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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 5:21 God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/47_2Co_05_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 5:21 - Ambassadors for Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/5.htm">New King James Version</a> For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so Christ could make us acceptable to God. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> God had Christ, who was sinless, take our sin so that we might receive God's approval through him. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that God's righteousness would be produced in us. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/5.htm">NET Bible</a> God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He has made Him who knew nothing of sin to be sin for us, in order that in Him we may become the righteousness of God. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/5.htm">World English Bible</a> For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> He made Him having not known sin [to be] sin in our behalf, that we may become the righteousness of God in Him. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> He made the One not having known sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for him who did not know sin, in our behalf He did make sin, that we may become the righteousness of God in him. <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For him not knowing sin, he made sin for us; that we might be the justice of God in him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Him, who knew no sin, he hath made sin for us, that we might be made the justice of God in him. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For God made him who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the justice of God in him. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/5.htm">New American Bible</a> For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For he who did not know sin, for your sakes he made him sin, that we may through him be made the righteousness of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For he who had not known sin made himself to become sin in your place, that we would become the righteousness of God in him. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> for he has made him, who knew no sin, a sin-offering for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> He made him sin in our behalf, who knew no sin; in order that we may become the righteousness of God in him. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For he hath made him, who knew no sin, to be a sin offering for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him.<CM> <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for he hath made him who knew no sin to be a sin-offering for us, that we might be justified by God thro' him. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He has made Him who knew nothing of sin to be sin for us, in order that in Him we may become the righteousness of God. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Him Who knew no sin He made to be sin on our behalf, that we may become God's righteousness in Him. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For He hath made Him, who knew no sin, to be a sin-offering for us, that in Him we might be made righteous before God. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=945" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Ambassadors for Christ</a> …20Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21<a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: epoiēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">God made</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">Him who</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: gnonta (V-APA-AMS) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">knew</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">no</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartian (N-AFS) -- From hamartano; a sin.">sin</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartian (N-AFS) -- From hamartano; a sin.">to be sin</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. "></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">on our behalf,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genōmetha (V-ASM-1P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">might become</a> <a href="/greek/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynē (N-NFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">the righteousness</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4-6</a> Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. / We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21-26</a> But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. / And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, / for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ... <a href="/galatians/3-13.htm">Galatians 3:13</a> Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” <a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm">1 Peter 2:24</a> He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3-4</a> For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, / so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a> and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. <a href="/1_john/3-5.htm">1 John 3:5</a> But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a> For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. <a href="/romans/5-19.htm">Romans 5:19</a> For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. <a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm">1 Peter 3:18</a> For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit, <a href="/isaiah/53-10.htm">Isaiah 53:10-12</a> Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. / After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. / Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. <a href="/romans/4-25.htm">Romans 4:25</a> He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification. <a href="/hebrews/9-28.htm">Hebrews 9:28</a> so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him. <a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a> The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! <a href="/matthew/27-46.htm">Matthew 27:46</a> About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.he.<a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4-6,9-12</a> Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted… <a href="/daniel/9-26.htm">Daniel 9:26</a> And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.<a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Zechariah 13:7</a> Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.who.<a href="/isaiah/53-9.htm">Isaiah 53:9</a> And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.<a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Luke 1:35</a> And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.<a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Hebrews 7:26</a> For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;we.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.<a href="/isaiah/45-24.htm">Isaiah 45:24,25</a> Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed… <a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Isaiah 53:11</a> He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-13.htm">God's</a> <a href="/romans/11-36.htm">Him</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-15.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-9.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-15.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-56.htm">Sin</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/7-4.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-1.htm">God's</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-12.htm">Him</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-12.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-7.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">Sin</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 5</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">That in his assured hope of immortal glory,</a> 9. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">and in expectation of it, he labors to keep a good conscience;</a> 12. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-12.htm">not that he may boast of himself,</a> 14. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-14.htm">but as one that, having received life from Christ, </a> 17. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">endeavors to live as a new creature to Christ only,</a> 18. