King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:20 Mean?

2 Corinthians 5:20 in the King James Version says “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconc...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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.

Read 2 Corinthians 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ—Hyper Christou oun presbeuomen (ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν). Presbeuo (πρεσβεύω) means "to serve as ambassador, represent officially." Hyper Christou (ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ, "on behalf of Christ") indicates representative authority—ambassadors speak for absent kings. We represent heaven's kingdom on hostile earth, bearing Christ's message with His authority. Oun (οὖν, "therefore") connects to vv. 18-19—since God entrusted reconciliation ministry, we function as His official envoys.

As though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God—Hōs tou Theou parakalountos di' hēmōn, deometha hyper Christou, katallagēte tō Theō (ὡς τοῦ θεοῦ παρακαλοῦντος δι' ἡμῶν, δεόμεθα ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ, καταλλάγητε τῷ θεῷ). Parakalountos (παρακαλοῦντος, present participle of παρακαλέω, "entreating, beseeching") suggests urgent appeal, not casual invitation. God Himself pleads di' hēmōn (δι' ἡμῶν, "through us")—stunning condescension: Creator beseeching creatures. Deometha (δεόμεθα, "we beg, we beseech") intensifies—Paul begs on God's behalf. Katallagēte (καταλλάγητε, aorist passive imperative, "be reconciled!") is urgent command—accept reconciliation God offers. Passive voice: humans cannot reconcile themselves to God; they can only receive reconciliation God accomplished.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient ambassadors represented emperors with full authority—rejecting ambassador was rejecting sender. Paul's ambassadorial claim was audacious: he spoke with divine authority, not personal opinion. Corinthian critics questioned this authority; Paul insists his message carries God's own voice. This established gospel preaching's authority through church history.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you take seriously your identity as Christ's ambassador—that you represent Him wherever you go?
  2. How does God "beseech" unbelievers through you—is your life and witness a visible, urgent plea for reconciliation?
  3. Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear "Be reconciled to God"—what holds you back from speaking?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὑπὲρ1 of 16

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

Χριστοῦ2 of 16

“Christ”

G5547

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

οὖν3 of 16

“Now then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πρεσβεύομεν4 of 16

“we are ambassadors”

G4243

to be a senior, i.e., (by implication) act as a representative (figuratively, preacher)

ὡς5 of 16

“as though”

G5613

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

τοῦ6 of 16
G3588

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

θεῷ7 of 16

“God”

G2316

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

παρακαλοῦντος8 of 16

“did beseech”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

δι'9 of 16

“you by”

G1223

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

ἡμῶν·10 of 16

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

δεόμεθα11 of 16

“we pray”

G1189

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

ὑπὲρ12 of 16

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

Χριστοῦ13 of 16

“Christ”

G5547

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

καταλλάγητε14 of 16

“be ye reconciled”

G2644

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

τῷ15 of 16
G3588

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

θεῷ16 of 16

“God”

G2316

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

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 5:20 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 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 14:23Ephesians 6:20Malachi 2:7Ezekiel 18:31-32Luke 10:16Isaiah 55:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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