I don't know about that, so far you have been rebutted successfully.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV):
" casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
2Co 10:5 We tear down καθαιροῦντες arguments, λογισμοὺς and καὶ every πᾶν presumption ὕψωμα set up ἐπαιρόμενον against κατὰ the τῆς knowledge γνώσεως - τοῦ of God; Θεοῦ, and καὶ we take captive αἰχμαλωτίζοντες every πᾶν thought νόημα to εἰς - τὴν make it obedient ὑπακοὴν - τοῦ to Christ. Χριστοῦ,
2Co 10:6 And καὶ we ἐν will be ἔχοντες ready ἑτοίμῳ to punish ἐκδικῆσαι every [act of] πᾶσαν disobedience, παρακοήν, as soon as ὅταν your ὑμῶν - ἡ obedience ὑπακοή. is complete. πληρωθῇ
2Co 10:7 You are looking βλέπετε. - Τὰ at κατὰ outward appearances. πρόσωπον If εἴ anyone τις is confident πέποιθεν that he ἑαυτῷ belongs to εἶναι, Christ, Χριστοῦ - τοῦτο he should remind λογιζέσθω . . . πάλιν vvv ἐφ’ himself ἑαυτοῦ, that ὅτι we ἡμεῖς. [belong to Christ] οὕτως just καὶ as much as καθὼς he αὐτὸς [does]. Χριστοῦ,
1) "And every high thing," (kai pan hupsoma) "and every high (exalted) thing," such as conceit, egotism, pride of the flesh, Pro_11:2; Pro_13:10; Pro_16:18; Pro_29:23. These passions are citadels of Satan, let them be torn down.
2) "That exalteth itself against the knowledge of God," (epairomenon kata tes gnesos tou theou) "That rises up against (or opposes) the knowledge of God," even as Lucifer was lifted up, "puffed up," in conceit and pride against God, Isa_28:2; Isa_28:5; Isa_28:17; Isa_14:13-14; Rom_1:21-22; 1Co_1:18-19; 1Co_1:21; 1Co_1:25-29.
3) "And bringing into captivity," (kai eichmalotizontes)" and continually take captive or captivate," these fleshly passions, mortify or put them to death, under control, so that they will be fruitless, giving place to spiritual fruit, Col_3:1-5.
4) "Every thought to the obedience of Christ," (pan noema eis ten hupakoen tou christou) "Every design to the obedience of Christ," or thru God's power we are able to bring every thought, design, or intent to obedient service to Christ, Heb_12:1-3; 1Pe_3:15; Isa_55:11-12; Php_2:5-7; Heb_4:12. Let every intent, purpose, and motive be wholly subject to the word and will of Christ, Rom_12:1-2.
Breakdown and Explanation:
Context:
Paul is addressing the Corinthians about spiritual warfare and the nature of his authority as an apostle. He contrasts his ministry with those who question his authority, asserting that his power is divinely given and not of the flesh.
Key Phrases:
"Casting down imaginations": The Greek word here is "logismos" (λογισμὸς), which can mean reasoning or arguments.
"Every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God": This phrase is about things that are elevated or set up against the understanding of God, often referring to pride, ideologies, or false teachings.
"Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ":
The Greek phrase "ἀνάγων πάντα νοῦν εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ" literally means "taking every thought captive to obey Christ." This highlights the discipline of aligning one's thoughts and actions with the teachings and example of Christ.
Greek Text Analysis:
2 Corinthians 10:5 (Greek, UBS4):
καθαιρεῖν λογισμούς καὶ πᾶν ὕψωμα ἀντιτιθέμενον τῇ γνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ αἰχμαλωτίζοντα πᾶν νοῦν εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ.
Morphology Breakdown:
"καθαιρεῖν" (kathairein): Infinitive of "to tear down" or "to demolish."
"λογισμούς" (logismous): Accusative plural of "logismos," meaning "reasonings" or "arguments."
"πᾶν ὕψωμα" (pan hypsōma): "Every high thing."
"ἀντιτιθέμενον" (antithemenon): Present middle participle of "antitithēmi," meaning "opposing" or "set against."
"τῇ γνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ" (tē gnōsei tou Theou): "To the knowledge of God."
"αἰχμαλωτίζοντα" (aichmalotizonta): Present active participle of "aichmalotizō," meaning "bringing into captivity."
"πᾶν νοῦν" (pan noun): "Every thought."
