2 Corinthians 5:16

KJV

¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G5620} henceforth {G575}{G3568} know {G1492} we {G2249} no man {G3762} after {G2596} the flesh {G4561}: yea {G1161}, though {G1499} we have known {G1097} Christ {G5547} after {G2596} the flesh {G4561}, yet {G235} now {G3568} henceforth {G3765} know we {G1097} him no more {G3765}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So from now on, we do not look at anyone from a worldly viewpoint. Even if we once regarded the Messiah from a worldly viewpoint, we do so no longer.

Berean Standard Bible

So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

American Standard Version

Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:16 profoundly articulates a radical shift in the believer's perception, emphasizing that in Christ, all human relationships and even the understanding of Christ Himself are no longer governed by superficial, worldly, or carnal criteria. This verse marks a pivotal transition from an external, flesh-based evaluation to an internal, spiritual discernment, foundational for comprehending the "new creation" in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's discourse on the nature of his apostolic ministry and the eschatological hope of believers, spanning chapters 4 and 5. Paul has just described his perseverance in ministry despite suffering, sustained by the promise of eternal glory and the temporary nature of earthly existence ([2 Corinthians 4:16-18](/2_corinthians/4-16-18 "2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Paul's Perseverance and Hope")). He then transitions to the believer's longing for their heavenly dwelling and the certainty of accountability before Christ's judgment seat ([2 Corinthians 5:1-10](/2_corinthians/5-1-10 "2 Corinthians 5:1-10 - The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling")). The immediate preceding verses highlight the compelling love of Christ as the driving force behind Paul's ministry, for Christ died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him ([2 Corinthians 5:14-15](/2_corinthians/5-14-15 "2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - The Love of Christ Compels Us")). Verse 16 then serves as the logical consequence of this Christ-centered motivation, directly leading into the groundbreaking declaration of the "new creation" in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - The New Creation in Christ").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Corinth was fraught with challenges, including internal divisions, moral laxity, and external opposition. The Corinthian church was influenced by the prevailing Hellenistic culture, which often valued outward appearance, rhetorical skill, social status, and philosophical prowess. There were likely factions within the church that judged Paul based on his physical presence, perceived lack of eloquence, or humble background, rather than on the spiritual power of his message or the authenticity of his apostleship ([2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Appearance and Speech")). Furthermore, the Jewish background of some believers might have led them to value ethnic or religious lineage (e.g., circumcision, Mosaic Law adherence) as markers of spiritual standing. Paul's statement "know we no man after the flesh" directly confronts these worldly criteria for evaluation, whether they stemmed from Greek intellectualism or Jewish legalism, asserting a new, spiritual standard for all relationships within the Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** The broader themes in 2 Corinthians that this verse contributes to include the **new covenant ministry** and its spiritual nature, contrasting with the old covenant's emphasis on external regulations ([2 Corinthians 3:6-18](/2_corinthians/3-6-18 "2 Corinthians 3:6-18 - The Ministry of the New Covenant")). It underscores the **transformation in Christ**, where believers are no longer defined by their former identities but by their union with Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - The New Creation in Christ")). The concept of **reconciliation** is also paramount, as Paul immediately follows this verse by describing the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to believers ([2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18-20 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")). Furthermore, the verse highlights the **supremacy of Christ's resurrection** and the **spiritual nature of His present reality**, moving beyond a purely historical or earthly understanding of Jesus to embrace Him as the living, ascended Lord. This spiritual discernment is critical for living out the implications of the gospel in a fallen world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb primarily means "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication, "to know." In the context of "know we no man after the flesh," it refers to a way of perceiving, understanding, or evaluating individuals. Paul is advocating for a cessation of judging or relating to others based on superficial, external observations or worldly criteria.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** From G4561, this term is rich in Pauline theology. While it can refer to the physical body, in this context, "flesh" signifies human nature apart from divine influence, operating on worldly principles, prone to sin, and characterized by its frailties, passions, and external appearances. To "know after the flesh" means to assess or relate based on these carnal, unspiritual standards.
