2 Corinthians 1:9

9 However, we personally had a death sentence within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.

2 Corinthians 1:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 1:9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves
By the sentence of death is meant, not any decree of heaven, or appointment of God that they should die; nor any sentence of condemnation and death passed on them by the civil magistrate; but an opinion or persuasion in their own breasts, that they should die; so far were they from any hopes of life, that they looked upon themselves as dead men, as the Egyptians did, when their firstborn were slain, and said, "we be all dead men", ( Exodus 12:33 ) , and to this extremity they were suffered to be brought by the wise counsel of God, for the following purposes, to learn to lay aside all self-trust and confidence:

that we should not trust in ourselves;
in our strength, wisdom, and policy, to make our escape, and preserve our lives; and also to teach and encourage them to trust in God alone, and depend on his arm, on his almighty power:

but in God which raiseth the dead;
who will raise the dead at the last day, and so is able to deliver persons when they are in the most distressed condition, and in their own opinion as dead men.

2 Corinthians 1:9 In-Context

7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will share in the comfort.

8 For we don't want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction that took place in the province of Asia: we were completely overwhelmed-beyond our strength-so that we even despaired of life.

9 However, we personally had a death sentence within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.

10 He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and He will deliver us; we have placed our hope in Him that He will deliver us again.

11 And you can join in helping with prayer for us, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf for the gift that came to us through [the prayers of] many.