2 Corinthians 5:10
New International Version
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

New Living Translation
For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

English Standard Version
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Berean Standard Bible
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Berean Literal Bible
For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive back the things done through the body according to what he did, whether good or evil.

King James Bible
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

New King James Version
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

New American Standard Bible
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.

NASB 1995
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

NASB 1977
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Legacy Standard Bible
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Amplified Bible
For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities].

Christian Standard Bible
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless.

American Standard Version
For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Contemporary English Version
After all, Christ will judge each of us for the good or the bad that we do while living in these bodies.

English Revised Version
For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All of us must appear in front of Christ's judgment seat. Then all people will receive what they deserve for the good or evil they have done while living in their bodies.

Good News Translation
For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life.

International Standard Version
For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of the Messiah, so that each of us may receive what he deserves for what he has done in his body, whether good or worthless.

Majority Standard Bible
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

NET Bible
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.

New Heart English Bible
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Webster's Bible Translation
For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he hath done, whether good or bad.

Weymouth New Testament
For we must all of us appear before Christ's judgement-seat in our true characters, in order that each may then receive an award for his actions in this life, in accordance with what he has done, whether it be good or whether it be worthless.

World English Bible
For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive the things in the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for it is necessary for all of us to have appeared before the judgment seat of the Christ, that each one may receive the things [done] through the body, in reference to the things that he did, whether good or evil;

Berean Literal Bible
For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive back the things done through the body according to what he did, whether good or evil.

Young's Literal Translation
for all of us it behoveth to be manifested before the tribunal of the Christ, that each one may receive the things done through the body, in reference to the things that he did, whether good or evil;

Smith's Literal Translation
For we must all be made manifest before the judgment seat of Christ; that each might receive the things for the body, for what he did, good or bad.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For we must all be manifested before the judgement seat of Christ, that every one may receive the proper things of the body, according as he hath done, whether it be good or evil.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For it is necessary for us to be manifested before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive the proper things of the body, according to his behavior, whether it was good or evil.

New American Bible
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.

New Revised Standard Version
For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may be rewarded according to that which he has done with his body, whether it be good or bad.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For we are all going to stand before the judgment seat of The Messiah, that each man will be paid in his body anything that was done by him, whether of good or of evil.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that each may receive his reward for the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether good or evil.

Godbey New Testament
For it behooves us all to appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, in order that each one may receive according to those things which he has done through the body, whether good or evil.

Haweis New Testament
For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that each may receive the things done in the body according to what he hath done, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Mace New Testament
for we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ; that every one may receive the retribution, according as his actions in the body were either good or evil.

Weymouth New Testament
For we must all of us appear before Christ's judgement-seat in our true characters, in order that each may then receive an award for his actions in this life, in accordance with what he has done, whether it be good or whether it be worthless.

Worrell New Testament
For we must all be manifested before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done through the body, according to the things which he practiced, whether good or evil.

Worsley New Testament
For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, that every one may receive for the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it were good or bad.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Our Eternal Dwelling
9So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. 11Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.…

Cross References
Romans 14:10-12
Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. / It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” / So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Matthew 16:27
For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.

Revelation 20:12-13
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. / The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, / his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. / If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ...

Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

Matthew 25:31-46
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. ...

Romans 2:6-11
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. ...

Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.

John 5:28-29
Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice / and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

Hebrews 9:27
Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Daniel 12:2
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Psalm 62:12
and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.

Colossians 3:24-25
because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. / Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.


Treasury of Scripture

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad.

we.

Genesis 18:25
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

1 Samuel 2:3,10
Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed…

Psalm 7:6-8
Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded…

receive.

2 Corinthians 7:3
I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

1 Kings 8:32,39
Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness…

Job 34:11
For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.

in.

Romans 6:12,13,19
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof…

Romans 12:1,2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service…

1 Corinthians 6:12-20
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any…

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2 Corinthians 5
1. That in his assured hope of immortal glory,
9. and in expectation of it, he labors to keep a good conscience;
12. not that he may boast of himself,
14. but as one that, having received life from Christ,
17. endeavors to live as a new creature to Christ only,
18. and by his ministry of reconciliation, to reconcile others also in Christ to God.














For we must all appear
The phrase "For we must all appear" underscores the universality and inevitability of this event. The Greek word for "appear" is "φανερωθῆναι" (phanerōthēnai), which means to be made manifest or revealed. This suggests that nothing will be hidden from Christ's judgment. Historically, the concept of a judgment seat, or "bema," was well-known in Greco-Roman culture as a place where officials would sit to make judgments. This imagery would resonate with the Corinthian audience, emphasizing the seriousness and authority of Christ's judgment.

before the judgment seat of Christ
The "judgment seat of Christ" is a critical theological concept. The Greek term "βῆμα" (bēma) refers to a raised platform used by Roman officials to deliver judgments. In a Christian context, it signifies the place where Christ will evaluate the lives of believers. This is not a judgment for salvation, which is secured through faith in Jesus, but rather an assessment of one's life and works. Theologically, this highlights the accountability of believers and the importance of living a life that honors God.

