2 Corinthians 6:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 6:9 masterfully encapsulates the paradoxical nature of authentic apostolic ministry, revealing how Paul and his co-workers, though often disregarded by the world, were intimately known by God; though constantly facing death, they supernaturally experienced life; and though subjected to severe discipline and hardship, they were divinely preserved from ultimate destruction. This verse highlights the profound contrast between worldly perception and divine reality, showcasing God's power made perfect in human weakness and suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended defense of his apostolic ministry and the integrity of his life (2 Corinthians 6:3-10). Following his passionate appeal for reconciliation with God in [2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2](/2_corinthians/5-20-6-2 "2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 - Appeal for Reconciliation"), Paul immediately presents a list of credentials for his ministry, not in terms of worldly achievements or rhetorical prowess, but through a catalog of hardships endured and paradoxical experiences. Each phrase in [2 Corinthians 6:3-10](/2_corinthians/6-3-10 "2 Corinthians 6:3-10 - Paul's Credentials as a Minister") serves to demonstrate his genuine commitment and the divine power at work through his apparent weakness. Verse 9, with its three striking antithetical pairs, serves as a powerful summary of the core paradoxes that defined his life and ministry, directly preceding the concluding statement that they possessed "nothing, and yet possessing all things" ([2 Corinthians 6:10](/2_corinthians/6-10 "2 Corinthians 6:10 - Having Nothing, Possessing All Things")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry operated within a Greco-Roman world that highly valued status, rhetoric, philosophical sophistication, and worldly success. False teachers in Corinth, often characterized by their impressive speeches, self-promotion, and lack of suffering, likely contrasted sharply with Paul's humble demeanor and endured hardships. The Corinthian church itself was prone to valuing outward appearances and human wisdom, which led them to question Paul's authority and effectiveness. Paul's litany of suffering in this passage, far from being a sign of weakness in his eyes, was a deliberate counter-cultural demonstration of the power of God at work, affirming his legitimacy as an apostle. His experiences of being "unknown" yet "well known," "dying" yet "living," and "chastened" yet "not killed" would have been a stark challenge to the prevailing worldly metrics of success and divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this passage, and particularly in [2 Corinthians 6:9](/2_corinthians/6-9 "2 Corinthians 6:9 - Paradoxes of Ministry"), is the **paradox of strength in weakness**. Paul consistently argues that God's power is most evident not when human agents are strong and self-sufficient, but when they are weak and dependent on Him. This theme resonates throughout [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians "The Book of 2 Corinthians"), notably in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient"), where Paul embraces his weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest upon him. Another key theme is **divine vindication and preservation**. Despite facing constant threats to his life and reputation, Paul testifies to God's faithfulness in sustaining him. This highlights God's sovereign control over life and death, and His purposeful use of suffering for refinement rather than destruction, a concept also explored in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good"). Finally, the verse underscores the **contrast between worldly perception and divine reality**, emphasizing that true value and recognition come from God, not human acclaim, a truth echoed in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unknown (Greek, _agnoéō'_):** From the negative particle 'a' and 'noieō' (to perceive, think), this word literally means "not to know" or "to be ignorant of." In this context, it describes Paul's perceived obscurity or lack of recognition in the eyes of the world or his detractors. He was often disregarded, overlooked, or simply not understood by those outside the circle of faith, or even by some within the church who judged by outward appearances.
* **well known (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** This term is a compound of 'epi' (upon) and 'ginosko' (to know), implying a fuller, more intimate, or complete knowledge. It suggests a recognition based on experience and deep understanding. While "unknown" to the world, Paul was "well known" to God, to those whose lives he had genuinely impacted, and through the undeniable evidence of his Spirit-empowered ministry. This highlights a profound spiritual recognition that transcends superficial human judgment.
* **chastened (Greek, _paideúō'_):** Derived from 'pais' (child), this verb means "to train up a child," "to educate," or "to discipline," often through correction or punishment. It carries the connotation of instruction and moral formation, not merely punitive action. Paul's experience of being "chastened" implies that the hardships and trials he faced were not random misfortunes but part of God's purposeful, refining, and corrective process, intended to shape him and his ministry for greater effectiveness and holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As unknown, and yet well known;":** This clause presents the first striking paradox. Paul describes himself and his fellow ministers as being "unknown" or unrecognized by the world, perhaps even despised or ignored by those who judged by worldly standards of power and influence. Yet, simultaneously, they were "well known." This "well known" status refers to their intimate knowledge by God, their recognition within the Christian communities they served, and the undeniable evidence of God's work through them, which made their authenticity clear to those with spiritual discernment. It contrasts superficial human perception with profound divine and spiritual reality.
* **"as dying, and, behold, we live;":** The second paradox speaks to the constant existential threat faced by the apostles. "As dying" (a present participle in Greek) indicates a continuous state of being on the brink of death, facing perils, persecutions, and physical hardships that constantly jeopardized their lives. Yet, despite these life-threatening circumstances, they could declare, "behold, we live." This is not merely a statement of physical survival, but a profound affirmation of spiritual vitality, divine preservation, and the resurrection life of Christ active within them, transcending the power of death. The interjection "behold" (_idoú_) draws attention to the miraculous and unexpected nature of this life.
* **"as chastened, and not killed;":** The final paradox addresses the nature of suffering. To be "chastened" implies undergoing severe discipline, hardship, or correction, often with the intent of training or refining. Paul acknowledges that they experienced profound trials, which could be interpreted as God's disciplinary hand. However, the crucial counterpoint is "and not killed." This emphasizes God's sovereign control over their lives. While God allowed them to be disciplined and refined through suffering, He did not permit these trials to lead to their ultimate destruction. It highlights God's preserving grace and His purposeful use of hardship to purify and strengthen, rather than to annihilate.

