Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 2 Corinthians - Chapter 1 - Verse 9

1:9
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

Meaning

This verse from 2 Corinthians 1:9 carries a powerful message about the importance of relying on God in times of difficulty and distress. The phrase "But we had the sentence of death in ourselves" highlights the feeling of hopelessness and despair that the apostle Paul and his companions experienced. They were facing a situation that seemed impossible to overcome on their own, leading them to realize the fragility of their own strength and ability. However, the verse goes on to emphasize the need to place their trust not in themselves, but in God who has the power to raise the dead. This serves as a reminder to believers that even in the face of death itself, God can intervene and bring about new life. By acknowledging their own limitations and turning to God for help, Paul and his companions demonstrate a profound faith and reliance on the miraculous power of God. The verse encourages readers to surrender their fears, doubts, and struggles to God, trusting that He is capable of turning even the direst situation into one of resurrection and redemption.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse 'But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:' emphasizes the idea of human weakness and the need for divine intervention. The phrase "sentence of death" can be seen as a reminder of our mortality and vulnerability as human beings. This challenges us to rely not on our own strength or abilities, but to place our trust in God, who has the power to bring life even from death. By acknowledging our limitations and turning to God for help, we can experience a deeper sense of dependence on Him and a stronger faith in His ability to work miracles in our lives. In a word study of this verse, the term "raiseth" carries the connotation of resurrection and restoration, highlighting God's ability to bring new life and hope even in the face of death. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and resurrection power.

American Standard Version

yea, we ourselves have had the sentence of death within ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead:
Previous VerseNext Verse