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">and by his ministry of reconciliation, to reconcile others also in Christ to God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Jesus is depicted as the perfect, spotless Lamb of God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/53-9.htm">Isaiah 53:9</a>, which speaks of the Messiah having "done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth." The sinlessness of Christ is crucial for His role as the perfect sacrifice, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a>, which states that He was "tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin." This sinlessness sets Jesus apart from all humanity, who are inherently sinful, and qualifies Him uniquely to bear the sins of the world.to be sin on our behalf This phrase indicates the substitutionary atonement of Christ, a core doctrine where Jesus takes upon Himself the sins of humanity. The concept of substitution is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where animals were offered to atone for the sins of the people (<a href="/leviticus/16-21.htm">Leviticus 16:21-22</a>). In becoming sin, Jesus fulfills the role of the ultimate sacrifice, as foreshadowed by the scapegoat and the Passover lamb. This act of becoming sin does not mean Jesus became sinful; rather, He bore the penalty and consequences of sin, as seen in <a href="/galatians/3-13.htm">Galatians 3:13</a>, which states, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us."so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God This phrase highlights the doctrine of imputed righteousness, where believers are declared righteous through faith in Christ. This righteousness is not earned by human effort but is a gift from God, as described in <a href="/romans/3-22.htm">Romans 3:22</a>, "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." The concept of being "in Him" signifies a union with Christ, where His righteousness is credited to believers, allowing them to stand justified before God. This transformation is part of the new covenant promise, where God writes His laws on the hearts of His people (<a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>), and is a fulfillment of the promise of a new creation in Christ (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The sovereign Creator who orchestrates the plan of salvation. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The sinless Son of God who became sin for humanity. 3. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to the Corinthians, explaining the profound truth of substitutionary atonement. 4. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> The city where the recipients of this letter resided, known for its diverse culture and moral challenges. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_cross.htm">The Cross</a> The event where Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, central to the message of this verse.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_great_exchange.htm">The Great Exchange</a> Jesus, who was sinless, took on our sin so that we might receive His righteousness. This is the heart of the gospel message and highlights the depth of God's love and grace. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_righteousness.htm">Understanding Righteousness</a> Our righteousness is not based on our works but is a gift from God through faith in Christ. This should lead to humility and gratitude in our daily walk. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_christ's_righteousness.htm">Living in Christ's Righteousness</a> As recipients of Christ's righteousness, we are called to live lives that reflect His holiness and love, impacting the world around us. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith.htm">The Role of Faith</a> Faith is the means by which we receive this righteousness. It is not earned but accepted through trust in Jesus' finished work on the cross. <a href="/topical/t/the_implications_of_sinlessness.htm">The Implications of Sinlessness</a> Jesus' sinlessness was essential for Him to be the perfect sacrifice. This truth should deepen our worship and commitment to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 5</a> <a href="/q/how_does_christ_'becoming_sin'_fit_justice.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 – How does Christ “becoming sin” fit logically with the concept of personal responsibility and justice?</a> <a href="/q/what_means_jesus_became_sin_for_us.htm">What does it mean Jesus became sin for us?</a> <a href="/q/when_was_nehemiah_written.htm">What does it mean Jesus became sin for us?</a> <a href="/q/does_the_bible_support_penal_substitution.htm">Is penal substitution supported by biblical scripture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.--The "for" is omitted in many of the best MSS., but there is clearly a sequence of thought such as it expresses. The Greek order of the words is more emphatic: Him that knew no sin He made sin for us. The words are, in the first instance, an assertion of the absolute sinlessness of Christ. All other men had an experience of its power, gained by yielding to it. He alone gained this experience by resisting it, and yet suffering its effects. None could "convict Him of sin" (<a href="/john/8-46.htm" title="Which of you convinces me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do you not believe me?">John 8:46</a>). The "Prince of this world had nothing in Him" (<a href="/john/14-30.htm" title="Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me.">John 14:30</a>). (Comp. <a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm" title="For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;">Hebrews 7:26</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-22.htm" title="Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:">1Peter 2:22</a>.) And then there comes what we may call the paradox of redemption. He, God, made the sinless One to be "sin." The word cannot mean, as has been said sometimes, a "sin offering." That meaning is foreign to the New Testament, and it is questionable whether it is found in the Old, <a href="/leviticus/5-9.htm" title="And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering.">Leviticus 5:9</a> being the nearest approach to it. The train of thought is that God dealt with Christ, not as though He were a sinner, like other men, but as though He were sin itself, absolutely identified with it. So, in <a href="/galatians/3-13.htm" title="Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:">Galatians 3:13</a>, he speaks of Christ as made "a curse for us," and in <a href="/romans/8-3.htm" title="For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:">Romans 8:3</a> as "being made in the likeness of sinful flesh." We have here, it is obvious, the germ of a mysterious thought, out of which forensic theories of the atonement, of various types, might be and have been developed. It is characteristic of St. Paul that he does not so develop it. Christ identified with man's sin: mankind identified with Christ's righteousness--that is the truth, simple and yet unfathomable, in which he is content to rest. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - He hath made him to be sin for us; rather, he made; he speaks with definite reference to the cross. The expression is closely analogous to that in <a href="/galatians/3-13.htm">Galatians 3:13</a>, where it is said that Christ has been "made a curse for us." He was, as St. Augustine says, "delictorum susceptor, non commissor." He knew no sin; nay, he was the very righteousness, holiness itself (<a href="/jeremiah/23-6.htm">Jeremiah 23:6</a>), and yet, for our benefit, God made him to be "sin" for us, in that he "sent him in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin" (<a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3</a>). Many have understood the word "sin" in the sense of sin offering (<a href="/leviticus/5-9.htm">Leviticus 5:9</a>, LXX.); but that is a precarious application of the word, which is not justified by any other passage in the New Testament. We cannot, as Dean Plumptre says, get beyond the simple statement, which St. Paul is content to leave in its unexplicable mystery, "Christ identified with man's sin; man identified with Christ's righteousness." And thus, in Christ, God becomes Jehovah-Tsidkenu, "the Lord our Righteousness" (<a href="/jeremiah/23-6.htm">Jeremiah 23:6</a>). That we might be made the righteousness of God in him; rather, that we might become. The best comment on the pregnant significance of this verse is <a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16, 17</a>, which is developed and explained in so large a section of that great Epistle (see 3:22-25; 4:5-8; 5:19, etc.). In him In his blood is a means of propitiation by which the righteousness of God becomes the righteousness of man (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">1 Corinthians 1:30</a>), so that man is justified. The truth which St. Paul thus develops and expresses is stated by St. Peter and St. John in a simpler and less theological form (<a href="/1_peter/2-22.htm">1 Peter 2:22-24</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-5.htm">1 John 3:5</a>). <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[God] made ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. Him who τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. knew γνόντα (gnonta) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. no μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. sin ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. [to be] sin ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. on our behalf, ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. we ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. might become γενώμεθα (genōmetha) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. [the] righteousness δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. of God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 5:21 For him who knew no sin he (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 5:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 5:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 6:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 6:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>