Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
imaginations--rather, "reasonings." Whereas "thought" expresses men's own purpose and determination of living after their own pleasure [TITTMANN].
high thing--So it ought to be translated (Romans 8:39). A distinct Greek word from that in Ephesians 3:18, "height," and Revelation 21:16, which belongs to God and heaven from whence we receive nothing hurtful. But "high thing" is not so much "height" as something made high, and belongs to those regions of air where the powers of darkness ::exalt themselves" against Christ and us (Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:4).
exalteth itself-- 2 Thessalonians 2:4 supports English Version rather than the translation of ELLICOTT, etc., "is lifted up." Such were the high towers of Judaic self-righteousness, philosophic speculations, and rhetorical sophistries, the "knowledge" so much prized by many (opposed to "the knowledge of God"), which endangered a section of the Corinthian Church.
against the knowledge of God--True knowledge makes men humble. Where there is exaltation of self, there knowledge of God is wanting [BENGEL]. Arrange the words following thus: "Bringing every thought (that is, intent of the mind or will) into captivity to the obedience of Christ," that is, to obey Christ. The three steps of the apostle's spiritual warfare are: (1) It demolishes what is opposed to Christ; (2) It leads captive; (3) It brings into obedience to Christ (Romans 1:5; Romans 16:26). The "reasonings" (English Version, "imaginations") are utterly "cast down." The "mental intents" (English Version, "thoughts") are taken willing captives, and tender the voluntary obedience of faith to Christ the Conqueror.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Acts 20:3
2 Corinthians 2:14
2 Corinthians 10:4
2 Corinthians 10:8
2 Corinthians 10:8
2 Corinthians 10:8
2 Corinthians 11:3
2 Timothy 2:26
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