2 Corinthians 4:14

KJV

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Knowing {G1492} that {G3754} he which raised up {G1453} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} shall raise up {G1453} us {G2248} also {G2532} by {G1223} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} shall present {G3936} us with {G4862} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because we know that he who raised the Lord Yeshua will also raise us with Yeshua and bring us along with you into his presence.

Berean Standard Bible

knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence.

American Standard Version

knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 4:14 offers a profound declaration of the believer's future hope, rooted in the historical and theological certainty of Christ's resurrection. Paul assures believers that just as God the Father powerfully raised the Lord Jesus from the dead, He will likewise raise all who are in Christ, using Jesus as the divine agent. This future resurrection culminates in a glorious, communal presentation of believers before God, emphasizing both individual vindication and the corporate destiny of the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within Paul's defense and explanation of his apostolic ministry, particularly in the face of immense suffering and weakness. In [2 Corinthians 4](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - Paul's Ministry and Hope"), Paul contrasts the outward decay of his physical body with the inward renewal of his spirit, famously stating that believers carry "this treasure in earthen vessels" ([2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels")). The preceding verses (4:8-12) vividly describe the constant afflictions Paul endures ("perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed"), all for the purpose that "the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body" ([2 Corinthians 4:10](/2_corinthians/4-10 "2 Corinthians 4:10 - Life of Jesus Manifested")). Verse 14, therefore, serves as the theological bedrock and ultimate hope that enables Paul and the Corinthian believers to persevere through these present sufferings. It pivots from the reality of earthly hardship to the glorious certainty of future resurrection, providing the ultimate motivation for his unwavering faith and endurance, a theme further developed in [2 Corinthians 4:16-18](/2_corinthians/4-16-18 "2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Eternal Glory vs. Temporal Affliction").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, a vibrant but often problematic community, was grappling with internal divisions, moral issues, and the influence of false apostles who likely boasted of their own strength and charisma, implicitly criticizing Paul's apparent weakness and suffering. In the Greco-Roman world, the idea of a bodily resurrection was often met with skepticism or ridicule, as seen in Paul's encounter on Mars Hill ([Acts 17:32](/acts/17-32 "Acts 17:32 - Mockery of Resurrection")). Many philosophical schools, like the Epicureans and Stoics, held views that either denied an afterlife or saw the body as a prison from which the soul longed to escape. Against this backdrop, Paul's emphatic declaration of a future bodily resurrection for believers, mirroring Christ's own, was a radical and counter-cultural claim. It was not merely a spiritualized concept but a concrete hope that challenged prevailing death-denying or body-despising philosophies, offering a unique and powerful source of comfort and identity to the early Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **Certainty of Resurrection**, firmly grounded in the historical resurrection of Jesus. Paul asserts that God's power demonstrated in Christ's triumph over death is the guarantee of the believer's future resurrection. This is not a mere possibility but a divine promise, offering immense comfort and assurance in the face of mortality and suffering. Closely related is the theme of **Union with Christ in Destiny**. Our future bodily resurrection is inextricably linked to that of Jesus; He is not only the pattern but also the divine agent "by Jesus" through whom this resurrection is accomplished. Believers share in Christ's triumph over death, echoing the truth that Christ is the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits")). Finally, the verse highlights **Glorious Presentation and Community**. The promise to "present [us] with you" speaks of a future gathering and solemn presentation before God. This signifies not only individual vindication and glorification but also a communal aspect, where all believers will stand together in God's presence, emphasizing the shared destiny of the church and the collective hope of the redeemed. This corporate dimension underscores the importance of Christian fellowship and mutual encouragement in light of this shared future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowing (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, used here in the perfect tense, implies a settled, certain knowledge, not mere speculation or hope. It signifies a deep understanding and conviction derived from spiritual insight and divine revelation. Paul's assurance is not a wishful thought but a firm theological certainty, a knowledge that informs his entire ministry and worldview.
* **Raised up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This word denotes the act of awakening, lifting, or causing to rise. It is used both for Christ's resurrection and for the future resurrection of believers. Its repetition emphasizes the divine power involved in overcoming death and bringing to life. The same divine power that acted decisively in Christ's resurrection will act decisively in the believer's resurrection.
* **Present (Greek, _parístēmi'_):** This verb means "to stand beside," "to bring before," or "to exhibit." In this context, it carries the nuance of a formal, honorable presentation before a great dignitary or judge. It suggests being brought into the presence of God in a state of glory, vindication, and acceptance, a stark contrast to the earthly struggles Paul describes in the preceding verses. It implies a public acknowledgment of the believer's righteous standing through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus":** This opening clause establishes the unshakeable foundation of the Christian hope: the historical, undeniable fact of Jesus' resurrection. The "he" refers to God the Father, highlighting His sovereign power and initiative in conquering death. This act of raising Jesus is presented as a past, completed event, serving as the ultimate guarantee for future events.
* **"shall raise up us also by Jesus":** This clause extends the promise of resurrection from Christ to all believers. The future tense "shall raise up" conveys absolute certainty. The crucial phrase "by Jesus" identifies Christ as the indispensable means and agent through whom this resurrection will occur. Our resurrection is not independent but inextricably linked to, and empowered by, our union with, and the work of, Jesus.
* **"and shall present [us] with you":** This final clause describes the glorious culmination of the resurrection. The word "present" (as analyzed above) signifies a formal, honorable introduction into God's presence. The inclusion of "[us] with you" powerfully emphasizes the communal aspect of this future glory. It is not a solitary event but a corporate gathering of all believers, standing together in vindication and acceptance before God, underscoring the unity and shared destiny of the body of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Assurance**, conveyed through the declarative "Knowing that" and the use of the future tense "shall raise up" and "shall present," which speaks to the absolute certainty of the divine promise. There is also a strong sense of **Anticipation**, as the verse looks forward to a future event—the resurrection and presentation—which provides hope and motivation for enduring present sufferings. The phrase "us also by Jesus" and "us with you" utilizes **Communal Language**, highlighting the corporate nature of salvation and the shared destiny of all believers, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual hope within the Christian community. Finally, the verse is built upon a foundation of **Theological Certainty**, drawing a direct parallel between God's past action in raising Jesus and His future action in raising believers, thereby demonstrating the consistent and unwavering power of God in salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, vividly portraying the believer's future hope as inextricably tied to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It underscores the profound truth that our salvation is not merely spiritual but encompasses our entire being, including our physical bodies, which will be transformed and glorified. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same divine power at work within believers, guaranteeing their future triumph over death. This hope is not a private, individualistic experience but a communal one, emphasizing the corporate body of Christ being presented together before God. It reinforces the doctrine of the believer's union with Christ, where His victory becomes our victory, and His destiny becomes our destiny, culminating in an eternal, glorified existence in God's presence.

