King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:10 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:10 in the King James Version says “Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 1:10 · KJV


Context

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:

9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves , but in God which raiseth the dead: sentence: or, answer

10

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

11

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

12

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us—three tenses: aorist errysato (ἐρρύσατο, past deliverance), present ryetai (ῥύεται, ongoing rescue), future rysetai (ῥύσεται, continued deliverance).

Past, present, future—three tenses of salvation echo Scripture (Eph 2:8 "saved"; Phil 2:12 "work out salvation"; Rom 5:9 "shall be saved"). God's character remains constant across all temporalities. Perfect ēlpikamen (ἠλπίκαμεν) shows settled confidence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Can I rehearse God's past deliverances as evidence for trusting His present and future faithfulness?
  2. How does Paul's three-tense trust prevent both presumption and despair in current trials?
  3. What 'so great a death' has God rescued me from that I've stopped thanking Him for?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὃν1 of 15

Who

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐκ2 of 15

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τηλικούτου3 of 15

so great

G5082

such as this, i.e., (in (figurative) magnitude) so vast

θανάτου4 of 15

a death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

ῥύσεται5 of 15

deliver

G4506

compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue

ἡμᾶς6 of 15

us

G2248

us

καὶ7 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ῥύσεται8 of 15

deliver

G4506

compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue

εἰς9 of 15

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὃν10 of 15

Who

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἠλπίκαμεν11 of 15

we trust

G1679

to expect or confide

ὅτι12 of 15

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ13 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔτι14 of 15

yet

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

ῥύσεται15 of 15

deliver

G4506

compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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