2 Corinthians 2:11

KJV

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest {G3363} Satan {G5259}{G4567} should get an advantage of us {G4122}: for {G1063} we are not {G3756} ignorant {G50} of his {G846} devices {G3540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that we will not be taken advantage of by the Adversary — for we are quite aware of his schemes!

Berean Standard Bible

in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

American Standard Version

that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this verse, the Apostle Paul delivers a crucial warning to the Corinthian believers, urging them to exercise wisdom and discernment in their communal life, particularly concerning the restoration of an offending member. This verse underscores the necessity of spiritual vigilance, revealing that Satan actively seeks opportunities to exploit human weaknesses, such as unforgiveness or excessive sorrow, to gain a strategic advantage and disrupt the unity and well-being of the church. Paul's admonition serves as a timeless reminder that believers are not to be ignorant of the adversary's calculated schemes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section in [2 Corinthians 2](/2_corinthians/2 "2 Corinthians 2 - Paul's Affection for the Corinthians") where Paul addresses a painful issue within the Corinthian church. Following his stern letter (often referred to as the "severe letter"), Paul had commanded the church to discipline an individual who had caused significant grief, likely by challenging Paul's authority or engaging in immoral conduct (though the specific offense is not explicitly detailed in [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians "The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians")). In [2 Corinthians 2:5-8](/2_corinthians/2-5-8 "2 Corinthians 2:5-8 - Forgiveness for the Offender"), Paul now urges the Corinthians to forgive and restore this repentant individual, lest he be "swallowed up with overmuch sorrow." Verse 11, therefore, provides the theological rationale for this swift and compassionate restoration, highlighting the spiritual danger of allowing prolonged bitterness, unforgiveness, or despair to fester, as these emotional states create open doors for Satan's destructive influence within the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was notoriously fraught with internal divisions, moral laxity, and challenges to apostolic authority, as evidenced throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians") and [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians "The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians"). Paul's relationship with them was complex, marked by both deep affection and necessary confrontation. In the Greco-Roman world, public shame and social exclusion were powerful tools of community discipline. While Paul employed church discipline, his ultimate goal was always restoration, not permanent ostracization. His concern in [2 Corinthians 2:11](/2_corinthians/2-11 "2 Corinthians 2:11 - Lest Satan Should Get an Advantage") reflects an understanding that spiritual warfare is not merely an individual battle but also a communal one. A divided or unforgiving church, consumed by internal strife, would be vulnerable to external spiritual attack, hindering its witness and mission in a pagan society.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of [2 Corinthians 2:11](/2_corinthians/2-11 "2 Corinthians 2:11 - Lest Satan Should Get an Advantage") introduces several crucial themes. Firstly, **Forgiveness and Restoration** are paramount, emphasized as vital for the health of both the individual and the community. Paul's command to "forgive him, and comfort him" in [2 Corinthians 2:7](/2_corinthians/2-7 "2 Corinthians 2:7 - Forgive and Comfort the Offender") directly precedes the warning about Satan, indicating that these acts are spiritual defenses. Secondly, **Spiritual Vigilance and Discernment** are highlighted, as believers are expected to be aware of the adversary's tactics. This theme resonates with Paul's broader teachings on spiritual warfare, such as in [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Full Armor of God"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Satan's Opportunistic Nature**, revealing his desire to "get an advantage" by exploiting human weaknesses like unforgiveness, bitterness, or excessive sorrow, which can lead to division and despair within the body of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Satan (Greek, _Satanâs'_):** From a Chaldee origin, this word directly translates to "the accuser" or "adversary." In this context, it refers to the chief spiritual enemy of God and humanity, a malevolent being who actively works against God's purposes and seeks to undermine believers and the church. Paul's use here highlights the personal, active, and malevolent nature of this spiritual foe.
* **get an advantage (Greek, _pleonektéō'_):** This verb means "to be covetous," "to over-reach," "to take unfair advantage of," or "to defraud." It implies a desire for more than one's share, often through exploitation or deceit. When applied to Satan, it signifies his predatory nature, seeking to seize an opportunity or exploit a weakness within the community or an individual to gain control or inflict harm. He is not merely present but actively seeking to exploit situations.
* **devices (Greek, _nóēma'_):** Derived from the verb "to perceive" or "to think," this noun refers to a "perception," "purpose," "intellect," "disposition," "mind," or "thought." In a negative sense, as used here, it denotes "schemes," "plots," "designs," or "calculated intentions." This word reveals that Satan's actions are not random or impulsive but are deliberate, intelligent, and strategic plans aimed at deception, division, and destruction. Believers are called to understand these calculated tactics.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us":** This clause presents the primary warning and the motivation behind Paul's preceding counsel on forgiveness and restoration. The Greek phrase `hína mḗ` (lest, in order that not) emphasizes the preventative nature of the warning. Paul is concerned that if the Corinthians fail to forgive and comfort the repentant brother, allowing bitterness or excessive sorrow to prevail, Satan will seize this opportunity. The term "get an advantage" (Greek, _pleonektéō_) vividly portrays Satan as an opportunistic predator, ready to exploit any weakness, division, or unresolved conflict within the church to his own destructive ends. His goal is to gain an upper hand, to defraud the community of its unity, peace, and witness.
* **"for we are not ignorant of his devices":** This second clause provides the basis for the warning and implies a call to spiritual maturity and discernment. The conjunction "for" (Greek, _gár_) introduces the reason or justification for Paul's concern. Paul asserts that he, and by extension, the mature believers in Corinth, possess knowledge of Satan's methods. The phrase "not ignorant" (Greek, _ou agnoéō_) suggests a conscious awareness and understanding of the adversary's "devices" (Greek, _nóēma_). These "devices" are not random acts but calculated strategies, schemes, and cunning plots designed to sow discord, promote unforgiveness, induce despair, and ultimately undermine the work of God among His people. This knowledge empowers believers to actively resist and counteract his plans.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 2:11](/2_corinthians/2-11 "2 Corinthians 2:11 - Lest Satan Should Get an Advantage") to emphasize his urgent warning. **Personification** is evident as Satan is depicted as an active agent with intentions and strategies, capable of "getting an advantage" over believers. This portrays him not as an abstract force but as a personal, malevolent adversary. The term "devices" itself functions as a **Metaphor** for Satan's cunning and deceptive schemes, suggesting intricate and well-planned traps rather than overt attacks. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proleptic Warning**, anticipating a potential negative outcome (Satan gaining advantage) if the Corinthians fail to heed Paul's instruction regarding forgiveness. This creates a sense of urgency and highlights the spiritual stakes involved in their communal decisions. The phrase "we are not ignorant" also carries an element of **Irony** or **Understatement**, as Paul is implicitly challenging the Corinthians to live up to this claim by acting wisely, implying that while they *should* know, they might still fall prey if not vigilant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 2:11](/2_corinthians/2-11 "2 Corinthians 2:11 - Lest Satan Should Get an Advantage") is deeply rooted in the broader biblical understanding of spiritual warfare and the nature of the adversary. It highlights that Satan's primary aim is to disrupt God's work, particularly through disunity and despair within the body of Christ. The verse underscores the theological truth that while Satan is a formidable foe, believers are not left helpless or uninformed; rather, they are equipped with awareness and the means to resist him, primarily through obedience to Christ's commands, such as forgiveness. This passage reinforces the idea that our personal and communal spiritual health directly impacts our vulnerability to demonic influence, making reconciliation not just a relational necessity but a spiritual defense.

