4:9 4:9

2 Corinthians 4:10

4:11 4:11

Bible Versions

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
Always {G3842} bearing about {G4064} in {G1722} the body {G4983} the dying {G3500} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, that {G2443} the life {G2222} also {G2532} of Jesus {G2424} might be made manifest {G5319} in {G1722} our {G2257} body {G4983}.
We always carry in our bodies the dying of Yeshua, so that the life of Yeshua may be manifested in our bodies too.
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:10 (KJV) offers a profound insight into the Christian experience, particularly the apostle Paul's understanding of suffering and divine power. This verse encapsulates the paradoxical nature of believers' lives: that through sharing in Christ's suffering, His resurrection life is made evident.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in 2 Corinthians where Paul defends his apostolic ministry and addresses the severe hardships he and his fellow ministers endured. He contrasts the perishable nature of their physical bodies ("earthen vessels") with the incomparable treasure of the gospel they carry (2 Corinthians 4:7). Verses 8 and 9 detail the constant pressures and persecutions they faced ("troubled on every side... persecuted... cast down"), yet they were not destroyed. Verse 10 explains the purpose behind these trials: they are not merely random afflictions but a means by which the life of Jesus is displayed.

Key Themes

  • Identification with Christ: Believers are called to share in the "dying of the Lord Jesus." This isn't just a metaphorical death to sin, but an active participation in the suffering, rejection, and self-sacrifice that characterized Christ's earthly ministry and ultimate crucifixion. It signifies a profound union with Him in both His passion and His glory (Philippians 3:10).
  • Paradox of Life Through Death: The core message is a divine paradox: it is precisely through embracing weakness, suffering, and a kind of daily "dying" to self and worldly ambitions that the vibrant, powerful "life of Jesus" is revealed. This life refers to His resurrection power, His character, and His divine presence working through the believer.
  • Divine Manifestation: The ultimate goal is that Christ's life might be "made manifest" or clearly displayed in the believer's body. This means that when others observe a Christian enduring hardship with faith, hope, and peace, it is not their own strength they see, but the indwelling life of Christ shining through their frailty.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "bearing about" translates the Greek word peripherontes (περιφέροντες), which means "carrying around" or "exhibiting." It suggests a continuous, public display of this identification with Christ's dying.
  • "Dying" comes from the Greek nekrosis (νέκρωσις), which can refer to a putting to death, mortification, or decay. It emphasizes the ongoing process of being put to death or experiencing the effects of death, rather than a single event.
  • "Manifest" is from phanerōthē (φανερωθῇ), meaning "to be made visible," "evident," or "revealed." It implies that Christ's life is not just inwardly present but outwardly demonstrated.

Significance for Believers

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 4:10 offers profound encouragement and reorients our perspective on suffering. It teaches us that:

  • Suffering Has Purpose: Our trials are not meaningless but serve as a crucible through which God's power and Christ's life are revealed. This understanding can transform despair into hope.
  • Weakness is a Channel for Strength: God often chooses to work most powerfully through our areas of weakness, so that the glory goes to Him alone (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • Our Lives Point to Christ: When we endure hardship with faith, our very lives become a testimony to the living Christ within us. It's His enduring strength, His peace, and His love that shine through, drawing others to Him. This verse calls us to a life of daily surrender and reliance on God, allowing His life to be the dominant force in our earthly vessels.
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.

  • Romans 6:5

    For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection:

  • 2 Timothy 2:11

    [It is] a faithful saying: For if we be dead with [him], we shall also live with [him]:

  • 1 Peter 4:13

    But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

  • Romans 6:8

    Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

  • Philippians 3:10

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

  • Philippians 3:11

    If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:4

    For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
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