King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:9 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:9 in the King James Version says “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves , but in God which raiseth the dead... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 1:9 · KJV


Context

7

And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves (τὸ ἀπόκριμα τοῦ θανάτου)—apokrima (ἀπόκριμα) is judicial: "official verdict/sentence/decree." Perfect tense eschēkamen (ἐσχήκαμεν) suggests ongoing awareness: "we are dead men."

That we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the deadhina (ἵνα, "in order that") reveals divine purpose: eliminate self-trust. God's epithet—"the one who raises the dead"—comes from Jewish liturgy (Shemoneh Esreh) but became Paul's experiential reality.

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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. What 'death sentence' would God need to pronounce on my self-sufficiency before I truly depend on Him?
  2. How does trusting 'God who raises the dead' differ from merely trusting Him to improve circumstances?
  3. Where am I still 'trusting in myself'—what would full transfer to God look like?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀλλ'1 of 23

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

αὐτοὶ2 of 23
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν3 of 23

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑαυτοῖς4 of 23

ourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

τοὺς5 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπόκριμα6 of 23

the sentence

G610

a judicial decision

τοὺς7 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θανάτου8 of 23

of death

G2288

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

ἐσχήκαμεν9 of 23

we had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἵνα10 of 23

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ11 of 23
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πεποιθότες12 of 23

trust

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

ὦμεν13 of 23
G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

ἐπὶ14 of 23

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἑαυτοῖς15 of 23

ourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀλλ'16 of 23

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐπὶ17 of 23

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς18 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ19 of 23

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τοὺς20 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐγείροντι21 of 23

raiseth

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

τοὺς22 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νεκρούς·23 of 23

the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)


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 1:9 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 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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