2 Corinthians 5:21

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:21

1. The Text

2 Corinthians 5:21 (King James Version):
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

This single verse stands as one of the clearest and most concentrated summaries of the gospel in all of Scripture. It is the beating heart of Paul’s argument in 2 Corinthians 5[i], where he explains the nature of Christian ministry, the hope of the new creation, and the message of reconciliation entrusted to the church.

2. Immediate Context: 2 Corinthians 5

Paul’s argument in this chapter unfolds around several key themes:

2.1 The Christian’s future hope

2 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV):
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

Paul contrasts our present mortal life with the eternal life to come. This hope shapes how Christians live now.

2.2 Living to please Christ

2 Corinthians 5:9 (KJV):
“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.”

The gospel does not produce passivity but earnest, joyful obedience.

2.3 The fear of the Lord and the love of Christ

2 Corinthians 5:11 (KJV):
“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…”

2 Corinthians 5:14 (KJV):
“For the love of Christ constraineth us…”

The Christian life is motivated by reverence and love.

2.4 The new creation

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV):
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Union with Christ transforms a person’s identity and destiny.

2.5 The ministry of reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:19 (KJV):
“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself…”

Paul sees himself as an ambassador of this reconciliation.

All of this leads to the climactic declaration of verse 21.

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3. Exegetical Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:21

3.1 “For he hath made him to be sin for us”

The “he” is God the Father. The “him” is Jesus Christ, the eternal Son.

Paul does not mean that Jesus became sinful in himself. Rather, God appointed him to bear sin—our sin—by imputation. This is consistent with the Old Testament sacrificial system, where sin was symbolically transferred to the sacrificial animal.

Isaiah foresaw this:
Isaiah 53:6 (KJV):
“The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

This is the heart of substitutionary atonement.

3.2 “Who knew no sin”

Jesus was perfectly sinless in thought, word, and deed.
His sinlessness is essential: only a spotless sacrifice could atone for sinners.

Peter affirms this:
1 Peter 2:22 (KJV):
“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”

Jesus’ sinlessness is not merely moral; it is ontological[ii]. He is the holy Son of God.

3.3 “That we might be made the righteousness of God in him”

This is the great exchange:

• Our sin is imputed to Christ.
• Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us.

This is justification by faith alone.

Paul says elsewhere:
Philippians 3:9 (KJV):
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness… but that which is through the faith of Christ…”

The righteousness we receive is not our own achievement. It is God’s righteousness, given to us in Christ.

3.4 Union with Christ

The repeated phrase “in him” is crucial.
All gospel blessings flow from union with Christ.
We are justified in him, sanctified in him, and glorified in him.

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4. Theological Themes

4.1 Substitutionary Atonement

Christ stands in our place, bearing our guilt and giving us his righteousness.
This is the foundation of Christian soteriology (doctrine of salvation).

4.2 Imputation

Our sin is counted to Christ; his righteousness is counted to us.
This is not moral transformation (that is sanctification) but legal declaration.

4.3 Reconciliation

God takes the initiative to restore relationship with sinners.
The cross is the means by which God satisfies justice and extends mercy.

4.4 The New Creation

Justification leads to transformation.
The believer becomes a new creature, living under Christ’s lordship.

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5. Meditation Guide

5.1 Reflect on the Great Exchange
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Sit quietly and consider:

• Christ took your sin.
• You receive his righteousness.
• You stand before God clothed in Christ.

Pray:
“Father, thank you that Christ became sin for me. Help me rest in his righteousness.”

5.2 Confess Sin with Confidence

Because Christ bore your sin, you can confess honestly without fear.
Let confession be a daily practice grounded in grace.

5.3 Live as a New Creation

Ask:
“What old things need to pass away in my life?”
“What new things is God calling me to walk in?”

5.4 Embrace Your Role as an Ambassador

You carry the message of reconciliation.
Pray for opportunities to speak of Christ with gentleness and clarity.

5.5 Let the Love of Christ Compel You

Meditate on 2 Corinthians 5:14.
Let Christ’s love shape your motivations, decisions, and relationships.

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6. Practical Application for Modern Christian Living

6.1 Rest in Christ’s Finished Work

Many Christians live as though God’s acceptance depends on their performance.
This verse teaches the opposite: your standing before God rests entirely on Christ.

6.2 Pursue Holiness from Gratitude, Not Fear

Because you are already righteous in Christ, you pursue holiness out of love, not anxiety.

6.3 Engage in Reconciliation

In a fractured world, Christians are called to embody and proclaim reconciliation—
in families, workplaces, churches, and communities.

6.4 Cultivate Humility

You contributed nothing to your righteousness.
This truth produces humility, patience, and compassion.

6.5 Share the Gospel Clearly

This verse is a model for gospel explanation:

• God
• Christ
• Sin
• Substitution
• Righteousness
• Faith
  Use it in evangelism and discipleship.

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[i] 2 Corinthians 5

King James Version

5 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

10 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.

11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

16 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.

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

[ii] the argument that God, being defined as most great or perfect, must exist, since a God who exists is greater than a God who does not.