2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us i.e. the love which Christ has not only displayed, but imparted (De Wette). He refers to Romans 8:35; Ephesians 3:19 (which however must be read in the light of 2 Corinthians 5:17). The word translated constrainsignifies to coop up, keep within narrow bounds. Cf. Luke 12:50, where the same word occurs. It is also used by St Luke of diseases, as in Luke 4:38; Acts 28:8, and of a multitude crowding, as in Luke 8:45. Here it means -prevents us from doing anything but serve you for Christ's sake."

because we thus judge Not merely equivalent to think, but strictly judge, i.e. form an opinion upon sufficient evidence.

that if one died for all, then were all dead Most modern editors omit the -if," which is not contained in any of the best MSS. nor versions (except the Vulgate), and render thus, -That one died for all: therefore all died, not -were dead" as in the A. V. The meaning of the Apostle would seem to be not that all men were dead in trespasses and sins, and therefore needed one to die for them, but that the death of Christ, Who had taken upon Himself to represent mankind before His Father's throne, was in a sense a death of all mankind(οἱ πάντες all collectively. Wordsworth). "What Christ did forHumanity was done by Humanity." Robertson. Cf. Romans 6:6; Romans 6:10; Romans 7:4; Romans 7:6 (margin); Ephesians 2:13; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20-22; Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 10:10. Also Galatians 2:19-20,-I through law died to law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ."