King James Version
What Does 2 Corinthians 1:10 Mean?
“Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;”
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
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(10) **Who delivered us from so great a death.**—Death in itself seems hardly to admit of such a qualifying adjective, but the words appear to have been used to represent the incidents of the death which seemed so near, the bodily anguish, the sense of prostration, almost, one might venture to say, the very presence of the king of terrors. As the word translated “so great” is strictly speaking, used of quality rather than quantity, we might almost translate it, *so terrible a death.*
**And doth deliver.**—The words are wanting in some of the better MSS., and others give them in the future. They may possibly have been inserted to carry the thought of the deliverance into the present as well as through the past and the future.
**In whom we trust.**—Better, *in whom we have hoped.* The verb is not the same as the “trust” of the preceding verse. The words imply that he was not yet altogether free, as man would judge, from the danger of a relapse. Life was for him, in relation both to bodily infirmities and perils of other kinds, a perpetual series of deliverances.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge