2 Corinthians 11:14

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Complete Jewish Bible:

There is nothing surprising in that, for the Adversary himself masquerades as an angel of light;

Berean Standard Bible:

And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

American Standard Version:

And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} no^{G3756} marvel^{G2298}; for^{G1063} Satan^{G4567} himself^{G846} is transformed^{G3345} into^{G1519} an angel^{G32} of light^{G5457}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 2 Corinthians 11:14

2 Corinthians 11:14 is a verse from the second letter of the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth, Greece. This letter, written around AD 55-56, addresses various issues within the church, including the defense of Paul's apostolic authority and the correction of false teachings and behaviors that had infiltrated the congregation.

In the broader context of the chapter, Paul is sarcastically comparing himself to the "super-apostles" who have been leading the Corinthians astray with their false teachings and boastful ways. He reluctantly engages in a "fool's boast" to highlight his genuine credentials as an apostle, emphasizing his sufferings and hardships for the sake of the gospel.

The specific verse, 2 Corinthians 11:14, states, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." This passage reflects the theme of deception and the warning against false appearances. Paul is alerting the Corinthians to the cunning nature of evil, personified in Satan, who can disguise himself as something good or divine ("an angel of light"). The verse underscores the idea that not everything that appears to be righteous or true is of God, and it serves as a caution to be discerning of the motives and teachings of those who claim spiritual authority.

Historically, this verse reflects the early Christian struggle with discerning true from false teachings. The first-century church was grappling with various heresies and challenges to apostolic teaching. Paul's warning is a reminder that spiritual discernment is crucial in recognizing the deceitful tactics of evil forces that can infiltrate the church and lead believers away from the true faith. This theme remains relevant as Christians throughout history have been called to critically evaluate the teachings they receive against the backdrop of Scripture, always vigilant for the "wolves in sheep's clothing" that Jesus warned about in Matthew 7:15.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2298
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θαυμαστός
   Transliteration: thaumastós
   Pronunciation: thow-mas-tos'
   Description: from θαυμάζω; wondered at, i.e. (by implication) wonderful:--marvel(-lous).
   
4. Strong's Number: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
5. Strong's Number: G4567
   There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Σατανᾶς
   Transliteration: Satanâs
   Pronunciation: sat-an-as'
   Description: of Chaldee origin corresponding to מַעְבָּד (with the definite affix); the accuser, i.e. the devil:--Satan.
   
6. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3345
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μετασχηματίζω
   Transliteration: metaschēmatízō
   Pronunciation: met-askh-ay-mat-id'-zo
   Description: from μετά and a derivative of σχῆμα; to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation):--transfer, transform (self).
   
8. Strong's Number: G1519
   There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰς
   Transliteration: eis
   Pronunciation: ice
   Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
   
9. Strong's Number: G32
   There are 228 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄγγελος
   Transliteration: ángelos
   Pronunciation: ang'-el-os
   Description: from (probably derived from ἄγω; compare ἀγέλη) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor:--angel, messenger.
   
10. Strong's Number: G5457
    There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: φῶς
    Transliteration: phōs
    Pronunciation: foce
    Description: from an obsolete (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare φαίνω, φημί); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative):--fire, light.