King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 6:9 Mean?

2 Corinthians 6:9 in the King James Version says “As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;”

2 Corinthians 6:9 · KJV

Context

7

By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8

By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9

As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11

O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

Read 2 Corinthians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As unknown, and yet well known (ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι, hōs agnoou­menoi kai epiginoskomenoi)—Agnoeō means to be ignored, unrecognized, or regarded as insignificant. Epiginōskō (well known, fully known) indicates thorough recognition. Paul lacked celebrity status in the world's eyes but was fully known by God and true believers. True significance comes from divine rather than human recognition (1 Cor 8:3; Gal 4:9).

As dying, and, behold, we live (ὡς ἀποθνῄσκοντες καὶ ἰδοὺ ζῶμεν, hōs apothnēskontes kai idou zōmen)—The present participle apothnēskontes ('dying') describes Paul's constant brush with death (2 Cor 4:10-11; 11:23; 1 Cor 15:31: 'I die daily'). The interjection idou ('behold!') creates dramatic surprise—yet we live! This paradox reflects both physical preservation despite mortal danger and deeper spiritual truth: Christians die with Christ yet live in resurrection power (Rom 6:8; Gal 2:20; Col 3:3).

As chastened, and not killed (ὡς παιδευόμενοι καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι, hōs paideuomenoi kai mē thanatoumenoi)—Paideuō means to discipline, correct, or train (see Heb 12:5-11 on God's discipline). Paul interprets his sufferings not as random misfortune or divine abandonment but as fatherly discipline. Yet this discipline doesn't destroy (thanatoō, 'put to death')—God's chastening preserves rather than kills (Ps 118:18).

This triad (unknown/known, dying/living, chastened/not killed) expresses the hiddenness, fragility, and suffering of apostolic ministry, which paradoxically validates rather than invalidates Paul's calling. The world sees only the outward weakness; faith perceives the inward resurrection power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's sufferings catalog in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 demonstrates how frequently he faced mortal danger: shipwrecks, robbers, assassination plots, beatings, imprisonment. Yet God repeatedly preserved him (Acts 14:19-20; 16:25-26; 27:43-44). Paul interprets this pattern through the lens of divine discipline and sovereign purpose rather than randomness or luck.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing you are 'well known' by God, even if 'unknown' by the world, sustain you in obscure or unappreciated service?
  2. In what ways are you experiencing the 'dying' of Christ in your daily life, and what 'life' is being manifested through that dying?
  3. How can you learn to interpret hardships as God's loving discipline rather than evidence of His absence or displeasure?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ὡς1 of 14

“As”

G5613

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

ἀγνοούμενοι2 of 14

“unknown”

G50

not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)

καὶ3 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι4 of 14

“yet well known”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

ὡς5 of 14

“As”

G5613

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

ἀποθνῄσκοντες6 of 14

“dying”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ἰδού,8 of 14

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ζῶμεν9 of 14

“we live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ὡς10 of 14

“As”

G5613

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

παιδευόμενοι11 of 14

“chastened”

G3811

to train up a child, i.e., educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)

καὶ12 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

μὴ13 of 14

“not”

G3361

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

θανατούμενοι14 of 14

“killed”

G2289

to kill

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4:10-11Romans 8:362 Corinthians 11:62 Corinthians 4:22 Corinthians 1:8-101 Corinthians 4:9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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