2 Corinthians 5:21

For. Omit. It is a later addition, in order to soften the abruptness of the following clauses.

Made to be sin [α μ α ρ τ ι α ν ε π ο ι η σ ε ν]. Compare a curse, Galatians 3:13. Not a sin - offering, nor a sinner, but the representative of sin. On Him, representatively, fell the collective consequence of sin, in His enduring "the contradiction of sinners against Himself" (Hebrews 12:3), in His agony in the garden, and in His death on the cross.

Who knew no sin [τ ο ν μ η γ ν ο ν τ α α μ α ρ τ ι α ν]. Alluding to Christ's own consciousness of sinlessness, not to God's estimate of Him. The manner in which this reference is conveyed, it is almost impossible to explain to one unfamiliar with the distinction between the Greek negative particles. The one used here implies the fact of sinlessness as present to the consciousness of the person concerning whom the fact is stated. Compare John 8:46.