King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:11 Mean?

2 Corinthians 5:11 in the King James Version says “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made ...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”

2 Corinthians 5:11 · KJV

Context

9

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. labour: or, endeavour

10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

12

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. in appearance: Gr. in the face

13

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men—Eidotes oun ton phobon tou Kyriou (εἰδότες οὖν τὸν φόβον τοῦ Κυρίου, "knowing therefore the fear of the Lord"). Phobos (φόβος) ranges from reverential awe to terrified dread—here, the sobering reality of standing before Christ's bēma. This fear isn't slavish terror but appropriate seriousness about eternal accountability. It motivates evangelism: anthrōpous peithomen (ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν, "we persuade men")—Paul's apostolic ministry is driven by judgment's reality.

But we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences—Theō de pephanerōmetha (θεῷ δὲ πεφανερώμεθα, perfect tense, "to God we have been and remain manifest"). God sees Paul's motives completely. Paul appeals to the Corinthians' syneidēseis (συνειδήσεσι, "consciences")—their own moral awareness testifies to his integrity despite opponents' slander. This transparency before God and man vindicates authentic ministry versus self-promotion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's opponents in Corinth accused him of manipulative motives (2:17, 4:2). Paul consistently appeals to transparent ministry—no hidden agendas, no financial exploitation, no rhetorical tricks. His defense rests on God's knowledge and the Corinthians' own experience of his character. This models ministerial integrity for all generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does awareness of standing before Christ's judgment seat motivate your evangelism and ministry—why or why not?
  2. How transparent are your motives before God—are there hidden agendas you rationalize but couldn't defend before Him?
  3. Can you honestly appeal to others' consciences as evidence of your integrity, or would that expose inconsistencies?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Εἰδότες1 of 19

“Knowing”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

οὖν2 of 19

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὸν3 of 19
G3588

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

φόβον4 of 19

“the terror”

G5401

alarm or fright

τοῦ5 of 19
G3588

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

κυρίου6 of 19

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἀνθρώπους7 of 19

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

πείθομεν8 of 19

“we persuade”

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

θεῷ9 of 19

“unto God”

G2316

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

δὲ10 of 19

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

πεφανερῶσθαι11 of 19

“are made manifest”

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

ἐλπίζω12 of 19

“I trust”

G1679

to expect or confide

δὲ13 of 19

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ14 of 19

“also”

G2532

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

ἐν15 of 19

“in”

G1722

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

ταῖς16 of 19
G3588

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

συνειδήσεσιν17 of 19

“consciences”

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ὑμῶν18 of 19

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

πεφανερῶσθαι19 of 19

“are made manifest”

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:23Hebrews 10:312 Timothy 2:24-26Nahum 1:62 Corinthians 4:1-2Luke 12:5

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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