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;
Casting down imaginations - a word alluding to 'reckon' (2 Corinthians 10:2), 'reckonings' х logismous (G3053)], calculating 'reasonings.' Whereas "thought" х noeema (G3540)] expresses men's own device, intent of living after their own will.
High thing, х hupsooma (G5313)]. So it ought to be translated, Romans 8:39: distinct Greek from Ephesians 3:18, "height" х hupsos (G5311)], and Revelation 21:16, which belongs to God and heaven, whence we receive nothing hurtful. But "high thing" is not so much "height" as something made high, and belongs to those regions of air where the powers of darkness 'exalt themselves' against Christ and us (Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 6:12).
Exalteth itself. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 supports the English version [so Vulgate: epairomenon (G1869), 'extollentem se'], rather than it 'lifted up.' Such were the high towers of Judaic self-righteousness, philosophic speculations, and rhetorical sophistries, the "knowledge" so much prized by many, which opposed the "knowledge of God" at Corinth. True knowledge makes men humble. Where self is exalted God is not known. Arrange: 'Bringing every thought [i:e., intent of the mind: noeema (G3540)] into captivity to the obedience of Christ' - i:e., to obey Christ. The apostle's spiritual warfare
(1) demolishes what is opposed to Christ;
(2) leads captive;
(3) brings into obedience to Christ (Romans 1:5; Romans 16:26) (3) brings into obedience to Christ (Romans 1:5; Romans 16:26).
The 'reasonings,' "imaginations," are 'cast down.' The 'mental intents,' 'thoughts,' are made willing captives, rendering the voluntary obedience of faith to Christ the conqueror.