2 Corinthians 6:8

KJV

By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and [yet] true;

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G1223} honour {G1391} and {G2532} dishonour {G819}, by {G1223} evil report {G1426} and {G2532} good report {G2162}: as {G5613} deceivers {G4108}, and {G2532} yet true {G227};

Complete Jewish Bible

through being honored and dishonored, praised and blamed, considered deceptive and sincere,

Berean Standard Bible

through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine;

American Standard Version

by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 6:8 encapsulates the profound paradoxes inherent in authentic Christian ministry, where the apostles' true identity and divine calling were often obscured by worldly perceptions. Paul asserts that genuine servants of God are characterized not by human accolades but by their unwavering faithfulness amidst contradictory experiences—being esteemed by God while simultaneously facing societal scorn, slander, and false accusations, yet remaining steadfastly true to their mission and message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's impassioned defense of his apostolic ministry, found in [2 Corinthians 6:3-10](/2_corinthians/6-3-10 "2 Corinthians 6:3-10 - Paul's Apostolic Ministry"). Following an appeal for the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain ([2 Corinthians 6:1](/2_corinthians/6-1 "2 Corinthians 6:1 - Not Receiving Grace in Vain")), Paul embarks on a detailed enumeration of the hardships and paradoxical circumstances he and his co-workers endured. This list serves to validate their ministry as truly from God, contrasting it with those who might seek an easier, more worldly path. The entire section underscores that true ministry is marked by endurance, purity, and divine power, rather than by human approval or absence of suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Corinth was fraught with challenges, including accusations from rival teachers (often referred to as "super-apostles") who boasted of their eloquence, worldly wisdom, and lack of suffering. In Greco-Roman society, honor (doxa) and shame (atimia) were paramount. Public perception, reputation, and social standing were highly valued. To be "dishonored" or to suffer "evil report" was a significant social detriment. Paul's defense directly counters these cultural norms, asserting that his ministry's legitimacy came from God, not from conforming to societal expectations of success or avoiding public disgrace. His willingness to embrace dishonor for the sake of the Gospel was counter-cultural and a sign of true devotion, not weakness.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. First, it highlights the **Paradoxical Nature of Ministry**, where divine strength is perfected in human weakness, and God's servants are often honored by Him precisely when they are dishonored by the world. This theme is central to Paul's theology, famously articulated in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness"). Second, the verse emphasizes **Authenticity Amidst Accusation**. Paul and his companions were frequently slandered and accused of being deceptive or insincere, yet they remained "true" to their calling and to Christ. This speaks to the integrity of their character and the divine source of their message, regardless of human perception, echoing Paul's consistent defense of his sincerity throughout the epistle, particularly in [2 Corinthians 1:12](/2_corinthians/1-12 "2 Corinthians 1:12 - Paul's Conscience"). Finally, it underscores the theme of **Endurance in Adversity**, teaching that negative perceptions, false accusations, and social dishonor are often part of the path for those committed to God's truth, a common thread in Paul's letters (e.g., [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Perseverance Through Suffering")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, this word denotes "glory" or "dignity." In this context, it refers to the positive reputation, esteem, or respect that one might receive. Paul's ministry, despite its divine origin, was often met with the opposite of this humanly desired "honour."
* **Dishonour (Greek, _atimía'_):** From G819, meaning "infamy" or "disgrace." This term represents the lack of honor, the contempt, or the public reproach that Paul and his colleagues frequently experienced. The juxtaposition with "honour" highlights the stark contrast in how their ministry was perceived by different groups.
* **Evil report (Greek, _dysphēmía'_):** From G1426, literally "defamation" or "slander." This refers to negative, often false, public statements or accusations made against them. It speaks to the active verbal attacks and character assassination they endured.
* **Good report (Greek, _euphēmía'_):** From G2162, meaning "good language" or "praise" (repute). This is the direct opposite of "evil report," indicating positive public opinion or commendation. Paul's ministry, while generating the "good report" of the Gospel, often elicited "evil report" for himself.
* **Deceivers (Greek, _plános'_):** From G4108, describing someone "roving" or, by implication, an "impostor" or "misleader." This accusation implies that Paul and his team were not genuine, that they were leading people astray with false teachings or insincere motives.
* **True (Greek, _alēthḗs'_):** From G227, meaning "true" or "genuine" (as not concealing). This word stands in stark contrast to "deceivers," asserting the absolute authenticity, integrity, and veracity of Paul's character and message, despite the false accusations leveled against him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By honour and dishonour":** This phrase sets up the first of three striking antitheses. It signifies that the apostles' ministry was experienced and perceived through a spectrum of responses, ranging from moments of respect and esteem to periods of profound contempt and public disgrace. Their legitimacy was not contingent on receiving human honor.
* **"by evil report and good report":** This second pair of opposites highlights the conflicting narratives surrounding their work. They were subjected to slander and defamation ("evil report") even as their message brought forth "good report" (the Gospel itself, or positive testimonies from those who believed). This demonstrates that the truth of their message did not prevent personal vilification.
* **"as deceivers, and yet true":** This final and perhaps most potent paradox reveals the profound misunderstanding and misjudgment they faced. From the perspective of their detractors, they were "deceivers"—impostors leading people astray. Yet, in reality, they were "true"—authentic, genuine, and faithful messengers of God's truth. This clause underscores the chasm between human perception and divine reality.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is a masterclass in the use of **Antithesis**, employing three distinct pairs of contrasting concepts: "honour and dishonour," "evil report and good report," and "deceivers and true." This repeated use of opposites serves to highlight the extreme and paradoxical nature of apostolic ministry. Each pair presents a tension between how the world perceives God's servants and how they truly are in God's eyes. This creates a powerful sense of **Paradox**, where seemingly contradictory realities coexist and define the authentic Christian life and ministry. The very structure of the verse, moving from external perceptions to internal reality, also demonstrates a subtle form of **Irony**, as those who were truly genuine were labeled as false, and those who sought to discredit them often revealed their own lack of truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates that God's methods and measures often run contrary to human expectations and worldly wisdom. True spiritual authority and effectiveness are not found in the absence of suffering or in the pursuit of human approval, but in steadfast faithfulness amidst opposition and misunderstanding. Paul's experience demonstrates that God's power is perfected in weakness, and His truth shines brightest when His servants are most maligned. This paradoxical reality calls believers to re-evaluate their own standards of success and to find their validation solely in Christ, understanding that suffering for the Gospel is a mark of genuine discipleship, not a sign of failure.