that each one may receive his due
"That each one may receive his due" speaks to the individual nature of this judgment. The Greek word "κομίσηται" (komisētai) means to receive back or to be recompensed. This implies a personal and just recompense for one's actions. In a historical context, this reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where one's actions have corresponding consequences. It serves as a reminder of personal responsibility and the importance of living a life aligned with God's will.

for the things done in the body
The phrase "for the things done in the body" emphasizes the tangible actions and decisions made during one's earthly life. The Greek word "πράξας" (praxis) refers to deeds or actions. This highlights the biblical teaching that our physical lives and actions have eternal significance. It underscores the importance of living out one's faith in practical ways, as our earthly actions are the basis for Christ's judgment.

whether good or bad
"Whether good or bad" indicates the comprehensive nature of this judgment. The Greek words "ἀγαθὸν" (agathon) and "φαῦλον" (phaulon) mean good and worthless, respectively. This dichotomy reflects the moral evaluation of one's actions. From a scriptural perspective, it emphasizes that all actions, whether righteous or sinful, will be brought to light. This serves as both a warning and an encouragement to live a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, knowing that Christ's judgment is fair and just.

(10) For we must all appear.--Better, must all be made manifest. The word is the same as that in 1Corinthians 4:5 ("shall make manifest the counsels of the heart"), and is obviously used with reference to it. It may be noted that it is specially characteristic of this Epistle, in which it occurs nine times. The English version, which can only be ascribed to the unintelligent desire of the translators to vary for the sake of variation, besides being weak in itself, hinders the reader from seeing the reference to 1Corinthians 4:5, or even the connection with the "made manifest" in the next verse.

Before the judgment seat of Christ.--The Greek word shows the influence of Roman associations. In the Gospels the imagery of the last judgment is that of a king sitting on his throne (Matthew 25:31), and the word is the ever-recurring note of the Apocalypse, in which it occurs forty-nine times. Here the judgment-seat, or bema, is the tribunal of the Roman magistrate, raised high above the level of the basilica, or hall, at the end of which it stood. (Comp. Matthew 27:19; Acts 12:21; Acts 18:12.) The word was transferred, when basilicas were turned into churches, to the throne of the bishop, and in classical Greek had been used, not for the judge's seat, but for the orator's pulpit. . . .

Verse 10. - We must all appear; rather, for it is necessary that we must all be made manifest; that we must be shown in our real nature and character. The verb is not the same as in Romans 14:10, which occurs in 2 Corinthians 4:14. Before the judgment seat of Christ. The special final judgment is represented as taking place before the bema of Christ, although in Romans 14:10 the best reading is "of God" (Matthew 25:31, 32). St. Paul might naturally use this Roman and Greek idea of the bema, being too familiar with it in his own experience (comp. Acts 12:21; Acts 18:12; Acts 25:6; Romans 14:10). The things done in the body; literally, the things (done) by the instrumentality of the body. Another reading (which only differs by a single letter from this) is, "the proper things of the body" (τὰ ἴδια τοῦ σώματος); i.e. the things which belong to it, which it has made its own. St. Paul, always intent on one subject at a time, does not stop to coordinate this law of natural retribution and inexorable Nemesis with that of the "forgiveness of sins" (1 Corinthians 5:11; Romans 3:25), or with the apparently universal hopes which he seems sometimes to express (Romans 5:17, 18; Romans 11:32). Omnia exeunt in mysterium. According to that he hath done; rather, with reference to the things he did. The aorist shows that all life will be as it were concentrated to one point. The Pelagians raised questions on this verse about the sinlessness of infants, etc., all of which may be left on one side, as probably nothing was more absolutely distant from the thoughts of St. Paul. Observe that each is to receive the natural issues of what he has done. There is to be an analogy between the sin and the retribution. The latter is but the ripe fruit of the former. We shall be punished by the action of natural laws, not of arbitrary inflictions. We shall reap what we have sown, not harvests of other grain (Romans 2:5-11; Revelation 22:12; Galatians 6:7). Whether it be good or bad. St. Paul, who always confines himself to one topic at a time, does not here enter on the question of the cutting off of the entailed curse by repentance and forgiveness. He leaves unsolved the antinomy between normal inevitable consequence and free remission.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

we
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

must
δεῖ (dei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

all
πάντας (pantas)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

appear
φανερωθῆναι (phanerōthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 5319: To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.

before
ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen)
Preposition
Strong's 1715: From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).

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

judgment seat
βήματος (bēmatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 968: From the base of basis; a step, i.e. Foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e. A tribunal.

of 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.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

each one
ἕκαστος (hekastos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

may receive his due
κομίσηται (komisētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2865: From a primary komeo; properly, to provide for, i.e. to carry off.

for
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

the things
(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

done
ἔπραξεν (epraxen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4238: To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require.

in
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

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

body,
σώματος (sōmatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.

whether
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

good
ἀγαθὸν (agathon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

or
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

bad.
φαῦλον (phaulon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5337: Worthless, wicked, base. Apparently a primary word; 'foul' or 'flawy', i.e. wicked.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all be revealed before (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
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