2 Corinthians 10:3–5

Context

In 2 Corinthians, the letter Paul sent to the church at Corinth, chapter 10 opens chapters 10–13, a section whose tone differs markedly from what precedes it. Some scholars regard this section as originally a separate letter. At the time, some in the Corinthian church regarded Paul as one who walked "according to the flesh" (10:2). They disparaged him, saying that his letters were weighty but that in person he was weak and his speech contemptible (10:10).

Paul replies that he does not fight by worldly standards or means. Because he goes on in verse 6 to say that he is ready to punish disobedience within the church, the passage is a defense directed at opponents within the church and their claims. The prevailing interpretation holds that "flesh" here refers not so much to the body itself as to a way of living that relies on human strength and standards apart from God. "Strong holds" (fortresses), "pulling down," and "bringing into captivity" are military terms describing the demolition of a city and the taking of prisoners. Some scholars see as background Proverbs 21:22, where the wise man "scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof."

Interpretation

• As a battle of ideas and arguments: This reading focuses on the words "imaginations" (Greek logismos, "reasoning" or "argument") and "thought." On this reading, the strongholds are human reasoning and pride that block the way to the knowledge of God. The passage is often used in Reformed and evangelical circles as a proof text for the Christian worldview and for apologetics (the rational defense of the faith).
• As a conflict within the church: Commentators who emphasize the context hold that the passage refers primarily to the claims of those who denied Paul's apostolic authority.
• As spiritual warfare: Some within Pentecostalism and the charismatic movement read the strongholds as footholds that evil spirits have established in individuals, families, or regions, and teach that these are torn down through prayer and proclamation.
• As discipline of the mind: The phrase "bringing into captivity every thought" is applied as a spiritual discipline for mastering temptation, anxiety, and negative thoughts.

Debates and Issues

• Within the spiritual-warfare reading, the claim that believers should identify and confront evil spirits ruling particular regions (so-called spiritual mapping and prayer walking) has been associated with the New Apostolic Reformation and has been controversial. Critics point out that, in context, the content of the "strong holds" is "imaginations" and "thought," so reading them as demonic territory goes beyond the text. Supporters argue that the passage should be read together with texts on spiritual conflict such as Ephesians 6:12.
• The Greek expression in verse 4 that the Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Hangeul) renders "before God" (the KJV has "through God") can also be translated "for God" or "mighty by God's gift," so translations differ. The Revised Korean Version (Gaeyeok Gaejeong) renders this phrase as "the power of God." It also replaces byeonggi ("weapons") with the more contemporary mugi and pahada ("pull down") with muneotteurida ("tear down").

In the Korean Church

In intercessory prayer and tongsung kido (praying aloud together) meetings, the petition "Tear down the strongholds" is widely used. It is also common to call long-entrenched problems such as addiction or unbelief "strongholds."

Related Passages

• Ephesians 6:10–18
• 2 Corinthians 6:7
• Romans 13:12
• Proverbs 21:22
• 1 Corinthians 1:22–25