2 Corinthians 5:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →From now on Paul evaluates no one by mere outward, worldly standards, not even Christ.
What Does 2 Corinthians 5:16 Mean?
Because Christ's death has changed everything, Paul says he no longer regards anyone 'after the flesh,' that is, by outward, worldly measures. He even sets aside a merely human way of knowing Christ in favor of knowing Him as the risen Lord.
The cross resets how we see people. Status, appearance, and worldly reckoning no longer define a person's worth. In Christ, every individual is seen in a new light. This is the practical fruit of the new life: a fresh way of regarding others, no longer by the surface but by what God is doing in them.
2 Corinthians 5:16 in the Original Language
sarx (σάρξ), 'flesh' -- here, the merely human or outward standard of judging by appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 5:16
What does 2 Corinthians 5:16 mean?
From now on Paul evaluates no one by mere outward, worldly standards, not even Christ.