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

2 CORINTHIANS 6:9KJV
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2 Corinthians 6:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 6:9 mean?

2 Corinthians 6:9 describes how Paul and his companions are seen by others as insignificant or even dying, yet they are truly known and alive, enduring discipline but not destroyed. The verse highlights the contrast between outward appearances and the deeper reality of their lives as servants of God.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining the hardships and paradoxes faced by those who serve Christ. He lists ways in which others misunderstand or mistreat them, but also points out how God sustains them through every trial. This verse is part of a larger section where Paul defends his ministry and encourages believers to look beyond surface judgments.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 6:9

  • ἄγνωστοι (agnōstoi, "unknown"): This word means being unrecognized or disregarded by people. Paul emphasizes that, though society may overlook them, they are truly "well known" to God and to those who matter.
  • ἀποθνῄσκοντες (apothnēskontes, "dying"): This is the idea of being constantly exposed to danger or death. Paul and his companions often faced threats, yet they continue to live by God's power.
  • παιδευόμενοι (paideuomenoi, "chastened"): This word carries the sense of being disciplined or corrected, not just punished. It suggests that their hardships serve a purpose in shaping and refining them, rather than simply being destructive.

Why 2 Corinthians 6:9 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the misconception that suffering or being disregarded means a lack of God's favor; Paul shows that God's servants may be misunderstood or mistreated, yet still be upheld by God.
  • The verse emphasizes the theme of paradox in Christian life—how things may look bleak on the outside, but there is a deeper spiritual reality at work.
  • It connects to the wider passage where Paul is urging the Corinthians to recognize true ministry, not by outward success or popularity, but by faithfulness and endurance through trials.

Where else these words appear

“killed” Greek G2289 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
  • Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
  • Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

“chastened” Greek G3811 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 23:16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
  • Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

“unknown” Greek G50 · used in 21 verses

  • Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
  • Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
  • 2 Corinthians 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

“known” Greek G1921 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
  • Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.