#### Literary Devices
The dominant literary device in 2 Corinthians 6:9 is **Paradox**, where seemingly contradictory statements are presented to reveal a deeper truth. Each of the three clauses ("unknown, yet well known"; "dying, yet we live"; "chastened, yet not killed") is a powerful example of this. These paradoxes are further accentuated by **Antithesis**, the direct juxtaposition of opposing ideas (e.g., "unknown" vs. "well known," "dying" vs. "live," "chastened" vs. "not killed") to highlight the stark contrast and the unexpected divine reality. The repeated use of "as" (Greek _hōs_) introduces each paradoxical pair, creating a rhythmic **Parallelism** that emphasizes the consistent nature of these experiences in Paul's ministry. The interjection "behold" (_idoú_) in the second clause acts as an **Exclamation**, drawing the reader's attention to the astonishing and miraculous nature of their continued life amidst death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the upside-down kingdom values that characterize Christian ministry and life. It challenges the world's metrics of success and validation, asserting that true recognition comes from God, not human applause. The apostles' experiences demonstrate that God's power is often most visible and effective through human weakness and suffering, not despite it. This suffering is not arbitrary but often serves as divine discipline (chastening) – a loving, refining process that purifies, strengthens, and prepares believers for greater service, ultimately preserving them for God's purposes. It underscores the reality that the life of Christ is so powerful that it can manifest even in the face of death, offering hope and resilience to all who follow Him.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - The Discipline of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The paradoxes of 2 Corinthians 6:9 offer profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. In a world obsessed with visibility, recognition, and outward success, this verse reminds us that our true worth and ultimate validation come from God alone. We may feel "unknown" or overlooked in our daily lives, our efforts unappreciated, or our faith misunderstood. Yet, like Paul, we are "well known" by the One who truly matters – our Heavenly Father, who intricately knows and values us [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God Knows Us Intimately"). Furthermore, this passage teaches us to embrace the reality that spiritual vitality and the life of Christ can powerfully manifest even amidst immense suffering, persecution, or personal difficulty. Our trials, though painful, are often part of God's refining process, His "chastening" hand, designed not to destroy us but to build character, deepen our faith, and conform us more closely to the image of Christ. We can trust God's sovereign hand in our hardships, knowing He has a redemptive purpose and will ultimately preserve us for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "unknown" or overlooked, and how can you find comfort in being "well known" by God?**
* **How have you experienced spiritual life and vitality even when facing circumstances that felt like "dying" or brought you to your limits?**
* **Reflect on a time when you felt "chastened" by God. How did that experience, though difficult, ultimately contribute to your growth or preservation?**
* **How does embracing the paradoxes of Christian life (strength in weakness, life in death) change your perspective on suffering and success?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "unknown" and "well known" simultaneously?**

