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2 Corinthians 5:15

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Corinthians 5:15 (KJV) presents a profound theological truth and a radical call to action for believers. It succinctly explains the purpose and implication of Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection: to transform the lives of those who believe, redirecting their purpose from self-centeredness to Christ-centered living.

Context

This verse is situated within Paul's broader discussion in 2 Corinthians about the nature of his apostolic ministry and the glorious reality of the new covenant. In chapter 5, Paul speaks of the believer's future hope (verses 1-10) and then transitions to the motivation for his ministry, which is the "love of Christ" (verse 14). Verse 15 builds directly on the previous verse, emphasizing the universal scope of Christ's atoning work and its transformative effect on the individual. It sets the stage for Paul's declaration of the "new creation" in Christ found shortly after, highlighting the profound change that takes place when one is united with Christ.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Vicarious Death for All: The phrase "he died for all" underscores the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice. He took the place of humanity, bearing the penalty for sin. This death was not limited to a select few but offered salvation to all who would believe, demonstrating God's immense love for the world (John 3:16). It speaks to the breadth of God's redemptive plan.
  • The Purpose of New Life: Living for Christ: The core message is a radical reorientation of purpose. Those who are spiritually "alive" through faith in Christ are no longer to live "unto themselves." This challenges the natural human inclination towards self-interest and autonomy. Instead, their lives are to be dedicated "unto him which died for them." This shift from self to Christ is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship and the transformed life.
  • The Power of the Resurrection: The inclusion of "and rose again" is crucial. Christ's resurrection validates His atoning death, signifies His victory over sin and death, and empowers believers to live this new life. It's not just about what Christ did on the cross, but also His living reality and ongoing Lordship, enabling believers to walk in newness of life.

Linguistic Insights

The contrast between "live unto themselves" and "live unto him" highlights a fundamental change in the believer's ultimate allegiance and aim. The Greek phrase for "unto themselves" (heautois) emphasizes self-direction and self-fulfillment as the governing principle, while "unto him" (autō) signifies a life governed by Christ's will and purpose. This isn't about mere moral improvement, but a profound transformation of the very center of one's existence, moving from a self-centric worldview to a Christ-centric one.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 5:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound debt of gratitude owed to Christ and the radical implications of His sacrifice. It calls for a daily examination of motives and priorities:

  • Self-Assessment: Am I truly living for Christ, or are personal ambitions, desires, and comforts still my primary motivators? This verse challenges us to surrender our own agendas.
  • Purposeful Living: Our lives, redeemed by Christ, gain their highest meaning when lived in service, worship, and obedience to Him. This impacts our decisions, relationships, work, and finances, transforming all aspects of our existence.
  • Gratitude and Love: Understanding that Christ "died for all" should ignite a deep sense of gratitude and compel us to share His love with others, reflecting the very love that saved us. This verse encourages a life of sacrificial love, mirroring Christ's own sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2).
This verse emphasizes that salvation is not merely an escape from judgment, but an invitation to a new life, wholly devoted to the One who gave everything for us, inspiring a life of genuine Christian commitment.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 14:7 (72 votes)

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

  • Romans 14:9 (72 votes)

    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 (54 votes)

    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 (54 votes)

    ¶ 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 (45 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 1:15 (45 votes)

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

  • Colossians 3:1 (38 votes)

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