King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:16 Mean?

2 Corinthians 5:16 in the King James Version says “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now hencefort...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.”

2 Corinthians 5:16 · KJV

Context

14

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

16

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. he is: or, let him be

18

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh—Hōste hēmeis apo tou nyn oudena oidamen kata sarka (ὥστε ἡμεῖς ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν οὐδένα οἴδαμεν κατὰ σάρκα). Apo tou nyn (ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν, "from now on") marks decisive turning point. Kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα, "according to the flesh") means evaluating by external criteria—ethnicity, status, appearance, credentials. Christ's death/resurrection revolutionizes epistemology: we no longer assess people by worldly standards.

Yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more—Ei kai egnōkamen kata sarka Christon, alla nyn ouketi ginōskomen (εἰ καὶ ἐγνώκαμεν κατὰ σάρκα Χριστόν, ἀλλὰ νῦν οὐκέτι γινώσκομεν). Did Paul know Jesus physically? Possibly (Acts 22:3 suggests Jerusalem presence). More likely: Paul once evaluated Jesus by fleshly standards—condemned Him as cursed false messiah (Galatians 3:13). Post-Damascus, Paul knows Christ as risen Lord. The point: crucifixion-resurrection transforms how we know everyone, especially Christ. Fleshly assessment saw weakness and defeat; resurrection reveals glory and victory. This new epistemology shatters cultural hierarchies: race, class, gender become secondary (Galatians 3:28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman society was rigidly stratified: free/slave, citizen/foreigner, elite/common, male/female. Judaism maintained ethnic distinction: Jew/Gentile. Paul's gospel obliterated these categories' ultimate significance. In Christ, former enemies became siblings. This social revolution threatened existing power structures, contributing to Christian persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you still evaluate people "according to the flesh"—by wealth, education, race, appearance—rather than by their identity in Christ?
  2. Has your knowledge of Christ moved beyond historical facts to personal, transforming encounter with the Risen Lord?
  3. What practical steps can you take to see all people through the lens of Christ's death and resurrection rather than worldly categories?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Ὥστε1 of 20

“Wherefore”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἡμεῖς2 of 20

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀπὸ3 of 20

“henceforth”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ4 of 20
G3588

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

νῦν5 of 20

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

οὐδένα6 of 20

“no man”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

οἴδαμεν7 of 20

“know”

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

κατὰ8 of 20

“after”

G2596

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

σάρκα9 of 20

“the 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

εἰ10 of 20
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ11 of 20

“yea”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ12 of 20
G2532

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

γινώσκομεν13 of 20

“know we”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

κατὰ14 of 20

“after”

G2596

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

σάρκα15 of 20

“the 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

Χριστόν16 of 20

“Christ”

G5547

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

ἀλλὰ17 of 20

“yet”

G235

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

νῦν18 of 20

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

οὐκέτι19 of 20

“him no more”

G3765

not yet, no longer

γινώσκομεν20 of 20

“know we”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

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 5:16 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 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 3:11Philippians 3:7-8John 6:63James 2:1-4James 3:17Galatians 5:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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