* **known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** From G1097, this verb means "to know" in a comprehensive sense, implying a deep, experiential, and relational understanding. When Paul states, "though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more," he acknowledges an earlier, limited, or superficial understanding of Christ (perhaps as a mere historical figure or earthly Messiah) that has now been superseded by a profound, spiritual, post-resurrection knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh:"** This clause serves as a foundational declaration, stating a radical shift in the believer's perspective. "Wherefore" (G5620 _hṓste_) indicates a logical consequence of Christ's compelling love and sacrificial death for all (as stated in [2 Corinthians 5:14-15](/2_corinthians/5-14-15 "2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - The Love of Christ Compels Us")). "Henceforth" (G575 _apó_ G3568 _nŷn_) signifies a new era or starting point. The phrase "know we no man after the flesh" means that believers are no longer to evaluate, judge, or relate to others based on external, superficial, or worldly criteria such as social status, wealth, ethnicity, physical appearance, or any other carnal distinction. Their assessment is now to be rooted in spiritual discernment, recognizing all people as either potential or actual subjects of God's redemptive work.
* **"yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh,"** This is a profound concession and clarification. "Yea, though" (G1161 _dé_ G1499 _ei kaí_) introduces a surprising but significant admission. Paul acknowledges that even he and other early believers might have initially perceived Jesus primarily in His earthly, human form—as a historical figure, a Jewish man from Nazareth, or a Messiah understood through nationalistic expectations. This "knowing after the flesh" refers to a pre-resurrection, limited, or purely human understanding of Jesus.
* **"yet now henceforth know we [him] no more."** This final clause declares the radical transformation of their understanding of Christ. "Yet now henceforth" (G235 _allá_ G3568 _nŷn_ G3765 _oukéti_) emphasizes the decisive and permanent nature of this change. The phrase "know we him no more" signifies that their previous, limited, "fleshly" understanding of Christ has been entirely superseded. Following His resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Spirit, Christ is now known as the glorified, spiritual Lord, the Son of God, and the source of new life. Their relationship with Him is no longer based on His physical presence or earthly identity, but on His spiritual reality and redemptive work, which transcends all carnal limitations.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to emphasize his transformative message. **Antithesis** is central, creating a sharp contrast between two ways of "knowing": "knowing no man after the flesh" versus having "known Christ after the flesh" but now knowing Him "no more" in that manner. This highlights the radical shift in perspective that the gospel brings. The **repetition** of the phrase "after the flesh" underscores the old, carnal paradigm that is now obsolete. Furthermore, the use of **temporal markers** like "henceforth" and "now henceforth" serves to emphasize the decisive break with the past and the inauguration of a new era of spiritual discernment and relationship. The verse functions as a **paradox**, as it states that while they once knew Christ in a certain way, they now no longer know Him in that same way, illustrating the profound reorientation of their understanding of His person and work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, articulating the profound implications of being "in Christ." It posits that genuine Christian identity and community transcend all human-made distinctions and worldly categories. The "flesh" (σάρξ, _sarx_) here represents not merely the physical body but the entire realm of human existence and values apart from the Holy Spirit's transforming power. To "know after the flesh" is to judge, value, or relate based on external appearances, social status, ethnic origin, or any other carnal criterion. Paul insists that such a perspective is incompatible with the new reality established by Christ's death and resurrection. This new spiritual discernment applies not only to how believers view each other but, remarkably, also to how they understand Christ Himself. The earthly, historical Jesus is now known as the resurrected, glorified Lord, whose presence is spiritual and whose work is cosmic. This shift from a carnal to a spiritual understanding is essential for grasping the nature of the new creation and the ministry of reconciliation.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ"): "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Loss for Christ"): "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."
* [Romans 8:4-9](/romans/8-4-9 "Romans 8:4-9 - Life by the Spirit"): "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 5:16 is a profound challenge to our natural human tendency to categorize, judge, and relate to others based on external attributes. In a world increasingly fragmented by identity politics, social media personas, and superficial metrics of success, Paul's words call us to a radically different way of seeing. For the believer, our identity in Christ supersedes all other labels, whether they be ethnic, socio-economic, political, or even personal achievements. We are called to look beyond the "flesh" – the outward appearance, the past mistakes, the perceived flaws – and instead see the image of God in every individual, recognizing their inherent dignity and potential for transformation in Christ. This also applies to our understanding of Christ; we must move beyond a mere historical or intellectual acknowledgment of Jesus to a vibrant, spiritual relationship with the resurrected Lord who lives and reigns today. This verse compels us to ask: Are we truly seeing others through the eyes of Christ, or are we still bound by the "fleshly" judgments of the world? Our ability to love, serve, and reconcile others flows directly from this transformed perspective.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I still "know" or judge others "after the flesh" in my daily interactions?**
* **How has my understanding of Christ evolved from a purely historical figure to a living, spiritual Lord, and what does that mean for my daily life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more spiritual, less "fleshly," discernment in my relationships within the church and in the wider world?**