"εἰς τὴν ὑπακοὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ" (eis tēn hypakoēn tou Christou): "To the obedience of Christ."
This verse calls believers to take every thought and idea captive, ensuring they are aligned with the obedience and teachings of Christ, thereby demolishing anything that exalts itself against God's knowledge.
arguments -- Thoughts, ideas, speculations, reasonings, philosophies, and false religions are the ideological forts in which men barricade themselves against God and the gospel (cf. 1Co_3:20). - MSB
“Arguments” (NIV, NRSV, TEV) or “speculations” (NASB) ["pretension", "imaginaions" ASV] is a technical term for rhetorical or philosophical reasonings; the prisoners of war in this extended metaphor are human thoughts. Cf. Pro_21:22. - EBCNT
raised [that exalts itself] against the knowledge of God, -- True knowledge makes men humble. Where there is exaltation of self, there knowledge of God is wanting [BENGEL].
Everything which exalts itself is opposed to the knowledge of God, that which makes people think they do not need the provisions of the gospel and are not willing to submit to God's plan for them.
bringing into captivity -- Free from dominion of the body. The mind under the influence of the gospel is to control the body.
every thought -- (παν A-ASN, G3956, every; νοημα N-ASN, G3540, thought)
The Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised, Harold K. Moulton, ed., lists several connotations (p. 280).
1. the mind, the understanding, intellect - 2Co_3:14; 2Co_4:4
2. the heart, soul, affections, feelings, disposition - 2Co_11:3
3. a conception of the mind, thought, purpose, device - 2Co_2:11; 2Co_10:5
The word “thought” (novhma, noçma) is only used six times in the NT, once in Php_4:7, and four other times in 2 Corinthians (2Co_2:11; 2Co_3:14; 2Co_4:4; 2Co_11:3). In every other case, it is translated “mind” by the NIV, except when referring to the “schemes” of Satan in 2Co_2:11. Outside the NT, it can mean “design” or “purpose.” So, we should not think that Paul means that Christ will overcome every random thought we have. Rather, he has in mind thoughts directed toward a purpose, a philosophy. Also, ultimately it is not just philosophies that become captive to Christ but the people attached to them. “Obedient to Christ” means to accept the gospel of Christ as true and to honor Christ as Lord. - CPNTNIV
1) Even our "thoughts" should be only of being obedient to the will of God.
2) "Thoughts" here are not our own, but of others, and used as referring to their "causes, philosophies, religions, conduct, etc." as being won over to that in harmony with with will of God. (2Co_2:11, used of the schemes, devices, "ways", strategy, plans of Satan.) - WG
Every power of thought in the pagan world; all the systems of philosophy and all forms of opinion among people; all the purposes of the soul; all the powers of reason, memory, judgment, fancy in an individual, were all to come under the laws of Christ, All doctrines were to be in accordance with his will; - BN,
...the weapons of our warfare are able to cast all that to the ground, and bring every thought (‘every conception’[1]), like a captive, into absolute obedience to what Christ demands in thought and action; - Schaff
bring into captivity -- Another military metaphor.
captive -- The verb is a compound of "spear" and "to capture in battle." All things "false" is captured by the "truth."
And this INCLUDES me
@Episkopos --
--and the context of this verse--
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (KJV):
"3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
Contextual Analysis:
Spiritual Warfare: Paul begins by contrasting the spiritual nature of the battle Christians face with physical warfare. He emphasizes that their weapons are not human, but divine and powerful for tearing down strongholds.
Casting Down: Paul instructs believers to demolish arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God. This includes any false teachings, ideologies, or attitudes that oppose the truth revealed in Christ.
Bringing into Captivity: He emphasizes the importance of bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. This involves aligning one's thinking and mindset with the teachings and values of Jesus Christ, rather than conforming to worldly or sinful patterns.
Spiritual Preparedness: Paul concludes by stating that they are prepared to punish disobedience once complete obedience to Christ is established among believers. This highlights the seriousness with which Paul views the battle for spiritual purity and obedience within the church.
Using God-given spiritual weapons to combat false teachings and sinful strongholds.
Ensuring that their thoughts and beliefs are in alignment with the truth of Christ.
Being vigilant against disobedience within the church community, with a goal of promoting holiness and obedience to Christ.
This passage underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance, obedience to Christ, and the authority of God's Word in the life of every believer and in the community of faith.
J.