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width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm" title="2 Corinthians 4:11">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 4:12 <a href="/2_corinthians/4-13.htm" title="2 Corinthians 4:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So death is at work in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So then, death works in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So then death worketh in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So then death is working in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So death works in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So death works in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So death works in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So death works in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So <i>physical</i> death is [actively] at work in us, but [spiritual] life [is actively at work] in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So death works in us, but life in you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So then death worketh in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />This means that death is working in us, but life is working in you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So then death worketh in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This means that death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />And so death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />As a result, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So then death works in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So then death worketh in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Thus we are constantly dying, while you are in full enjoyment of Life.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So then death works in us, but life in you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />so that, death indeed works in us, and life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So then, death works in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> so that, the death indeed in us doth work, and the life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />So that death is truly energetic in us, and life in you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So then death worketh in us, but life in you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, death is at work in us, and life is at work in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So death is at work in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So death is at work in us, but life in you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thus death is close to us, but life is nigh to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Now death labors in us and life in you.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />So, then, death is active in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />So that death works in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore death indeed is working in us, but life in you.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />so that I suffer the influences of his death, while you only feel the effects of his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Thus we are constantly dying, while you are in full enjoyment of Life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />So that death is working in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />So that death is wrought in us, but life in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=680" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Treasures in Jars of Clay</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5620.htm" title="5620: hōste (Conj) -- So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.">So then,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2288.htm" title="2288: thanatos (N-NMS) -- Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.">death</a> <a href="/greek/1754.htm" title="1754: energeitai (V-PIM-3S) -- From energes; to be active, efficient.">is at work</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/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2222.htm" title="2222: zōē (N-NFS) -- Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.">life is at work</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/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-36.htm">Romans 8:36</a></span><br />As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20-21</a></span><br />I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-31.htm">1 Corinthians 15:31</a></span><br />I face death every day, brothers, as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Colossians 1:24</a></span><br />Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-11.htm">2 Timothy 2:11-12</a></span><br />This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; / if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-4.htm">Romans 6:4-5</a></span><br />We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. / For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-13.htm">1 Peter 4:13</a></span><br />But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-24.htm">John 12:24-25</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. / Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-25.htm">Matthew 16:25</a></span><br />For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-10.htm">Romans 5:10</a></span><br />For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">1 Corinthians 4:9-13</a></span><br />For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. / We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. / To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-10.htm">Philippians 3:10</a></span><br />I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a></span><br />But 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-9.htm">Hebrews 2:9-10</a></span><br />But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. / In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So then death works in us, but life in you.</p><p class="hdg">death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm">2 Corinthians 12:15</a></b></br> And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/13-9.htm">2 Corinthians 13:9</a></b></br> For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, <i>even</i> your perfection.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a></b></br> But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm">Constantly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-10.htm">Dying</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Enjoyment</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">Full</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-10.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">Work</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-6.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-11.htm">Working</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-10.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/11-26.htm">Constantly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-4.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-9.htm">Dying</a> <a href="/job/20-18.htm">Enjoyment</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">Full</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-5.htm">Work</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-1.htm">Working</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">to the benefit of the church,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">and to the apostle's own eternal glory.