2 Corinthians 5:21
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
What 2 Corinthians 5:21 means
This is the great exchange stated in a single sentence. The sinless one is treated as sin; those who are guilty are counted righteous. Nothing about either party’s actual record changes the direction of the transfer — it runs entirely on substitution.
‘In him’ is the hinge. The righteousness described is not produced by the believer but received by union with Christ. Paul compresses more theology into this verse than almost any other, which is why it repays being known word for word.
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Questions about 2 Corinthians 5:21
What does 2 Corinthians 5:21 mean?
It means God treated the sinless Christ as though he were sin, bearing what we deserved, so that we might be counted righteous before God through union with him.
What is ‘the great exchange’?
The term for what this verse describes: Christ receives our sin and its penalty, and we receive his righteous standing — an exchange neither side earned by merit.