* [Ephesians 4:27](/ephesians/4-27 "Ephesians 4:27 - Do Not Give the Devil a Foothold")
* [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Whole Armor of God")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober and Vigilant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful call to spiritual alertness and intentional living for every believer and church community. It compels us to recognize that our internal relational dynamics, particularly how we handle conflict, offense, and reconciliation, have profound spiritual implications. Unforgiveness, bitterness, prolonged grief, or unresolved conflict do not merely affect our emotional state; they can become strategic entry points for the adversary. To be "not ignorant of his devices" means actively cultivating a spirit of forgiveness, seeking swift reconciliation, and extending comfort to those who repent. It means understanding that Satan thrives on division, despair, and isolation, and that our unity in Christ, expressed through love and grace, is a potent weapon against his schemes. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions and engage in the hard work of genuine, Christ-like restoration, knowing that in doing so, we are actively thwarting the enemy's plans and protecting the spiritual integrity of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our church community might unforgiveness or unresolved conflict be creating an opening for spiritual attack?**
* **What specific "devices" or strategies of Satan have I observed in my own life or in the church, and how can I better recognize and resist them?**
* **How can I be more proactive in extending forgiveness and comfort to others, even when it is difficult, to prevent Satan from gaining an advantage?**

### FAQ

**What are Satan's "devices" that Paul refers to?**

Answer: Satan's "devices" (Greek, _nóēma_) refer to his cunning, calculated schemes, strategies, and evil intentions designed to deceive, disrupt, and destroy. In the immediate context of [2 Corinthians 2:11](/2_corinthians/2-11 "2 Corinthians 2:11 - Lest Satan Should Get an Advantage"), these devices specifically include exploiting unforgiveness, bitterness, prolonged sorrow, and division within the church. He seeks to turn a disciplinary action into a destructive force by pushing the repentant individual into despair or by allowing the community to remain fragmented by a lack of grace. More broadly, his devices include temptation, deception (as seen in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man")), accusation (as in [Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser of the Brethren")), sowing discord, promoting pride, and instigating doubt against God's character or Word. The goal is always to separate believers from God and from each other.

**How does forgiveness protect us from Satan's schemes?**

Answer: Forgiveness is a powerful spiritual weapon against Satan's schemes because it directly counteracts his primary strategies of division and despair. When we withhold forgiveness, we allow bitterness, resentment, and anger to fester, creating an open door for Satan to sow discord, isolate individuals, and paralyze the community. Paul warns against allowing the repentant person to be "swallowed up with overmuch sorrow" in [2 Corinthians 2:7](/2_corinthians/2-7 "2 Corinthians 2:7 - Forgive and Comfort the Offender"), indicating that excessive grief or guilt, if not met with grace, can also be exploited by the enemy. By extending forgiveness, we close these doors, restore unity, bring healing and comfort to the offended and the offender, and demonstrate the transforming power of Christ's love. This act of grace thwarts Satan's attempts to gain an "advantage" by maintaining division and fostering despair within the body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Corinthians 2:11](/2_corinthians/2-11 "2 Corinthians 2:11 - Lest Satan Should Get an Advantage") warns about Satan's devices, its ultimate fulfillment and the believer's victory over these schemes are found solely in Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the ultimate example of overcoming the adversary, having triumphed over temptation in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")), casting out demons throughout His ministry ([Mark 1:34](/mark/1-34 "Mark 1:34 - Jesus Heals Many")), and ultimately defeating Satan's power through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). It is through Christ's finished work that believers are given authority to resist the devil ([James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")) and are no longer ignorant of his devices, for the Spirit of Christ illuminates truth. The forgiveness Paul urges in [2 Corinthians 2:7](/2_corinthians/2-7 "2 Corinthians 2:7 - Forgive and Comfort the Offender") is a direct outflow of the boundless forgiveness we have received in Christ ([Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving")). Thus, our ability to thwart Satan's schemes by extending grace and maintaining unity is not a human effort but a participation in Christ's victory, empowered by His Spirit, reflecting His character, and anticipating the day when Satan will be finally crushed under our feet ([Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God of Peace Will Crush Satan")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Ephesians 6:11

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

2 Corinthians 11:3

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Luke 22:31

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.