King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:19 Mean?

2 Corinthians 5:19 in the King James Version says “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath co... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 5:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himselfHōs hoti Theos ēn en Christō kosmon katallassōn heautō (ὡς ὅτι θεὸς ἦν ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων ἑαυτῷ). Hōs hoti (ὡς ὅτι, "namely that, to wit") introduces content of reconciliation message. Theos ēn en Christō (θεὸς ἦν ἐν Χριστῷ, "God was in Christ")—the incarnation's mystery: God reconciling through God-in-human-flesh. Kosmon (κόσμον, "world") is cosmic scope—not just Jews but all humanity. Present participle katallassōn (καταλλάσσων) suggests ongoing process—reconciliation accomplished in Christ's death, applied through gospel proclamation.

Not imputing their trespasses unto themMē logizomenos autois ta paraptōmata autōn (μὴ λογιζόμενος αὐτοῖς τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν). Logizomai (λογίζομαι) is accounting term—"to reckon, credit, charge." God does NOT charge sins to humanity's account. Paraptōmata (παραπτώματα, "trespasses, transgressions") are willful violations. This is forensic justification—sins credited to Christ (v. 21), righteousness credited to believers (Romans 4:3-8). And hath committed unto us the word of reconciliationkai themenos en hēmin ton logon tēs katallagēs (καὶ θέμενος ἐν ἡμῖν τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς). Themenos (θέμενος, aorist participle of τίθημι, "placed, entrusted") indicates sacred deposit—gospel message entrusted to believers for proclamation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of not imputing trespasses was revolutionary in honor-shame cultures that demanded vengeance for wrongs. Paul announces cosmic amnesty—God absorbs offense rather than extracting payment from offenders. This reflected God's character revealed in Christ: enemy-love, substitutionary suffering, grace that justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you live with confidence that God is NOT counting your sins against you—or do you still fear His ledger of your failures?
  2. How faithfully are you discharging the "word of reconciliation" entrusted to you—who needs to hear God is not counting their sins?
  3. Does God's non-imputation of trespasses lead you to moral laxity or inflamed love and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ὡς1 of 23

To wit

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ὅτι2 of 23

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

θεὸς3 of 23

God

G2316

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

ἦν4 of 23

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐν5 of 23

in

G1722

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

Χριστῷ6 of 23

Christ

G5547

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

κόσμον7 of 23

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

καταλλάσσων8 of 23

reconciling

G2644

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

ἑαυτῷ9 of 23

unto himself

G1438

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

μὴ10 of 23

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

λογιζόμενος11 of 23

imputing

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῶν12 of 23

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὰ13 of 23
G3588

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

παραπτώματα14 of 23

trespasses

G3900

a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression

αὐτῶν15 of 23

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ16 of 23

and

G2532

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

θέμενος17 of 23

hath committed

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

ἐν18 of 23

in

G1722

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

ἡμῖν19 of 23

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

τὸν20 of 23
G3588

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

λόγον21 of 23

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῆς22 of 23
G3588

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

καταλλαγῆς23 of 23

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 5:19 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 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study