2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:19 · King James Version
Meaning
This particular verse from the Bible emphasizes the concept of reconciliation between humanity and God through Jesus Christ. The verse highlights that God, in His infinite mercy and love, chose to reconcile the world to Himself by sending His son, Jesus Christ. Through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, God made a way for humanity to be forgiven of their sins, without having their trespasses held against them. This act of reconciliation demonstrates God's grace and desire for a restored relationship with His creation.
Furthermore, the verse speaks to the responsibility of believers to share this message of reconciliation with others. As followers of Christ, we are entrusted with the "word of reconciliation", which means that we are called to share the good news of God's forgiveness and love with those around us. Through our words and actions, we have the opportunity to introduce others to the life-changing power of Christ's sacrifice and the hope of reconciliation with God.
Theological Overview
According to theological interpretation, this verse from 2 Corinthians 5:19 speaks to the crucial concept of reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. The phrase "God was in Christ" emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, highlighting that in his earthly ministry, God was working through him to bring about reconciliation. The idea of reconciliation is central to Christian theology, as it signifies the restoration of a broken relationship between God and humanity due to sin. The verse further elaborates that God, through Christ, does not hold our sins against us, but instead offers us forgiveness and a new beginning. This act of grace demonstrates God's love and mercy towards us. The phrase "word of reconciliation" signifies the message of forgiveness and restoration that followers of Christ are called to share with the world. It is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's love and the mission of believers to spread this message of reconciliation to all.
2 Corinthians 5:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
World English Bible
namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Douay-Rheims
For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins. And he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For God was in Christ, and reconciled the world to himselfe, not imputing their sinnes vnto them, and hath committed to vs the word of reconciliation.