Limitless Word

2 Corinthians 4:12

So then death is working in us, but life in you.
2 Corinthians 4:12 · New King James Version
Parallel translations
  • WEB So then death works in us, but life in you.
  • KJV So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
  • BSB So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work 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 13:9For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting.
  • 1 Cor 4:10We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
  • Acts 20:24But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.
  • 1 Jn 3:16By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
  • Phil 2:17Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.
  • 2 Cor 12:15I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
  • Phil 2:30because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Themes, concepts, people & topics

Topics (2)

Resources, by level

Commentaries & study tools

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.