For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:11KJV
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2 Corinthians 4:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 4:11 mean?

2 Corinthians 4:11 describes how Paul and his companions, though alive, are constantly facing danger and the threat of death because of their commitment to Jesus. This ongoing risk serves a purpose: so that the life and power of Jesus can be clearly seen in their ordinary, human bodies.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining the hardships he and other apostles endure as they spread the message about Jesus. The verse highlights a contrast between their fragile, mortal existence and the living presence of Jesus at work in them. Paul wants the Corinthians to understand that their suffering is not pointless; it actually reveals something about Jesus to others through their lives.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 4:11

  • "delivered" (παραδίδομεθα, paradidometha): This word is often used for being handed over or given up, sometimes in a legal or hostile sense. Here, it emphasizes that Paul and his companions are repeatedly exposed to danger, not by accident, but as part of their mission.
  • "made manifest" (φανερωθῇ, phanerōthē): This means to be revealed or shown openly. Paul is saying that the life of Jesus is not hidden but is displayed in their mortal bodies, especially through their endurance in suffering.
  • "mortal" (θνητῇ, thnētē): This word means subject to death or perishable. Paul is stressing the weakness and vulnerability of their human bodies, making the presence of Jesus' life even more striking.

Why 2 Corinthians 4:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the hardships faced by Paul and his companions are not a sign of failure or abandonment by God, but are actually part of how Jesus' life is shown through them.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul explains that God's power is displayed through human weakness, helping the Corinthians understand the true nature of Christian ministry.
  • It helps clear up the misunderstanding that following Jesus means avoiding suffering; instead, Paul shows that suffering can be a way for Jesus' life to become visible to others.

Where else these words appear

“mortal” Greek G2349 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
  • Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

“alway” Greek G104 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
  • Hebrews 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

“manifest” Greek G5319 · used in 43 verses

  • Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
  • Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.