2 Corinthians 5:19

KJV

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

KJV (with Strong's)

To wit {G5613}, that {G3754} God {G2316} was {G2258} in {G1722} Christ {G5547}, reconciling {G2644} the world {G2889} unto himself {G1438}, not {G3361} imputing {G3049} their {G846} trespasses {G3900} unto them {G846}; and {G2532} hath committed {G5087} unto {G1722} us {G2254} the word {G3056} of reconciliation {G2643}.

Complete Jewish Bible

which is that God in the Messiah was reconciling mankind to himself, not counting their sins against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

Berean Standard Bible

that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

American Standard Version

to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 5:19 stands as a pivotal declaration of God's redemptive initiative, revealing that in and through Christ, God was actively restoring the broken relationship between Himself and humanity. This profound act involved the gracious non-imputation of sins, laying the foundation for forgiveness and new life, and simultaneously commissioning believers to carry forth this transformative message of reconciliation to a world in need of divine restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's discourse on the new creation and the ministry of reconciliation in [2 Corinthians 5](/2_corinthians/5 "2 Corinthians 5 - New Creation and Reconciliation"). Immediately preceding it, [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") declares that "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." This radical transformation is then attributed in [2 Corinthians 5:18](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - The Ministry of Reconciliation") to God, "who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." Verse 19 serves as the theological bedrock for this ministry, explaining *how* God achieved this reconciliation—through Christ and by not counting sins against humanity. The subsequent [2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ") then clarifies the role of believers as "ambassadors for Christ," urging others to "be ye reconciled to God," drawing directly from the theological truth established in verse 19.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's second letter to the Corinthians addresses a church grappling with internal divisions, external pressures, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. The city of Corinth itself was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its diverse religious practices and moral laxity. In such a context, the concept of "reconciliation" would have resonated with the common experience of fractured relationships, whether personal, familial, or political. Paul's emphasis on God's initiative in reconciliation, rather than human effort, would have stood in stark contrast to the prevalent pagan notions of appeasing deities through rituals or sacrifices. Furthermore, the idea of "not imputing trespasses" would have been revolutionary in a world where debt and legal accountability were central to social order, highlighting the radical nature of divine grace.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God in Christ Reconciling") is central to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Pauline theology. It profoundly articulates the theme of **Reconciliation**, emphasizing that the fundamental problem between God and humanity—sin—has been divinely addressed, restoring peace. It highlights **God's Initiative and Grace**, asserting that reconciliation is not a human achievement but a sovereign act of God's love, demonstrating His mercy towards a fallen world. The verse also underscores the **Centrality of Christ's Work**, portraying Jesus as the indispensable agent through whom God's reconciling purpose is accomplished. Finally, it establishes the **Mission of Believers**, revealing that those who have received this reconciliation are now entrusted with its message, becoming "ambassadors" for Christ, as further elaborated in [2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **reconciling (Greek, _katallássō'_):** From G2644, meaning "to change mutually, i.e. (figuratively) to compound a difference." This word signifies a fundamental shift from a state of enmity or alienation to one of peace and restored relationship. It implies that a breach existed, and an active, intentional effort was made to bridge that divide, bringing parties back into harmony. In this context, it is God who initiates and accomplishes this change.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):: From G2889, meaning "orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))." Here, "world" refers to humanity in its fallen state, alienated from God, encompassing all people without distinction. It speaks to the universal scope of God's reconciling work, not limited to a select group but offered to all.
* **imputing (Greek, _logízomai'_):** From G3049, meaning "to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively):--conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on)." In this theological context, "not imputing" means God does not count or reckon humanity's trespasses against them. It speaks to the legal and judicial aspect of forgiveness, where the penalty for sin is not assigned to the sinner but has been dealt with through Christ, leading to a declaration of "not guilty."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To wit, that God was in Christ":** This opening phrase clarifies the means and agent of reconciliation. "To wit" (G5613 _hōs_) indicates "how" or "in that manner," introducing the explanation that follows. The core assertion is that God Himself, the supreme Divinity (G2316 _theós_), was actively present and operating "in Christ" (G1722 _en_ G5547 _Christós_). This signifies the inseparable union of the divine and human in Jesus, making Christ the unique locus of God's redemptive activity. It's not merely that Christ acted on God's behalf, but that God was personally involved, accomplishing His purpose through the person and work of His Son.
* **"reconciling the world unto himself":** This clause reveals the divine purpose and scope of God's action. God was actively "reconciling" (G2644 _katallássō_) the "world" (G2889 _kósmos_), meaning all humanity, "unto himself" (G1438 _heautoû_). This highlights that humanity was alienated from God due to sin, and God's initiative was to restore this broken relationship, bringing humanity back into a harmonious and right standing with Him. The reconciliation is not from humanity to God, but from God, through Christ, to humanity, drawing them back to Himself.
* **"not imputing their trespasses unto them":** This critical negative clause explains a key aspect of how reconciliation is achieved. God is "not imputing" (G3361 _mḗ_ G3049 _logízomai_) or counting "their trespasses" (G3900 _paráptōma_)—their errors and transgressions—"unto them" (G846 _autós_). This signifies a divine act of forgiveness and judicial acquittal. Because Christ bore the penalty for sin, God no longer holds humanity's sins against them. This non-imputation is the basis for justification, allowing for a restored relationship without the barrier of unaddressed guilt.
* **"and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation":** This final clause shifts from God's accomplished work to humanity's commissioned role. Having achieved reconciliation, God "hath committed" (G5087 _títhēmi_), or placed/appointed, "unto us" (G1722 _en_ G2254 _hēmîn_)—Paul and, by extension, all believers—"the word" (G3056 _lógos_) or message "of reconciliation" (G2643 _katallagḗ_). This establishes the evangelical mandate: believers are entrusted with the good news of this divine reconciliation to share with others, becoming agents through whom God's message of peace and forgiveness is proclaimed.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God in Christ Reconciling"). The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the contrast between "reconciling the world unto himself" and "not imputing their trespasses unto them." This highlights the two sides of God's redemptive work: the positive act of restoring relationship and the negative act of removing the barrier of sin. The phrase "God was in Christ" functions as a profound **Metaphor** or **Metonymy**, suggesting not just Christ's divine nature but also that Christ is the very embodiment and active presence of God's reconciling will. The term "world" (Greek: _kosmos_) is used as a **Synecdoche**, where the whole (the world) stands for its parts (all humanity), emphasizing the universal scope of God's offer of reconciliation. Finally, the entire verse serves as a concise **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the theological essence of the gospel message and providing the foundation for the subsequent call to ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the profound truth of God's active pursuit of humanity's redemption. It underscores that reconciliation is not a human initiative but a divine one, rooted in God's character of love and mercy. The non-imputation of sins is a radical concept, foundational to the doctrine of justification by faith, where a righteous God declares sinners righteous not based on their merit but on Christ's atoning work. This divine act transforms humanity's status from enemies to friends, from condemned to forgiven, and from alienated to adopted. It is the ultimate expression of grace, demonstrating that God has removed the legal and relational barriers that sin created, making peace possible through the cross.

