2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

Passage

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Nearby Context

2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "hath", "knew", "might", and "righteousness". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "hath" and "knew", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The prior verse says "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ...", giving immediate footing for "hath" and "knew". In 2 Corinthians context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "hath" and "knew" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.