2 Corinthians 1:10

KJV

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} delivered {G4506} us {G2248} from {G1537} so great {G5082} a death {G2288}, and {G2532} doth deliver {G4506}: in {G1519} whom {G3739} we trust {G1679} that {G3754} he will {G4506}{G2532} yet {G2089} deliver {G4506} us;

Complete Jewish Bible

He rescued us from such deadly peril, and he will rescue us again! The one in whom we have placed our hope will indeed continue to rescue us.

Berean Standard Bible

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,

American Standard Version

who delivered us out of so great a death, and will deliver: on whom we have set our hope that he will also still deliver us;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Corinthians 1:10 stands as a profound testament to God's comprehensive and unwavering faithfulness in deliverance, articulated through the Apostle Paul's personal and harrowing experiences. This verse encapsulates a powerful theological truth: God's active, continuous involvement in the lives of His people, not merely as a past rescuer, but as a present sustainer and a future hope, ensuring ultimate salvation and protection against all forms of "great death."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening salutation and thanksgiving section of Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, specifically within his defense of his apostolic ministry and his explanation for a change in travel plans. Paul begins by establishing his authority and offering comfort to the suffering church, identifying God as the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" ([2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort")). He then details a severe affliction experienced in Asia, so intense that he and his companions "despaired even of life" ([2 Corinthians 1:8](/2_corinthians/1-8 "2 Corinthians 1:8 - Paul's Affliction in Asia")). This extreme suffering served a divine purpose: "that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead" ([2 Corinthians 1:9](/2_corinthians/1-9 "2 Corinthians 1:9 - Trust in God Who Raises the Dead")). [2 Corinthians 1:10](/2_corinthians/1-10 "2 Corinthians 1:10 - God's Tri-Temporal Deliverance") functions as the triumphant conclusion to this narrative of affliction and reliance, summarizing God's past, present, and future faithfulness in delivering His servants. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussions on suffering, comfort, and the nature of his ministry, emphasizing that God's power is perfected in weakness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was fraught with peril, including shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonments, and constant threats, as he later enumerates in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle")). The specific "great death" mentioned in [2 Corinthians 1:10](/2_corinthians/1-10 "2 Corinthians 1:10 - God's Tri-Temporal Deliverance") likely refers to a life-threatening incident in Ephesus, possibly related to the riot against Demetrius and the silversmiths described in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - The Riot in Ephesus"), or another severe persecution. In the Roman world, early Christians faced significant societal hostility and state-sanctioned persecution, making Paul's experiences not uncommon, though perhaps uniquely intense. His audience in Corinth, a bustling, cosmopolitan, and morally complex city, would have understood the pervasive dangers of travel and public life, especially for those proclaiming a message counter to prevailing pagan norms. Paul's sharing of his vulnerability and God's powerful intervention would have resonated deeply, offering a relatable example of divine sustenance in a hostile environment, thereby bolstering their faith amidst their own trials.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 1](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians 1 - Comfort in Affliction") and particularly [2 Corinthians 1:10](/2_corinthians/1-10 "2 Corinthians 1:10 - God's Tri-Temporal Deliverance") contribute significantly to several overarching themes in the broader book. First, the theme of **Divine Comfort in Suffering** is paramount. Paul's suffering is not meaningless but serves as a conduit for God's comfort, which then enables Paul to comfort others ([2 Corinthians 1:4](/2_corinthians/1-4 "2 Corinthians 1:4 - Comfort to Comfort Others")). Second, the theme of **God's Tri-Temporal Deliverance** is explicitly stated, showcasing God's faithfulness across past, present, and future dimensions. This emphasizes God's sovereign control over all circumstances. Third, **Reliance on God Alone** is highlighted; Paul's despair of life forced him to abandon self-reliance and place his complete trust in God "who raiseth the dead" ([2 Corinthians 1:9](/2_corinthians/1-9 "2 Corinthians 1:9 - Trust in God Who Raises the Dead")). This reliance transforms suffering into an opportunity for deeper faith. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Apostolic Authenticity**, as Paul's willingness to share his weakness and God's power in it validates his ministry, demonstrating that his authority comes from God, not human strength.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Greek, _rhýomai'_):** This verb, G4506, means "to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e. rescue." It conveys the active, powerful intervention of God to snatch someone from danger, destruction, or peril. It's not a passive escape but a forceful, intentional act of salvation, emphasizing God's might and His personal involvement in the rescue.
* **so great (Greek, _tēlikoûtos'_):** This adjective, G5082, describes something "such as this, i.e. (in figurative magnitude) so vast" or "so mighty." It underscores the immense scale and severity of the "death" from which Paul was delivered, highlighting the extraordinary nature of God's intervention. It magnifies the peril, thereby magnifying the power of the Deliverer.
* **trust (Greek, _elpízō'_):** Derived from the noun for "hope," this verb, G1679, means "to expect or confide." It signifies a confident expectation, a firm assurance, and a deep reliance based on God's character and proven faithfulness, rather than a mere wish or uncertain desire. It implies a settled conviction in God's ability and willingness to act.
* **yet (Greek, _éti'_):** This adverb, G2089, means "still" or "further" (of time or degree). In this context, it emphasizes the continuity and ongoing nature of God's deliverance into the future. It conveys the idea that God's work of rescue is not finished but will persist as long as needed, reinforcing the unwavering hope Paul expresses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who delivered us from so great a death":** This clause refers to God's past acts of rescue. The "great death" signifies an extreme, life-threatening peril, likely a specific incident of intense suffering or persecution Paul and his companions endured. This past deliverance serves as a foundational proof of God's power and faithfulness.
* **"and doth deliver":** This phrase speaks to God's ongoing, present activity. It indicates that God is continuously involved in rescuing and preserving His people from current dangers, trials, and afflictions. It's a declaration of God's sustained intervention in the present moment, providing comfort and protection.
* **"in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];"**: This final clause expresses a confident future expectation. "In whom we trust" highlights the object of their unwavering faith—God Himself. The phrase "he will yet deliver" projects this divine faithfulness into the future, assuring believers of God's ultimate and continued salvation from all future perils, culminating in final victory over death and sin.

