Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 10:3
For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthians, defending his apostolic authority against opponents who judge him by outward, physical standards. The verse sits between a plea to avoid harshness (v. 2) and a statement about spiritual weapons (v. 4).
The words — στρατευόμεθα (strateuometha), "we wage war," is a military term (cf. LXX for Hebrew לָחַם) that contrasts sharply with the civilian verb περιπατοῦντες, "walking," used for ordinary conduct. The pairing frames the verse as a distinction between how one lives and how one fights.
The thread — Galatians 2:20 and 1 Peter 4:1 pair bodily existence with a different governing principle (faith in Christ; Christ's suffering as resolve). 2 Corinthians 10:4 extends the same contrast to the instruments of the conflict.
Why it lands — It refuses the reader's instinct to measure spiritual labor by physical or worldly metrics. The standard by which one judges the work is itself the thing under correction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
- Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
- 1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
- Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
- 2 Timothy 2:3 Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
- 1 Timothy 1:18 Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,
- 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
- Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.