2 Corinthians 10:3 Meaning and Explanation
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Though Paul lives as an ordinary mortal, his spiritual battle is not waged with worldly weapons or methods.
What Does 2 Corinthians 10:3 Mean?
Paul takes up the accusation directly and turns it. Yes, he walks 'in the flesh' in the simple sense that he is a man of flesh and blood, subject to weakness and hardship like anyone else. But that is not the same as waging war by worldly means.
The distinction matters for every believer. We live in mortal bodies, yet the conflict against sin, falsehood, and despair is fought on a different field, with different power. Paul will not stoop to manipulation, intimidation, or self-promotion. The contest he is engaged in belongs to God, and so must the means. The Christian life is lived in the body but powered from above.
2 Corinthians 10:3 in the Original Language
strateuomai (στρατεύομαι), 'war' -- to serve as a soldier in a campaign, picturing the believer's sustained struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 10:3
What does 2 Corinthians 10:3 mean?
Though Paul lives as an ordinary mortal, his spiritual battle is not waged with worldly weapons or methods.