2 Corinthians 5:15

KJV

And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} that he died {G599} for {G5228} all {G3956}, that {G2443} they which live {G2198} should {G2198} not henceforth {G3371} live {G2198} unto themselves {G1438}, but {G235} unto him which died {G599} for {G5228} them {G846}, and {G2532} rose again {G1453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and that he died on behalf of all in order that those who live should not live any longer for themselves but for the one who on their behalf died and was raised.

Berean Standard Bible

And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

American Standard Version

and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Corinthians 5:15 presents the profound theological truth that Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection serve a singular, transformative purpose: to reorient the lives of those who receive His grace. No longer are believers to be governed by self-interest or personal ambition, but rather their existence is to be wholly dedicated to Christ, who gave His life for them and triumphed over death. This verse encapsulates the radical shift from a self-centered life to a Christ-centered one, defining the very essence of new covenant living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's discourse on the nature and motivation of his apostolic ministry in 2 Corinthians 5. Having just described the believer's future hope of a heavenly dwelling and the earnest desire to please the Lord (verses 1-10), Paul transitions to the compelling force behind his evangelistic zeal: "the love of Christ constraineth us" (verse 14). Verse 15 directly elaborates on the *reason* for this constraining love, explaining that Christ's death for all necessitates a fundamental reorientation of life for those who are made alive in Him. It serves as a foundational premise for the subsequent declaration of believers as a "new creation" in Christ and their role as ambassadors for reconciliation, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel that underpins both their identity and mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Corinth was marked by significant challenges, including internal divisions, moral laxity, and external opposition. The Corinthian church, situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its diverse religious practices and philosophical schools, often struggled with individualism and self-assertion, reflecting the broader Greco-Roman culture that prioritized personal honor, autonomy, and self-advancement. Paul's exhortation for believers not to "live unto themselves" directly confronts this prevailing cultural ethos, calling them to a counter-cultural existence rooted in Christ's self-giving love. His emphasis on Christ's death "for all" also subtly pushes back against any elitist or exclusive tendencies that might have emerged within the community, reinforcing the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the radical inclusivity of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Corinthians 5:15 contributes significantly to several major themes in Paul's theology and the broader book. Firstly, it underscores the **Substitutionary Atonement** of Christ, emphasizing that "he died for all," meaning He acted on behalf of humanity, bearing the penalty for sin. This theme is central to understanding the basis of salvation and God's justice and mercy. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Radical Transformation** that occurs in a believer's life, moving from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. This reorientation is a hallmark of the new covenant and is further expounded in Paul's teaching on being a [new creation in Christ](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - The New Creation"). Finally, the inclusion of "and rose again" emphasizes the **Power of the Resurrection**, not merely as a historical event but as the validating act that empowers believers to [walk in newness of life](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life") and signifies Christ's victory over sin and death, establishing His ongoing Lordship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **died (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** From *apo* (away from) and *thnesko* (to die), this verb signifies a complete cessation of life, a "dying off." In the context of Christ, it refers to His physical death on the cross, which was a final, decisive act of sacrifice. The Strong's definition "to die off (literally or figuratively)" captures the totality of this event, which was both a physical reality and a spiritual act of atonement.
* **live (Greek, _záō'_):** This primary verb means "to live (literally or figuratively)." In this verse, it refers to the spiritual life that believers now possess through their union with Christ. It implies not just existence, but a vibrant, active, and purposeful life. The contrast with "died" highlights the profound spiritual regeneration experienced by those who believe.
* **rose again (Greek, _egeírō'_):** Probably akin to the base of *agora* (through the idea of collecting one's faculties), this verb means "to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence)." Here, it specifically denotes Christ's resurrection from the dead, signifying His triumph over death and His active, living reality, which empowers the new life of believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that he died for all":** This clause establishes the universal scope and substitutionary nature of Christ's atoning work. His death was not for a select few, but for the entirety of humanity, bearing the penalty for sin on behalf of everyone. This act of ultimate self-sacrifice is the foundation of the believer's new life.
* **"that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves":** This is the immediate and direct purpose clause of Christ's death. "They which live" refers to those who have been spiritually regenerated through faith in Christ. The phrase "not henceforth live unto themselves" signifies a radical break from a life governed by self-interest, personal desires, and autonomy. It calls for a complete reorientation away from egocentric living.
* **"but unto him which died for them, and rose again":** This clause presents the positive command and new direction for the regenerated life. Instead of self-direction, believers are now to live "unto him" – for Christ's glory, according to His will, and in devotion to His purposes. The inclusion of "which died for them, and rose again" emphasizes that this new life is a response of gratitude and commitment to the One who made their spiritual life possible through His atoning death and victorious resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. Most prominently, **Antithesis** or **Contrast** is used to highlight the radical shift in the believer's life: "not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him." This stark opposition emphasizes the fundamental reorientation from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness, underscoring the transformative power of the Gospel. The phrase "died for all" also functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "all" represents all humanity, implying the universal reach of Christ's sacrifice. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Conciseness** and **Clarity**, packing immense theological depth into a single, impactful sentence, making its core message easily graspable yet profoundly challenging.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the Christian life as a response to divine grace. It asserts that salvation is not merely an escape from judgment, but a call to a new existence defined by allegiance to Christ. The vicarious death of Christ for "all" establishes the breadth of God's redemptive love, while the subsequent call to live "unto him" illuminates the ethical and practical implications of that love. This reorientation of purpose is the natural outflow of genuine conversion, marking a profound shift from a life of self-gratification to one of Christ-glorification, empowered by His resurrection.