</a></span><br></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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The "death" at work in them refers to the constant threat of persecution, suffering, and even martyrdom. Historically, Paul faced numerous trials, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23-27</a>). This suffering is reminiscent of Jesus' own path to the cross, highlighting the theme of sharing in Christ's sufferings (<a href="/philippians/3-10.htm">Philippians 3:10</a>). Theologically, this can be seen as a participation in the death of Christ, which is a necessary precursor to experiencing His resurrection power (<a href="/romans/6-5.htm">Romans 6:5</a>).<p><b>but life is at work in you</b><br>In contrast to the death at work in the apostles, "life" refers to the spiritual vitality and eternal life that the Corinthian believers experience as a result of the apostles' ministry. This life is the transformative power of the Gospel, bringing salvation and spiritual renewal (<a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a>). The life at work in the Corinthians is a testament to the effectiveness of Paul's ministry and the power of the Holy Spirit. It echoes the resurrection life of Jesus, who, though He died, now lives eternally (<a href="/romans/6-9.htm">Romans 6:9</a>). This dynamic of death leading to life is a central theme in Christian theology, illustrating the paradox of the cross where suffering and sacrifice lead to redemption and new life (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-21.htm">1 Corinthians 15:21-22</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. He is a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, this early Christian community struggled with internal conflicts and needed guidance on living out their faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul's_suffering.htm">Paul's Suffering</a></b><br>Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul discusses his own sufferings and hardships as an apostle, which he sees as a means of bringing life to others.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ministry_of_the_new_covenant.htm">The Ministry of the New Covenant</a></b><br>The broader context of this passage is Paul's discussion of his ministry under the New Covenant, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_paradox_of_christian_ministry.htm">The Paradox of Christian Ministry</a></b><br>In Christian ministry, suffering and sacrifice often lead to spiritual life and growth in others. Paul’s hardships were not in vain but served a greater purpose in the spiritual vitality of the Corinthian believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a></b><br>Following Christ involves a willingness to endure hardships. Just as Paul experienced "death" in his ministry, believers today are called to take up their cross and follow Jesus, understanding that their sacrifices can lead to life and growth in others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_the_gospel.htm">The Power of the Gospel</a></b><br>The Gospel has the power to bring life out of death. Paul's experiences demonstrate that even in the midst of suffering, the message of Christ can bring transformation and hope.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_for_others.htm">Living for Others</a></b><br>Christians are called to live selflessly, often putting the needs of others before their own comfort. Paul’s example challenges us to consider how our lives can be a source of life and encouragement to those around us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/endurance_in_trials.htm">Endurance in Trials</a></b><br>Paul’s endurance through trials serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their own challenges, trusting that God is at work even in difficult circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happened_to_midianite_virgins.htm">What does 'old things are passed away' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_purgatory.htm">What is the Bible's stance on purgatory?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_essence_of_christian_life.htm">What defines the essence of the Christian life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_gibeon's_role_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Watchman Nee in Christianity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">So then death worketh in us, but life in you.</span>--"Life" is here clearly used in its higher spiritual sense, as in the preceding verse. We trace in the words something of the same pathos as in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/4-8.htm" title="Now you are full, now you are rich, you have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God you did reign, that we also might reign with you.">1Corinthians 4:8-13</a>, without the irony which is there perceptible. "You," he seems to say, "reap the fruit of my sufferings. The 'dying' is all my own; you know nothing of that conflict with pain and weakness; but the 'life' which is the result of that experience works in you as well as in me, and finds in you the chief sphere of its operation."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So then.</span> In accordance with what he has just said. <span class="cmt_word">Death worketh in us, but life in you.</span> The life of us apostles is a constant death (<a href="/romans/8-36.htm">Romans 8:36</a>); but of this daily dying you reap the benefits; our dying is your living; our afflictions become to you a source of consolation and joy (<a href="/2_corinthians/1-6.htm">2 Corinthians 1:6</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-17.htm">Philippians 2:17</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">So then,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὥστε</span> <span class="translit">(hōste)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5620.htm">Strong's 5620: </a> </span><span class="str2">So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">death</span><br /><span class="grk">θάνατος</span> <span class="translit">(thanatos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2288.htm">Strong's 2288: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is at work</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐνεργεῖται</span> <span class="translit">(energeitai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1754.htm">Strong's 1754: </a> </span><span class="str2">From energes; to be active, efficient.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">us,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">life [is at work]</span><br /><span class="grk">ζωὴ</span> <span class="translit">(zōē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2222.htm">Strong's 2222: </a> </span><span class="str2">Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you.</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">2 Corinthians 4:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:12 So then death works in us (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 4:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 4:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 4:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 4:13" /></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>