2 Corinthians 2:11

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 2:11, issues a critical warning regarding spiritual vigilance and the tactics of the enemy. This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers to be discerning and proactive in their spiritual walk, particularly in matters of forgiveness and reconciliation, lest they fall prey to the devil's calculated strategies.

Context

This verse follows Paul's discussion in 2 Corinthians 2:5-10 concerning a church member who had caused grief within the Corinthian community. Paul had previously called for discipline, but now he urges the church to extend forgiveness and comfort to this individual, emphasizing the need for believers to quickly forgive and restore an offending brother or sister. The warning in verse 11 highlights the spiritual danger of withholding forgiveness or allowing excessive sorrow to consume someone, as these emotional states can be exploited by Satan.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Awareness and Vigilance: Paul assumes believers are not ignorant of Satan's methods. This implies a need for constant spiritual awareness and discernment regarding the unseen battle.
  • Satan's Schemes and Exploitation: The phrase "get an advantage of us" reveals Satan's opportunistic nature. He seeks to exploit human weaknesses, especially in areas of unforgiveness, bitterness, division, and excessive sorrow, to cause harm within the church and to individuals.
  • Forgiveness as a Spiritual Weapon: By urging forgiveness and restoration, Paul implicitly teaches that these acts are crucial defenses against Satan's strategies. Reconciliation thwarts his attempts to sow discord and despair.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "get an advantage of us" translates the Greek word pleonekteō (πλεονεκτέω), which means to take unfair advantage of, to defraud, or to gain an upper hand. It suggests that Satan is always looking for an opportunity to exploit a weakness or an unresolved issue within the community or individual lives. The term "devices" comes from the Greek word noēmata (νοήματα), meaning thoughts, intentions, or schemes. This implies that Satan's actions are not random but are calculated, strategic plots designed to disrupt, deceive, and destroy.

Related Scriptures

Paul's concern about Satan's influence is a recurring theme in his epistles. He warns against allowing unresolved conflict or excessive sorrow to create an opening for the adversary, as he also advises not to give place to the devil. Understanding these tactics is part of putting on the full armor of God to stand firm against the wiles of the devil. Similarly, 1 Peter 5:8 exhorts believers to be sober and vigilant, because "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to constant spiritual awareness. We must recognize that many relational conflicts or personal struggles with bitterness, anger, or despair can be entry points for Satan's influence. By practicing prompt and genuine forgiveness, extending comfort, and maintaining unity within the body of Christ, we actively resist the devil's schemes. Being "not ignorant of his devices" means understanding that Satan thrives on division, unforgiveness, and overwhelming sorrow. Our readiness to forgive, restore, and walk in love becomes a powerful defense against his strategies.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 5:8 (37 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 6:11 (26 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 6:12 (26 votes)

    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 (23 votes)

    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 (18 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4 (17 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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.