2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's military metaphor — 'taking every thought captive to obey Christ' — employs the Greek 'aichmalōtizō' (to capture as a prisoner of war), placing intellectual and imaginative life within the domain of Christ's authority. The preceding verse's 'weapons of our warfare' that 'have divine power to destroy strongholds' (ochyrōmata) describes a spiritual conflict waged through apostolic proclamation, not physical force. The 'high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God' likely refers to the Corinthian philosophical boasting ('high-mindedness') that Paul opposes throughout 1–2 Corinthians, rather than exclusively to demonic powers. The verse has been extensively applied in contemplative and spiritual-formation traditions as a mandate for disciplining the thought life.
Other Translations
casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;
reasonings bringing down, and every high thing lifted up against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of the Christ,
Putting an end to reasonings, and every high thing which is lifted up against the knowledge of God, and causing every thought to come under the authority of Christ;
Cross References
And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the …
And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not …
And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and …
As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?
Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is …
Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on …
Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook …
Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.