(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2 CORINTHIANS 10:4KJV
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2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 10:4 mean?

2 Corinthians 10:4 says that Paul’s struggle is not carried on with merely human means. He describes his weapons as powerful through God, able to bring down what stands in their way.

Paul uses the picture of a military attack on fortified places. In the surrounding passage, he is answering people who judge him by outward appearances and question his authority.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 10:4

  • “carnal” — σαρκικός (sarkikos): This word carries the sense of belonging to ordinary human nature. Here it helps explain the contrast between human means and power that comes through God.
  • “strong holds” — ὀχύρωμα (ochyrōma): This word means a fortified place. The military image prepares for Paul’s description of arguments and proud claims being pulled down in verse 5.

Why 2 Corinthians 10:4 matters

  • The “strong holds” are part of an image, not a description of buildings Paul is attacking. Verse 5 connects the image with “imaginations,” or arguments, and claims raised against the knowledge of God.
  • Paul’s description of power has a specific source: the weapons are “mighty through God.” His answer to those who question him points beyond his own outward strength.
  • The passage joins the image of warfare to what people think and claim. In verse 5, Paul speaks of bringing “every thought to the obedience of Christ,” which gives the attack on strongholds a clear direction.

Where else these words appear

“warfare” Greek G4752 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

“down” Greek G2506 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
  • 2 Corinthians 13:10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

“weapons” Greek G3696 · used in 5 verses

  • John 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
  • Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
  • Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

“carnal” Greek G4559 · used in 10 verses

  • Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.