2 Corinthians 10:5
New International Version
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

New Living Translation
We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

English Standard Version
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Berean Standard Bible
We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Berean Literal Bible
overthrowing arguments, and every high thing lifting itself up against the knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought into the obedience of Christ,

King James Bible
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

New King James Version
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

New American Standard Bible
We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

NASB 1995
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

NASB 1977
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

Legacy Standard Bible
as we tear down speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

Amplified Bible
We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,

Christian Standard Bible
and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.

American Standard Version
casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

Contemporary English Version
and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people's thoughts and make them obey Christ.

English Revised Version
casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.

Good News Translation
we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.

International Standard Version
and every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive in order to obey the Messiah.

Majority Standard Bible
We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

NET Bible
and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.

New Heart English Bible
throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

Webster's Bible Translation
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Weymouth New Testament
For we overthrow arrogant 'reckonings,' and every stronghold that towers high in defiance of the knowledge of God, and we carry off every thought as if into slavery--into subjection to Christ;

World English Bible
throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
bringing down reasonings, and every high thing lifted up against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of the Christ,

Berean Literal Bible
overthrowing arguments, and every high thing lifting itself up against the knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought into the obedience of Christ,

Young's Literal Translation
reasonings bringing down, and every high thing lifted up against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of the Christ,

Smith's Literal Translation
Taking down reckonings, and every elevation lifted up against the knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And every height that exhalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every understanding unto the obedience of Christ;

Catholic Public Domain Version
and height that extols itself contrary to the wisdom of God, and leading every intellect into the captivity of obedience to Christ,

New American Bible
and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ,

New Revised Standard Version
and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Casting down imaginations, and every false thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and to capture every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And we pull down reasonings and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and we take all minds prisoner to the obedience of The Messiah.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
overthrowing reasonings and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and leading captive every thought to the obedience of the Christ,

Godbey New Testament
casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Haweis New Testament
laying low proud reasonings, and every high thing which exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and making every thought captive to the obedience of Christ:

Mace New Testament
to level all the barriers they contrive for obstructing the divine doctrine, and to make their pride captive to the authority of Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
For we overthrow arrogant 'reckonings,' and every stronghold that towers high in defiance of the knowledge of God, and we carry off every thought as if into slavery--into subjection to Christ;

Worrell New Testament
casting down reasonings, and every high thing lifting itself up against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

Worsley New Testament
destroying false reasonings, and every height that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and captivating every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Apostolic Authority
4The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.…

Cross References
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Romans 8:7
because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 55:7-9
Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. / “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Matthew 22:37
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

1 Corinthians 1:19-20
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Romans 1:21
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.

Genesis 6:5
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.

Jeremiah 17:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.


Treasury of Scripture

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

down.

Luke 1:51
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

Acts 4:25,26
Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? …

Romans 1:21
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

imaginations.

Exodus 5:2
And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

Exodus 9:16,17
And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth…

2 Kings 19:22,28
Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel…

bringing.

Matthew 11:29,30
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls…

Romans 7:23
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

every thought.

Genesis 8:21
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Deuteronomy 15:9
Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

Psalm 139:2
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

the obedience.

Psalm 18:44
As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

Psalm 110:2,3
The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies…

Romans 1:5
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Jump to Previous
Arguments Arrogant Authority Captive Captivity Carry Casting Causing Christ Defiance Demolish Destroy Destroying End Exalted Exalteth High Imaginations Itself Lifted Obedience Obey Obstacle Overthrow Proud Putting Reasonings Slavery Speculations Stronghold Subjection Thought Throwing Towers
Jump to Next
Arguments Arrogant Authority Captive Captivity Carry Casting Causing Christ Defiance Demolish Destroy Destroying End Exalted Exalteth High Imaginations Itself Lifted Obedience Obey Obstacle Overthrow Proud Putting Reasonings Slavery Speculations Stronghold Subjection Thought Throwing Towers
2 Corinthians 10
1. Against the false apostles, who disgraced the weakness of his person and bodily presence,
4. he shows the spiritual might and authority with which he was armed against all adverse powers;
7. assuring those who at his coming he will be found as mighty in word as he is now in writing;
12. and encouraging them to reach out themselves beyond their compass.














