2 Corinthians 5:21

2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Commentary

This verse is a cornerstone of Christian theology, summarizing the heart of the gospel message and the concept of substitutionary atonement. It explains the mechanism by which reconciliation with God, discussed in the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), is made possible.

Historical and Cultural Context: Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, addressing various issues, but here focusing on the profound reality of the "new creation" in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to believers. This verse provides the theological foundation for that reconciliation. The concept of bearing the penalty for another's sin has roots in Old Testament sacrificial systems, though Christ's sacrifice is presented as unique and ultimate.

Key Themes and Messages:

• Substitution: Christ took our place. "He hath made him [to be] sin for us" means God treated Christ as if He were sin, bearing the full penalty and consequence of human sin on the cross.
• Christ's Sinlessness: The phrase "who knew no sin" is vital. Jesus was personally without sin (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22). He did not become sinful in His nature, but bore the imputation and penalty of *our* sin.
• The Great Exchange: This verse describes a divine exchange. Our sin is imputed to Christ, and His perfect righteousness is imputed to believers ("that we might be made the righteousness of God in him").
• Imputation of Righteousness: "Made the righteousness of God in him" signifies that believers receive a righteousness that originates from God and is acceptable to Him, not based on their own merit, but on their union with Christ.

Linguistic Insights:

• The Greek phrase translated "made him [to be] sin" is ἐποίησεν αὐτὸν ἁμαρτίαν (epoiesen auton hamartian). "Hamartia" (sin) can sometimes refer to a "sin offering" in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament). While some see this as a possible nuance, the primary sense here is likely that Christ was treated as the embodiment or representative of sin, bearing its penalty, rather than simply being a sacrifice *for* sin in the Levitical sense.
• "The righteousness of God" (δικαιοσύνη θεοῦ - dikaiosyne theou) refers to the righteousness that God provides and accepts, which is received by faith in Christ. It is not our own inherent righteousness, but one that comes from God and is found "in him."

Practical Application or Reflection:

This verse highlights the incredible depth of God's love and justice. He did not compromise His standard of righteousness but provided a way for guilty sinners to be declared righteous through Christ's sacrifice. Our standing before God is not based on our performance but on what Christ accomplished *for* us. This should lead to profound gratitude, humility, and confidence in our relationship with God, motivating us to live lives that reflect the righteousness we have been given in Christ.

Cross-references:

• Isaiah 53:6 - "and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
• Romans 3:21-26 - Discusses righteousness apart from the law, through faith in Christ.
• Galatians 3:13 - "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us."
• 1 Peter 2:24 - "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree."
• Philippians 3:9 - Desiring to be found in Christ, having the righteousness which is of God by faith.