2 Corinthians 6:9

As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

As {G5613} unknown {G50}, and {G2532} yet well known {G1921}; as {G5613} dying {G599}, and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, we live {G2198}; as {G5613} chastened {G3811}, and {G2532} not {G3361} killed {G2289};

unknown and famous. And we commend ourselves as God’s workers headed for death, yet look! we’re alive! as punished, yet not killed;

as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed;

as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

Context

This verse is part of a powerful passage (2 Corinthians 6:3-10) where the Apostle Paul defends his apostolic ministry and the integrity of his work to the Corinthian church. He lists a series of paradoxes that characterized his life and the ministry of his fellow workers, contrasting their authentic suffering and endurance with the superficiality of false teachers. Paul aims to re-establish his credibility and call the Corinthians to a deeper, more committed walk with God.

Key Themes

  • The Paradox of Recognition: Paul and his companions were often "unknown" or disregarded by the world, perhaps seen as obscure or insignificant. Yet, they were "well known" to God, to the churches they served, and through their impact on countless lives. This highlights a fundamental difference between worldly perception and divine value.
  • The Paradox of Life in Death: Despite facing constant physical perils, suffering, and circumstances that brought them to the brink of death ("as dying"), they were miraculously preserved and spiritually vibrant ("behold, we live"). This speaks to the sustaining power of God and the reality of new life in Christ, which transcends physical circumstances.
  • The Paradox of Divine Discipline and Preservation: To be "chastened" means to be disciplined or educated, often through hardship. Paul implies they experienced severe trials, which could be seen as God's corrective or refining hand. Yet, crucially, they were "not killed." This emphasizes God's sovereign control, allowing suffering to refine but not destroy, much like a loving father disciplines his child for their good.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "unknown" is agnostos, meaning unrecognized or obscure. "Well known" comes from epignoskomai, implying a full or intimate knowledge. The term "dying" (apothneskontes) is a present participle, suggesting a continuous state of facing death, while "live" (zaomen) also a present participle, indicates a continuous state of being alive. "Chastened" is from paideuomenoi, which means to train, instruct, or discipline, often with the intent of correction or education, aligning with the idea of God's refining process.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement for believers navigating a world that often misunderstands or undervalues faith. It reminds us that our true worth and ultimate recognition come from God, not from worldly acclaim. We may feel overlooked or insignificant, but we are intricately known and valued by God. Furthermore, it teaches us that spiritual vitality and the life of Christ can powerfully manifest even amidst immense suffering, persecution, or difficulty. Our trials, though painful, are often part of God's refining process, designed to build character and deepen our faith, rather than to destroy us. We can trust God's hand in our "chastening," knowing He has a purpose and will ultimately preserve us.

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.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:10

    Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:11

    For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

  • Romans 8:36

    As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:9

    For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:8

    For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

  • 2 Corinthians 1:10

    Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

  • 2 Corinthians 11:6

    But though [I be] rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

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