2:16 2:16

2 Corinthians 2:17

3:1 3:1

Bible Versions

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
For {G1063} we are {G2070} not {G3756} as {G5613} many {G4183}, which corrupt {G2585} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}: but {G235} as {G5613} of {G1537} sincerity {G1505}, but {G235} as {G5613} of {G1537} God {G2316}, in the sight {G2714} of God {G2316} speak we {G2980} in {G1722} Christ {G5547}.
For we are not like a lot of folks who go about huckstering God’s message for a fee; on the contrary, we speak out of a sincere heart, as people sent by God, standing in God’s presence, living in union with the Messiah.
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 2:17, the Apostle Paul sharply distinguishes his ministry from that of others, emphasizing the purity and divine origin of his message. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of integrity in the face of widespread spiritual deception.

Context

This verse comes as Paul continues to defend his apostolic authority and the nature of his ministry to the Corinthian church. He has just described how God leads believers in triumph and spreads the knowledge of Christ like a fragrant aroma (2 Corinthians 2:14). Here, he directly contrasts his approach with those who engage in deceptive or self-serving practices, underscoring the authentic source and delivery of the gospel he preaches.

Key Themes

  • Authentic vs. Corrupt Ministry: Paul draws a clear line between his ministry and those "which corrupt the word of God." This refers to individuals who distort, dilute, or manipulate God's message for personal gain, popularity, or convenience. Paul's ministry, by contrast, is presented as unblemished and true.
  • Sincerity and Purity of Motive: The phrase "as of sincerity" highlights Paul's genuine motives. He is not driven by selfish ambition or financial profit, but by a pure desire to faithfully proclaim God's truth. This sincerity ensures the message itself remains unadulterated.
  • Divine Authority and Accountability: Paul asserts that he speaks "as of God, in the sight of God." This emphasizes that his message originates from God, not human wisdom, and is delivered with a constant awareness of God's omnipresent judgment and approval. His words carry divine authority because they are spoken under divine scrutiny.
  • Speaking in Christ: The culmination, "speak we in Christ," underscores that Paul's entire ministry is rooted in his union with Christ. His message, authority, and very being as an apostle are intrinsically connected to the person and work of Jesus Christ, ensuring the gospel's authenticity.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word translated "corrupt" is kapēleuō (καπηλεύω). This term literally means to be a "retailer" or "huckster" who adulterates goods (like diluting wine with water) for dishonest profit. It implies not just error, but a deliberate, mercenary manipulation or cheapening of something valuable for personal gain. Paul uses it to accuse his opponents of peddling the word of God like common merchants, devoid of integrity.
  • "Sincerity" comes from the Greek eilikrineia (εἰλικρίνεια), which suggests purity, unmixed quality, or being "judged by sunlight" – meaning transparent, without hidden flaws or ulterior motives.

Practical Application

2 Corinthians 2:17 offers vital lessons for believers today:

  • Discernment in Listening: It challenges us to critically evaluate spiritual teachers and messages. Are they truly speaking "as of God" and "of sincerity," or are they subtly corrupting the word for their own ends? We should test all teachings against the unchanging standard of God's Word, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11).
  • Integrity in Ministry: For those who teach or lead in the church, this verse is a potent call to integrity, pure motives, and unwavering faithfulness to the biblical message. Our words and actions should always reflect that we are speaking "in the sight of God."
  • Living Authentically: Beyond ministry, this verse encourages all believers to live lives of sincerity and integrity. Our walk should match our talk, reflecting our faith "in Christ" and our awareness of God's constant presence (Colossians 3:23-24).
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.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:2

    But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    ¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • 2 Peter 2:1

    ¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

  • 2 Peter 2:3

    ¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

  • 1 Timothy 4:1

    ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

  • 1 Timothy 4:3

    Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
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