* [Romans 14:7-8](/romans/14-7-8 "Romans 14:7-8 - Living and Dying to the Lord")
* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Living in Me")
* [Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 5:15 serves as a potent reminder that the Christian life is fundamentally a life of radical reorientation. It challenges us to continually examine the true center of our existence. Are our daily decisions, our ambitions, our use of time and resources, primarily driven by our own desires and comforts, or are they submitted to the will and glory of Christ? This verse calls us beyond mere moral improvement to a complete shift in allegiance, recognizing that our very lives are a gift purchased by His sacrifice. It invites us to live with intentionality, purpose, and profound gratitude, allowing the love of Christ to be the ultimate motivator for all we do, transforming our relationships, our work, our leisure, and our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I still tend to "live unto myself" rather than "unto him"?**
* **How does the truth that Christ "died for me, and rose again" motivate my daily choices and priorities?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally reorient a particular aspect of my life to be more Christ-centered?**

### FAQ

**What does "he died for all" mean in this context?**

Answer: "He died for all" signifies the universal scope of Christ's atoning sacrifice. It means that Jesus's death on the cross was sufficient to cover the sins of all humanity. While the benefits of this sacrifice are applied to those who believe, the offer and provision are for everyone. It underscores the boundless love of God and the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work, making salvation available to anyone who responds in faith, as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World").

**What does it mean to "not henceforth live unto themselves"?**

Answer: To "not henceforth live unto themselves" means to cease living a life primarily driven by one's own desires, ambitions, comfort, or self-interest. It's a call to abandon egocentric living, where "self" is the ultimate authority and purpose. This doesn't mean neglecting personal well-being entirely, but rather that one's ultimate allegiance and direction are no longer rooted in autonomy but in submission to Christ. It's a fundamental shift in the governing principle of one's life, moving from self-rule to Christ's Lordship, as also echoed in [Romans 14:7](/romans/14-7 "Romans 14:7 - Living Not for Ourselves").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 5:15 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the means and the end of our new life. His death "for all" is the ultimate act of vicarious atonement, where the [Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the penalty we deserved. But His sacrifice is not merely a historical event; it is inextricably linked to His glorious resurrection, which validates His claims, signifies His triumph over sin and death, and establishes Him as the [living Lord](/romans/14-9 "Romans 14:9 - Christ is Lord of Dead and Living"). Consequently, those who are [united with Him in His death and resurrection](/romans/6-5 "Romans 6:5 - United in His Death and Resurrection") are called to a new existence where Christ is the very center and purpose. This means living not for personal gain or fleeting earthly desires, but as [ambassadors for Christ](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ"), embodying His love, pursuing His will, and reflecting His glory in every facet of life. Our [new identity in Christ](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me") compels us to surrender our self-sovereignty and embrace a life wholly devoted to the One who [loved us and gave Himself for us](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love as Christ Loved Us").

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

Romans 14:7

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

Romans 14:9

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

1 Peter 4:4

¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

1 Peter 1:14

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

1 Peter 1:15

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

Colossians 3:1

¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.