King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:18 Mean?

2 Corinthians 5:18 in the King James Version says “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of recon... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 5:18 · KJV


Context

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;

19

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. committed: Gr. put in us

20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus ChristTa de panta ek tou Theou tou katalaxantos hēmas heautō dia Iēsou Christou (τὰ δὲ πάντα ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ καταλλάξαντος ἡμᾶς ἑαυτῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ). Ek tou Theou (ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ, "from God") identifies God as new creation's source—grace initiative, not human achievement. Katallassō (καταλλάσσω) means "to reconcile, restore relationship between estranged parties." Katalaxantos (καταλλάξαντος, aorist participle) emphasizes God's completed action. Reconciliation assumes prior alienation—sin made us God's enemies (Romans 5:10). God initiates and accomplishes reconciliation through Christ's mediating work.

And hath given to us the ministry of reconciliationKai dontos hēmin tēn diakonian tēs katallagēs (καὶ δόντος ἡμῖν τὴν διακονίαν τῆς καταλλαγῆς). Diakonia (διακονία) means "service, ministry." Katallagē (καταλλαγή, noun form) is reconciliation itself. God doesn't merely save us but commissions us—reconciled people become reconcilers. This ministry belongs to all believers (not just apostles)—we are reconciliation's agents, announcing what God accomplished and inviting others into restored relationship. This is evangelism's heart: not recruiting for religion but announcing peace treaty between God and humanity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient diplomacy used ambassadors to negotiate peace between warring nations. Paul applies this political metaphor to gospel ministry—Christians are heaven's embassy on earth, announcing peace terms. This was bold: calling Rome's subjects to submit to higher King, offering amnesty to divine rebels. Early Christianity was political revolution cloaked in religious language.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you genuinely grasp that God initiated reconciliation while you were His enemy—how does this fuel evangelistic passion?
  2. How are you stewarding the "ministry of reconciliation" God entrusted to you—who needs to hear about restored relationship with God?
  3. Are you living as reconciliation's agent in your relationships—pursuing peace and restoration as God pursued you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
τῆς1 of 20

who

G3588

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

δὲ2 of 20

And

G1161

but, and, etc

πάντα3 of 20

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐκ4 of 20

are of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς5 of 20

who

G3588

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

θεοῦ6 of 20

God

G2316

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

τῆς7 of 20

who

G3588

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

καταλλάξαντος8 of 20

hath reconciled

G2644

to change mutually, i.e., (figuratively) to compound a difference

ἡμᾶς9 of 20

us

G2248

us

ἑαυτῷ10 of 20

to himself

G1438

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

διὰ11 of 20

by

G1223

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

Ἰησοῦ12 of 20

Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ13 of 20

Christ

G5547

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

καὶ14 of 20

and

G2532

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

δόντος15 of 20

hath given

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἡμῖν16 of 20

to us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

τῆς17 of 20

who

G3588

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

διακονίαν18 of 20

the ministry

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

τῆς19 of 20

who

G3588

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

καταλλαγῆς20 of 20

of reconciliation

G2643

exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e., restoration to (the divine) favor


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 5:18 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 5:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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