2 Corinthians 10:5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Casting down {G2507} imaginations {G3053}, and {G2532} every {G3956} high thing {G5313} that exalteth itself {G1869} against {G2596} the knowledge {G1108} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} bringing into captivity {G163} every {G3956} thought {G3540} to {G1519} the obedience {G5218} of Christ {G5547};

and every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah.

We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) is a powerful declaration about the spiritual battle for the mind, emphasizing the Christian's call to demolish intellectual strongholds and submit every thought to Christ's lordship.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and ministry against those in Corinth who questioned him. He contrasts their worldly methods with the spiritual nature of his warfare. Paul asserts that though he walks in the flesh, he does not wage war according to the flesh, but with divinely powerful weapons for pulling down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). This passage underscores that the true battle is spiritual, not carnal, and focuses on the mind as a key battlefield in Christian spiritual warfare.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Warfare of the Mind: The primary battlefield for believers is often within our own thoughts and belief systems. This verse calls Christians to actively engage in this internal conflict.
  • Demolishing Falsehoods: It speaks to the need to dismantle "imaginations" (logismous โ€“ human reasonings, arguments, or calculations) and "every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God." This includes intellectual pride, worldly philosophies, and any idea or stronghold that contradicts divine truth and God's revealed Word.
  • Obedience to Christ: The ultimate goal is to bring "every thought" into captivity, subjecting it to the authority and truth of Jesus Christ. This implies a radical submission of one's intellect and will to God's revealed purpose and teaching.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "casting down" (Greek: kathairountes) means to demolish, pull down, or destroy. It's an active, aggressive verb signifying the complete dismantling of something, much like tearing down a fortified wall.
  • "Imaginations" (Greek: logismous) refers to human reasonings, arguments, or calculations, often those that lead to conclusions contrary to God's truth. It's not just fanciful thinking, but deliberate intellectual constructs and thought patterns.
  • "High thing" (Greek: hypsoma) denotes anything lifted up or exalted, often implying arrogance or a barrier. In this context, it refers to prideful intellectual or spiritual strongholds that resist God's revelation or biblical truth.
  • "Bringing into captivity" (Greek: aichmalลtizontes) is a vivid military term meaning to take as a prisoner of war or to subdue. It powerfully portrays the act of conquering rebellious thoughts and making them subservient to Christ.
  • "Knowledge of God" (Greek: gnoseos tou Theou) refers to a true and deep understanding of God, often gained through His revelation in Scripture.

Related Scriptures

This verse is foundational for understanding the spiritual discipline required in the Christian walk. It resonates with the call to be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2) and the understanding that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). It highlights the importance of discerning truth from error, a key aspect of spiritual maturity and maintaining a biblical worldview.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 10:5 serves as a vital reminder to:

  • Examine Thoughts: Regularly assess our beliefs, assumptions, and internal narratives to ensure they align with God's Word and do not contradict divine truth.
  • Discern Worldly Influences: Be vigilant against philosophies, ideologies, or cultural narratives that subtly exalt themselves against biblical truth and Christian principles.
  • Cultivate a Christ-Centered Mindset: Actively choose to think thoughts that are honorable, true, just, pure, lovely, and admirable, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8.
  • Engage in Spiritual Discipline: Prayer, Bible study, and meditation on Scripture are crucial tools for renewing the mind and bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. This is an active process of spiritual growth.

This verse challenges us to maintain intellectual humility and allow the truth of God to be the ultimate authority in our lives, transforming our minds and guiding our actions.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 4:12 (98 votes)

    For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Isaiah 55:7 (90 votes)

    Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

  • 1 Peter 1:14 (77 votes)

    As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

  • 1 Peter 1:15 (77 votes)

    But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

  • Romans 7:23 (67 votes)

    But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

  • Matthew 15:19 (60 votes)

    For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

  • Romans 1:21 (48 votes)

    Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.