* [1 Thessalonians 4:14](/1_thessalonians/4-14 "1 Thessalonians 4:14 - Resurrection of Believers with Christ")
* [Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Presented Holy Before God")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship and Transformed Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Corinthians 4:14 offers profound encouragement and a steadfast foundation for hope, particularly in a world marked by suffering, loss, and the inevitability of death. It reminds us that our present afflictions, no matter how severe, are temporary and pale in comparison to the eternal glory awaiting us. This glorious future, guaranteed by Christ's own resurrection, is a powerful antidote to present despair, fostering perseverance, joy, and courage even in the face of hardship or the grave. It reinforces the truth that our ultimate destiny is not decay and oblivion but resurrection life, shared with Christ and with the entire community of faith. This hope transforms our perspective on suffering, enabling us to live with an eternal mindset, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain and that our ultimate vindication and glorification are assured in His presence, alongside all who believe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of your future resurrection impact your perspective on present sufferings or challenges?**
* **In what ways does knowing you will be "presented with" other believers deepen your appreciation for Christian community?**
* **How does the historical fact of Jesus' resurrection strengthen your personal faith and hope for the future?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in light of this glorious, assured hope?**

### FAQ
**What does "Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus" mean for believers?**

Answer: This phrase means that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the absolute guarantee and pattern for the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. The same divine power that God the Father exercised in raising Jesus from the dead will be exercised again to raise believers. The phrase "by Jesus" emphasizes that Christ is not just the example, but the active agent and the means through whom our resurrection will occur. Our union with Him in His death and resurrection ensures our participation in His future triumph over death, as stated in [Romans 6:5](/romans/6-5 "Romans 6:5 - United in His Resurrection"). It signifies a literal, bodily resurrection, not merely a spiritual one.

**What is the significance of "and shall present [us] with you"?**

Answer: This clause highlights the glorious culmination of the resurrection and its communal aspect. "Present" (Greek: *parístēmi*) suggests a formal, honorable introduction or presentation before a dignitary, in this case, before God. It implies vindication, acceptance, and glorification. The phrase "[us] with you" is crucial, emphasizing that this is not an isolated individual event but a corporate gathering of all believers. It underscores the shared destiny of the entire body of Christ, who will stand together in God's presence, fully redeemed and glorified. This communal presentation signifies the unity of the church and the collective joy of being welcomed into eternal fellowship with God, as envisioned in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People").

**How does this verse provide comfort to those grieving or facing death?**

Answer: This verse offers profound comfort by providing an unshakeable hope beyond death. For those grieving, it assures them that death is not the end for believers, but a temporary separation. The same God who raised Jesus will raise their loved ones who died in Christ, and they will be reunited in His presence. For those facing their own mortality, it removes the sting of death by guaranteeing a future bodily resurrection and a glorious presentation before God. This hope transforms death from a final defeat into a transition to eternal life with Christ and the communion of saints, echoing Jesus' words, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 4:14 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of resurrection and the guarantee of our future hope. His resurrection is not merely a historical event but the foundational promise for all who believe, for He is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits")). Christ is the divine agent, the "by Jesus," through whom God the Father will accomplish the resurrection of believers. As the one who conquered death, He holds the keys to life and the grave, and His ongoing intercession ensures that none who are His will be lost ([John 6:40](/john/6-40 "John 6:40 - Will of the Father")). Furthermore, the promise of being "presented [us] with you" points directly to Christ's role as the one who will present His church to the Father. He is the Great High Priest who sanctifies and cleanses His bride, the church, "that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Presentation of the Church")). Our future resurrection and glorious presentation are entirely dependent on His victory, His power, and His faithful love, making Him the Alpha and Omega of our salvation, the one who is "able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" ([Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - Presentation Before His Glory")).

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 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

1 Corinthians 6:14

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:4

For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

John 11:25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: