2 Corinthians 6:9

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 6:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “as unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

as unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
2 Corinthians 6:9 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9as unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“As unknown, and yet well known, etc..] Not unknown to Father, Son, and Spirit, or to one another, but to the world; and that not with respect to their outward estate, but their spiritual and eternal state; as that they were the chosen of God, the children of God, and born again; they knew not what a life they lived, or what they lived upon; and as they were unacquainted with their inward troubles, they were strangers to their spiritual joys here, and to what they shall partake of hereafter. Moreover, something more may be intended in this word “unknown”; as that they were not owned, esteemed, and approved of by them, but slighted, despised, hated, and persecuted: and yet well known; to God…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“unknown . . . yet well known--"unknown" in our true character to those who "evil report" of us, "well known" to those who hold us in "good report" (Co2 6:8). CONYBEARE explains, "Unknown by men, yet acknowledged by God" (Co1 13:12). Perhaps both God and men (believers) are intended as knowing him (Co2 5:11; Co2 11:6). dying . . . live-- (Co2 1:9; Co2 4:10-11; Co2 11:23). Compare GAUSSEN'S remark, see on Co2 6:5. "Behold" calls attention to the fact as something beyond all expectation. chastened . . . not killed--realizing Psa 118:18.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“As unknown - As those who are deemed to be of an obscure and ignoble rank in life, unknown to the great, unknown to fame. The idea, I think, is, that they went as strangers, as persons unknown, in preaching the gospel. Yet, though thus unknown they endeavor to commend themselves as the ministers of God. Though among strangers; though having no introduction from the great and the noble, yet they endeavored so to act as to convince the world that they were the ministers of God. This could he done only by a holy life, and by the evidence of the divine approbation which would attend them in their work. And by this, the ministers of religion, if they are faithful, may make themselves known even…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“As unknown - For the world knoweth us not, as it knew him not. Yet well known - To God, and to those who are the seals of our ministry. As dying, yet behold - Suddenly, unexpectedly, God interposes, and we live. 2 Corinthians 6:10”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“unknown: Act 17:18, Act 21:37, Act 21:38, Act 25:14, Act 25:15, Act 25:19, Act 25:26; Co1 4:9 well: Co2 4:2, Co2 5:11, Co2 11:6; Act 19:26; Rom 15:19; Gal 1:22-24 behold: Co2 1:8-10, Co2 4:10, Co2 4:11; Rom 8:36; Co1 4:9, Co1 15:31 as chastened: Psa 118:17, Psa 118:18; Co1 11:32 2 Corinthians 6:10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification