King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 4:11 Mean?

2 Corinthians 4:11 in the King James Version says “For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in ...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.”

2 Corinthians 4:11 · KJV

Salvation

Context

9

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

11

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

13

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

Read 2 Corinthians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake (aei gar hēmeis hoi zōntes eis thanaton paradidometha dia Iēsoun, ἀεὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες εἰς θάνατον παραδιδόμεθα διὰ Ἰησοῦν)—aei (ἀεί, 'always, continually') intensifies pantote ('always') from v. 10. Paradidōmi (παραδίδωμι, 'to hand over, deliver up, betray') is the verb used of Christ's betrayal and of God 'giving up' His Son (Rom 8:32). Paul frames apostolic suffering as participatory death with Christ.

That the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh (hina kai hē zōē tou Iēsou phanerōthē en tē thnētē sarki hēmōn, ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν)—thnētē sarki (θνητῇ σαρκί, 'mortal flesh') emphasizes bodily frailty. Resurrection life shines through dying bodies, not glorified ones. The gospel's power is proven in weakness, not strength—a complete inversion of worldly expectations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's theology of suffering as participation in Christ's death countered both Jewish expectations of Messianic triumph and Greek concepts of divine impassibility. His opponents likely saw his sufferings as proof of divine disfavor. Paul turns this inside out: suffering proves Christ-likeness, and endurance through suffering proves resurrection power at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's description of being 'delivered unto death for Jesus' sake' challenge comfortable Christianity that avoids suffering?
  2. In what ways have you seen Christ's life manifested specifically in 'mortal flesh'—in weakness, sickness, or limitation?
  3. What's the difference between suffering for Jesus' sake versus suffering due to foolishness or sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἀεὶ1 of 22

“alway”

G104

"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly

γὰρ2 of 22
G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἡμεῖς3 of 22

“For we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

τῇ4 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

ζῶντες5 of 22

“live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

εἰς6 of 22

“unto”

G1519

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

θάνατον7 of 22

“death”

G2288

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

παραδιδόμεθα8 of 22

“are”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

διὰ9 of 22

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

Ἰησοῦ10 of 22

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἵνα11 of 22

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ12 of 22

“also”

G2532

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

τῇ13 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

ζωὴ14 of 22

“the life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

τῇ15 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ16 of 22

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

φανερωθῇ17 of 22

“might be made manifest”

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

ἐν18 of 22

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ19 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

θνητῇ20 of 22

“mortal”

G2349

liable to die

σαρκὶ21 of 22

“flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἡμῶν22 of 22

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

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 4:11 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 4:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:49Romans 8:36Psalms 44:221 Corinthians 15:53-54Romans 8:112 Corinthians 5:4

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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