We tear down arguments
The phrase "tear down" comes from the Greek word "kathaireō," which means to demolish or destroy. In the context of spiritual warfare, Paul is emphasizing the active and forceful dismantling of false ideologies and philosophies that oppose the truth of the Gospel. Historically, this reflects the early church's mission to confront and correct false teachings that were prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. The "arguments" refer to human reasoning and intellectual pride that stand in opposition to divine revelation. This is a call for believers to engage in apologetics, defending the faith with wisdom and discernment.

and every presumption
The term "presumption" is translated from the Greek "hypsōma," which can mean a high thing or an elevated structure. This metaphorically represents any lofty opinion or prideful thought that exalts itself above God's truth. In the historical context, Paul was addressing the Corinthian church, which was influenced by Greek philosophy and rhetoric. These presumptions are the intellectual and spiritual strongholds that need to be confronted and brought low by the truth of the Gospel.

set up against the knowledge of God
The "knowledge of God" is a profound understanding of God's nature, character, and will as revealed through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "gnōsis" is used here, indicating not just intellectual knowledge but an experiential and relational understanding. Historically, the early church faced numerous heresies that distorted the true knowledge of God, and Paul is urging believers to guard against these false teachings. This phrase underscores the importance of aligning our thoughts and beliefs with the truth of God's Word.

and we take captive every thought
The imagery of taking "captive" comes from the Greek "aichmalōtizō," which means to lead away as a prisoner. This suggests a deliberate and disciplined effort to control one's thoughts, ensuring they align with Christ's teachings. In a historical context, this reflects the Roman practice of taking captives in war, illustrating the spiritual battle believers face in controlling their minds. The "thought" here, "noēma" in Greek, encompasses intentions, purposes, and perceptions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of this mental discipline.

to make it obedient to Christ
The word "obedient" is derived from the Greek "hypakouō," meaning to listen under or to submit. This signifies the ultimate goal of bringing every aspect of our thinking under the lordship of Jesus Christ. In the early church, obedience to Christ was a radical departure from the cultural norms of the time, which often promoted self-reliance and autonomy. This phrase calls believers to a life of submission and surrender, where every thought and action is filtered through the teachings and example of Christ, leading to a transformed life that reflects His glory.

(5) Casting down imaginations.--The participle is in agreement with the "we war not" of 2Corinthians 10:3. In the Greek word rendered "imaginations," we have the noun derived from the verb rendered "think," or reckon, in 2Corinthians 10:2. It would be better, perhaps, to carry on the continuity by rendering it thoughts, or even reckonings.

Every high thing that exalteth itself.--The noun probably belongs, like "stronghold," to the language of military writers, and indicates one of the rock fortresses, the

"Tot congesta manu praeruptis oppida saxis,"

["Towns piled high on rocks precipitous,"]

--Virgil, Georg. i. 156.

which were so conspicuous in all ancient systems of defence.

Against the knowledge of God.--The parable and the interpretation are here obviously blended. The thoughts of men resist the knowledge of God as the stronghold of rebels resists the armies of the rightful king.

Bringing into captivity every thought.--The verb is used by St. Paul again in Romans 7:23; 2Timothy 3:6. There can be no doubt that "the obedience of Christ "means "obedience to Christ," and it had better, therefore, be so translated. . . .

Verse 5. - Casting down. This agrees with "we" understood, not with "weapons." Imaginations; rather, disputations, or reasonings. Every high thing that exalteth itself; rather, every height that is exalted. Against the knowledge of God (see 1 Corinthians 15:34). There, however, we have passive ignorance, here active opposition. Bringing into captivity. When the fortresses are razed, their defenders will be taken prisoners, but for a beneficent end. Every thought. Even intellectual result. The word (noema) is not common in the New Testament. It occurs five times in this Epistle (2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 3:14; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 2 Corinthians 11:3), but elsewhere only in Philippians 4:7.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We tear down
καθαιροῦντες (kathairountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2507: (a) I take down, pull down, depose, destroy. From kata and haireomai; to lower demolish.

arguments,
λογισμοὺς (logismous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3053: Reasoning, thinking; a conception, device. From logizomai; computation, i.e. reasoning.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

every
πᾶν (pan)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

presumption
ὕψωμα (hypsōma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5313: Height, barrier, bulwark; presumption. From hupsoo; an elevated place or thing, i.e. altitude, or a barrier.

set up
ἐπαιρόμενον (epairomenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1869: To raise, lift up. From epi and airo; to raise up.

against
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

knowledge
γνώσεως (gnōseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1108: Knowledge, doctrine, wisdom. From ginosko; knowing, i.e. knowledge.

of God;
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

we take captive
αἰχμαλωτίζοντες (aichmalōtizontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 163: To take captive (in war); I subdue, ensnare. From aichmalotos; to make captive.

every
πᾶν (pan)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

thought
νόημα (noēma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3540: From noieo; a perception, i.e. Purpose, or the intellect, disposition, itself.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

make it obedient
ὑπακοὴν (hypakoēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5218: Obedience, submissiveness, compliance. From hupakouo; attentive hearkening, i.e. compliance or submission.

to Christ.
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 10:5 Throwing down imaginations and every high thing (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 10:4
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