
   Description: dative case plural of ἐγώ; to (or for, with, by) us:--our, (for) us, we.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
8. Strong's Number: G2222
   There are 126 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ζωή
   Transliteration: zōḗ
   Pronunciation: dzo-ay'
   Description: from ζάω; life (literally or figuratively):--life(-time). Compare ψυχή.
   
9. Strong's Number: G5213
   There are 567 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑμῖν
   Transliteration: hymîn
   Pronunciation: hoo-min'
   Description: irregular dative case of ὑμεῖς; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).