Answer: Paul is highlighting a profound contrast between worldly perception and divine reality. When he says "unknown," he refers to how he and his fellow ministers were often disregarded, unrecognized, or even despised by the world, and perhaps by some within the Corinthian church who judged by superficial standards. They lacked worldly prestige or rhetorical flair. However, they were "well known" in a deeper, more significant sense: they were intimately known by God, their authenticity was evident to those with spiritual discernment, and their ministry bore undeniable fruit that spoke for itself. This paradox underscores that true validation comes from God, not from human acclaim or status.

**How can someone be "dying" and "live" at the same time?**

Answer: This paradox speaks to the constant peril and suffering Paul and the apostles faced for the sake of the gospel. "As dying" (Greek: _apothnēskō_) signifies a continuous state of facing life-threatening situations, persecutions, and physical hardships that brought them to the brink of death. Yet, despite these constant threats, they miraculously continued to "live" (Greek: _záō_). This "living" is not merely physical survival, but a powerful testament to the spiritual vitality, divine sustenance, and resurrection life of Christ active within them. It demonstrates God's preserving power and the reality that spiritual life transcends even the most dire physical circumstances, as seen in [2 Corinthians 4:10-11](/2_corinthians/4-10-11 "2 Corinthians 4:10-11 - Carrying the Death of Jesus").

**Does "chastened" imply that God is punishing believers?**

Answer: While "chastened" (Greek: _paideúō_) can sometimes involve corrective punishment, its primary meaning is to train, educate, or discipline, much like a parent disciplines a child. In this context, Paul is asserting that the severe trials and hardships they endured were not random misfortunes or signs of God's abandonment, but rather part of God's purposeful, refining, and formative process. God allowed these difficulties to shape, purify, and strengthen them, much as a loving father disciplines his children for their good [Hebrews 12:6-11](/hebrews/12-6-11 "Hebrews 12:6-11 - God Disciplines Those He Loves"). The crucial point is that while they were "chastened," they were "not killed," indicating God's preserving hand and His ultimate redemptive purpose in their suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound paradoxes of 2 Corinthians 6:9 find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He was the ultimate "unknown" to the world, "having no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him" ([Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2 - The Suffering Servant")), often unrecognized by His own people ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - He Came to His Own")). Yet, He was intimately "well known" by the Father, declared to be "My beloved Son" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus")). Jesus fully embraced "dying," submitting Himself to the cross, a death that appeared to be the ultimate defeat ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Humility and Obedience")). Yet, through His resurrection, He powerfully demonstrated that in death, there is ultimate "life," conquering sin and the grave to bring eternal life to all who believe ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life")). Furthermore, Christ was "chastened" by God's righteous judgment for our sins, bearing the full weight of divine wrath on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")). Yet, He was "not killed" in the sense of being permanently overcome by death, for He rose triumphantly, demonstrating God's preserving power and the redemptive purpose of His suffering. Thus, the apostles' experiences are a reflection of their Lord, embodying the truth that through Christ's death and resurrection, believers also find life, power, and ultimate vindication, even amidst the world's misunderstanding and suffering.

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

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.