#### Literary Devices
[2 Corinthians 1:10](/2_corinthians/1-10 "2 Corinthians 1:10 - God's Tri-Temporal Deliverance") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Triadic Structure**, specifically a temporal progression of deliverance: past ("delivered"), present ("doth deliver"), and future ("will yet deliver"). This creates a comprehensive and reassuring picture of God's continuous involvement in the believer's life, emphasizing His eternal faithfulness. The phrase "so great a death" is an example of **Hyperbole**, used to underscore the extreme severity of the danger Paul faced, thereby magnifying the power and majesty of God's rescue. It is also a form of **Metonymy**, where "death" represents not just physical demise but also overwhelming despair, suffering, and existential threat. The repeated use of the verb "deliver" (rhýomai) creates **Repetition**, reinforcing the central theme of divine rescue and embedding it firmly in the reader's mind, highlighting its significance and God's consistent character. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Affirmation of Faith**, transforming Paul's personal experience into a universal declaration of trust in God's unfailing power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 1:10](/2_corinthians/1-10 "2 Corinthians 1:10 - God's Tri-Temporal Deliverance") profoundly articulates the theological concept of God's sovereign and comprehensive care for His people across all dimensions of time. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is not merely a historical figure or a distant deity, but an active, immanent presence who intervenes in human affairs. This tri-temporal deliverance—past, present, and future—underscores God's immutability and His covenant faithfulness. It teaches that suffering, while real and agonizing, is often a crucible that refines faith and deepens reliance on God alone, demonstrating that His power is most evident in human weakness. The "great death" can be understood not only as physical peril but also as spiritual death, the dominion of sin, and the ultimate threat of eternal separation from God, from which only He can deliver. This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's redemptive work, both in specific life circumstances and in the grand narrative of salvation.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 1:10](/2_corinthians/1-10 "2 Corinthians 1:10 - God's Tri-Temporal Deliverance") offers profound encouragement and a robust framework for navigating the inevitable challenges of life. When facing overwhelming circumstances—whether physical illness, emotional despair, financial ruin, or spiritual attack—this verse calls us to remember God's proven track record of deliverance. Just as He delivered Paul from "so great a death," He has demonstrated His power in our own past, providing strength when we were weak, comfort when we grieved, and a way out when we felt trapped. This past faithfulness should fuel our confidence in His present help, assuring us that He "doth deliver" us daily from the myriad pressures and temptations we face. Furthermore, it instills a steadfast hope for the future, reminding us that no matter what lies ahead, God "will yet deliver." Our trust in Him is not a naive optimism but a firm conviction rooted in His unchanging character and His ultimate victory over sin and death. This perspective transforms our struggles into opportunities to witness God's power, deepen our dependence on Him, and live with an unwavering assurance that our sovereign God is always at work for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **From what "great deaths" has God delivered you in the past, and how do those experiences strengthen your faith for today?**
* **In what specific ways do you need God to "doth deliver" you in your current circumstances?**
* **What future challenges or fears do you face, and how does the promise that "He will yet deliver" provide you with hope and peace?**
* **How does Paul's example of trusting God in extreme affliction encourage you to rely more fully on Him rather than on your own strength?**

### FAQ
**What does "so great a death" mean in this context?**

Answer: "So great a death" (Greek, _tēlikoûtos thánatos_) refers to an extremely severe, life-threatening peril or affliction that Paul and his companions experienced, likely during their ministry in Asia, possibly Ephesus. While it could literally mean facing physical death, it also encompasses the profound despair and overwhelming sense of hopelessness that accompanied such a dire situation. It signifies a crisis of immense magnitude from which only divine intervention could rescue them, highlighting the vastness of the danger and the corresponding greatness of God's deliverance. This experience was so intense that they "despaired even of life" ([2 Corinthians 1:8](/2_corinthians/1-8 "2 Corinthians 1:8 - Paul's Affliction in Asia")), emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 1:10](/2_corinthians/1-10 "2 Corinthians 1:10 - God's Tri-Temporal Deliverance") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's complete and tri-temporal deliverance. Christ is the "Who" who delivered us from the greatest death of all: the spiritual death and eternal separation caused by sin. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus "delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). His resurrection demonstrates that He "doth deliver" us daily from the power of sin, the grip of temptation, and the despair of this fallen world, offering new life and ongoing victory through the Holy Spirit ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). Furthermore, it is in Christ that we "trust that He will yet deliver us" from all future perils, including the final enemy, death itself. His second coming promises the ultimate deliverance, when "death is swallowed up in victory" ([1 Corinthians 15:54](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory")), and believers will receive glorified bodies, fully redeemed and forever free from suffering and sin. Thus, Christ is not just a deliverer from specific dangers, but the Deliverer who conquers sin, death, and the grave, securing our eternal salvation and guaranteeing God's faithfulness from eternity past to eternity future.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 4:10

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Psalms 34:19

Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

1 Samuel 17:37

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

Romans 15:31

That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which [I have] for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Acts 26:21

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill [me].