2 Corinthians 5:19

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

2 Corinthians 5:19 is a profound declaration of God's initiative in restoring humanity's relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ. This verse encapsulates the very heart of the Christian message of salvation and defines the mission of believers.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, where he discusses the radical transformation that occurs when one is "in Christ" and becomes a "new creature". Following this, Paul introduces the concept of the "ministry of reconciliation", to which believers are called. Verse 19 serves as the theological bedrock for this ministry, explaining the divine action that makes reconciliation possible.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Initiative in Reconciliation: The verse emphasizes that it is God who "was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." This highlights that reconciliation is not something humanity achieves by its own efforts, but a divine act of grace. God actively sought to bridge the chasm created by sin.
  • Christ as the Agent of Reconciliation: Jesus Christ is the means through which God accomplishes this reconciliation. His life, death, and resurrection are the central events that make it possible for a holy God to draw sinful humanity near.
  • Non-Imputation of Trespasses: A crucial aspect of this reconciliation is that God is "not imputing their trespasses unto them." This means God does not hold humanity's sins against them in the same way, because those sins were dealt with through Christ. This concept is foundational to forgiveness and justification, echoed in verses like Romans 4:8.
  • The "Word of Reconciliation" Committed to Believers: Having achieved reconciliation, God then "hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." This signifies that believers are entrusted with the message of this reconciliation to share with others, becoming "ambassadors for Christ".

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "reconciling" is katallassō (καταλλάσσω), which means to change or exchange, specifically to change from enmity to friendship, to restore to favor. It implies a restoration of a broken relationship. The term "imputing" comes from the Greek word logizomai (λογίζομαι), meaning to reckon, count, or attribute. In this context, it signifies that God does not count humanity's sins against them due to Christ's atoning work, contrasting with the way sin was historically accounted for.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, 2 Corinthians 5:19 offers immense comfort and a clear mandate. It assures us that our standing with God is not based on our perfection but on His gracious act in Christ. We are reconciled to God, our sins forgiven. Furthermore, it reminds us of our responsibility to share this good news. We are called to be agents of reconciliation in a broken world, carrying the message that God is not holding people's past against them, but inviting them into a restored relationship through Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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