### FAQ

**What does "know we no man after the flesh" mean for how Christians should interact with non-believers?**

Answer: While the primary context is often understood within the Christian community, the principle extends to all human relationships. "Knowing no man after the flesh" means that Christians should not judge or evaluate anyone, including non-believers, based on superficial or worldly criteria (e.g., their social status, wealth, ethnicity, or even their past sins). Instead, believers are called to see all people as created in God's image, as individuals for whom Christ died, and as potential recipients of God's grace. This perspective fosters compassion, humility, and a desire to share the transforming power of the gospel, rather than to condemn or dismiss based on external appearances or worldly standards. It encourages seeing the person's inherent worth and spiritual need, rather than just their outward circumstances or perceived flaws.

**How could early believers have "known Christ after the flesh"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to a pre-resurrection or limited understanding of Jesus. Many people, including His own disciples, initially knew Jesus primarily as a historical figure: a man from Nazareth, a Jewish teacher, a prophet, or even a potential earthly king who would restore Israel ([Luke 24:21](/luke/24-21 "Luke 24:21 - The Disciples' Disappointment")). Their understanding was largely based on His physical presence, His earthly lineage, and their human expectations of the Messiah. After His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, their understanding of Christ was radically transformed. They came to know Him not merely as a historical person but as the glorified, spiritual Lord, the Son of God, whose saving work transcended all earthly limitations. This spiritual knowledge superseded their former "fleshly" perception.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 5:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly in His resurrection and ascension. The statement that believers no longer "know Christ after the flesh" is a profound acknowledgment that the earthly, historical Jesus has been transformed into the glorified, spiritual Lord. His physical death and bodily resurrection fundamentally changed the basis of humanity's relationship with God and with one another. Christ's victory over sin and death means that the "old" way of living and perceiving, characterized by the "flesh" and its worldly values, has been superseded by the "new creation" in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - The New Creation in Christ")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are united with the resurrected Christ, enabling them to perceive reality from a divine, spiritual perspective, rather than a carnal one. This spiritual knowledge of Christ is not merely intellectual but experiential, transforming how we see ourselves, others, and the very nature of God's kingdom. Just as Christ's resurrected body transcended earthly limitations, so too are believers called to transcend fleshly judgments, living by the Spirit and recognizing the spiritual reality of Christ's reign in every person and situation ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of Life")). The "new creation" is centered on Christ, who is no longer known by earthly standards but by His glorious, spiritual reality, enabling us to live out the ministry of reconciliation in a world still bound by the flesh ([Colossians 3:1-3](/colossians/3-1-3 "Colossians 3:1-3 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")).

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

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

John 6:63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

James 2:1

¶ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.

James 2:4

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.