So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Parallel translations
- WEB So then death works in us, but life in you.
- KJV So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
- NKJV So then death is working in us, but life in you.
- NASB So death works in us, but life in you.
- NLT So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul's sufferings in ministry serve to bring spiritual life to the Corinthians. The cost he bears yields blessing for others.
Overview
Continuing his theme of carrying Christ's death in his body (vv. 7-11), Paul says that the dying he endures in apostolic ministry results in life for the church. This mirrors the gospel pattern itself, where Christ's death brings life to His people, and it shows that faithful service often costs the servant for the good of others.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- 2 Cor 13:9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
- 1 Cor 4:10We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
- Acts 20:24But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- 1 Jn 3:16By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
- Phil 2:17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- 2 Cor 12:15And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?
- Phil 2:30because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
How 2 Corinthians 4:12 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.