King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:5 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:5 in the King James Version says “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into cap...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; imaginations: or, reasonings”

2 Corinthians 10:5 · KJV

Context

3

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) through God: or, to God

5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; imaginations: or, reasonings

6

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

7

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

Read 2 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Casting down imaginations (καθαιροῦντες λογισμοὺς)—Logismous (λογισμοὺς, "reasonings/arguments") denotes sophisticated intellectual constructs, philosophical systems, or rationalistic arguments. Paul targets not ignorance but educated rebellion—the mind's pretensions to autonomous authority apart from divine revelation. The verb kathaireō (καθαιρέω, "cast down/destroy") is violent, suggesting thorough demolition, not gentle correction.

And every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God (καὶ πᾶν ὕψωμα ἐπαιρόμενον κατὰ τῆς γνώσεως τοῦ θεοῦ)—Hypsōma (ὕψωμα, "high thing/barrier") denotes anything elevated in opposition to God. Gnōsis tou theou (γνώσεως τοῦ θεοῦ) is not mere information but covenantal relationship and revealed truth. Paul targets intellectual pride that positions human reason above God's self-disclosure.

Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (αἰχμαλωτίζοντες πᾶν νόημα εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—Aichmalōtizontes (αἰχμαλωτίζοντες, "taking captive") extends the warfare metaphor: thoughts are prisoners of war, forcibly subjugated to Christ's lordship. Hypakoē (ὑπακοή, "obedience") demands complete submission—not neutral investigation but worshipful surrender of the mind to Christ's authority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophy valued autonomous reason as humanity's highest faculty. Corinth celebrated intellectual sophistication and rhetorical brilliance. Paul's demand that every thought submit to Christ scandalized both Jewish legalists (who trusted Torah observance) and Greek philosophers (who trusted human reason). The gospel assaults human pride at its core—the mind's claim to self-sufficient authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'high things'—ideologies, philosophies, or cultural assumptions—currently 'exalt themselves against the knowledge of God' in your thinking?
  2. How do you practice taking 'every thought captive to Christ's obedience' when your mind rebels against biblical truth?
  3. Why does Paul use warfare language (demolishing, casting down, taking captive) rather than educational language (informing, persuading, teaching)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
λογισμούς1 of 20

“imaginations”

G3053

computation, i.e., (figuratively) reasoning (conscience, conceit)

καθαιροῦντες2 of 20

“Casting down”

G2507

to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)

καὶ3 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

πᾶν4 of 20

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὕψωμα5 of 20

“high thing”

G5313

an elevated place or thing, i.e., (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier (figuratively)

ἐπαιρόμενον6 of 20

“that exalteth itself”

G1869

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

κατὰ7 of 20

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τῆς8 of 20
G3588

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

γνώσεως9 of 20

“the knowledge”

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

τοῦ10 of 20
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 20

“of God”

G2316

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

καὶ12 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

αἰχμαλωτίζοντες13 of 20

“bringing into captivity”

G163

to make captive

πᾶν14 of 20

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

νόημα15 of 20

“thought”

G3540

a perception, i.e., purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself

εἰς16 of 20

“to”

G1519

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

τὴν17 of 20
G3588

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

ὑπακοὴν18 of 20

“the obedience”

G5218

attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission

τοῦ19 of 20
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ20 of 20

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

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 10:5 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 10:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 4:12Isaiah 55:71 Peter 1:14-15Romans 7:23Matthew 15:19Romans 1:21

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