2 Corinthians 5:11
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.
Study Note
Study Note
'Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men' — Paul grounds his apostolic persuasion not in rhetorical skill or social prestige but in the solemn awareness of divine judgment introduced by the 'judgment seat of Christ' in verse 10. The Greek phobos Kyriou ('fear of the Lord') echoes the Old Testament's recurring wisdom motif but applies it specifically to apostolic accountability, making Paul's ministry inseparable from eschatological seriousness. The verse is significant for discussions of Christian apologetics and evangelism: it presents persuasion as both intellectually serious and existentially urgent, motivated by the reality of judgment rather than mere church growth.
Other Translations
Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.
having known, therefore, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, and to God we are manifested, and I hope also in your consciences to have been manifested;
Having in mind, then, the fear of the Lord, we put these things before men, but God sees our hearts; and it is my hope that we may seem right in your eyes.
Cross References
And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did …
For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God …
Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.
For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.
Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? …