* [Romans 5:10-11](/romans/5-10-11 "Romans 5:10-11 - Reconciled by Christ's Death")
* [Colossians 1:19-22](/colossians/1-19-22 "Colossians 1:19-22 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")
* [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God in Christ Reconciling") offers immense spiritual comfort and a clear missional imperative for every believer. To know that God Himself, in Christ, took the initiative to reconcile the world to Himself, not counting our trespasses against us, is to grasp the sheer depth of divine grace. This truth liberates us from the burden of guilt and the futility of self-salvation. Our standing with God is not based on our performance, but on His perfect and complete work in Christ. This profound reconciliation should fill us with gratitude, peace, and a renewed sense of identity as beloved children of God. Furthermore, having received this "word of reconciliation," we are now entrusted with its proclamation. We are called to be agents of peace in a broken world, sharing the good news that God is not against people, but for them, inviting them into a restored relationship through Christ. This compels us to live lives that reflect this reconciliation, pursuing peace and forgiveness in our own relationships, and actively participating in the Great Commission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" deepen your understanding of God's character and love?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life that God is "not imputing their trespasses unto them"? How does this impact your sense of guilt or freedom?**
* **In what practical ways can you "commit unto others the word of reconciliation" in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of forgiveness, both in receiving it from God and extending it to others?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God was "in Christ" reconciling the world?**

Answer: The phrase "God was in Christ" signifies the profound unity and active presence of God the Father in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It means that Christ was not merely an agent sent by God, but God Himself, fully present and operating through Jesus to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The reconciliation of the world was not an act external to God, but God's own initiative, fully embodied and executed through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This highlights the divine nature of Christ and the singular means by which humanity's relationship with God could be restored. It underscores that the work of salvation is entirely God's, from conception to completion, with Christ as the divine instrument.

**How can God "not impute" trespasses when He is a just God who must punish sin?**

Answer: The concept of God "not imputing their trespasses unto them" is central to the gospel and is made possible through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. While God is indeed just and sin must be punished, Christ voluntarily bore the punishment for humanity's sins on the cross. As [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all") prophesied, "the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Therefore, when God "does not impute" sins to those who believe, it's not a disregard for justice, but an act of **imputation** in reverse: Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers, and their sin was imputed to Christ. This divine exchange satisfies God's justice and allows for His mercy to be extended, as seen in [Romans 4:8](/romans/4-8 "Romans 4:8 - Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God in Christ Reconciling") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's reconciling love. The declaration "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" points directly to the Incarnation, where the eternal God entered human history in the person of Jesus, bridging the infinite gap between Creator and creation. Christ's entire earthly ministry, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was the means by which this reconciliation was achieved. His blood shed on Calvary satisfied the demands of divine justice, allowing God to "not impute their trespasses unto them" because the penalty for those trespasses was fully paid by the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through Christ's resurrection, the victory over sin and death was secured, making new life and a restored relationship with God possible for all who believe ([Romans 5:8-11](/romans/5-8-11 "Romans 5:8-11 - Reconciled by Christ's Death and Life")). Thus, Jesus is not merely the messenger of reconciliation, but its very substance and means, embodying God's initiative to draw a lost world back into fellowship with Himself ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in the Body of His Flesh")).

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

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Isaiah 44:22

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 2:1

¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Romans 4:6

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,