* [Matthew 5:11-12](/matthew/5-11-12 "Matthew 5:11-12 - Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness")
* [1 Peter 4:14](/1_peter/4-14 "1 Peter 4:14 - Suffering for the name of Christ")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ's sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, 2 Corinthians 6:8 offers a vital lens through which to view their own walk of faith and service. In a world increasingly driven by public perception, social media validation, and the pursuit of positive "optics," this verse challenges us to prioritize divine approval over human applause. It reminds us that faithfully proclaiming and living out the Gospel may not always earn us accolades; instead, it might invite misunderstanding, criticism, or even outright slander. The call is to cultivate an unwavering integrity and authenticity in Christ, allowing our lives to be a testament to the truth, even when we are falsely accused or maligned. Our ultimate vindication and "good report" come from God, who sees beyond the superficial and knows the true heart of His servants. This verse encourages resilience, reminding us that perseverance through adversity, maintaining truthfulness when labeled a "deceiver," is a hallmark of genuine faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to compromise truth or authenticity in order to gain human "honour" or avoid "dishonour"?**
* **How do you respond when you receive "evil report" or false accusations, especially when you know you are striving to be "true" to Christ?**
* **What does 2 Corinthians 6:8 teach you about the nature of true success and validation in God's kingdom, versus the world's standards?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of your identity in Christ, so that external perceptions (whether good or evil) do not define your worth or mission?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse suggest that Christians should seek out dishonor or evil reports?**

Answer: No, the verse does not suggest that Christians should actively seek out dishonor or evil reports. Rather, it describes the reality that such experiences are often an unavoidable consequence of faithfully living out the Gospel in a fallen world. Paul is not advocating for a masochistic pursuit of suffering, but rather acknowledging that true ministry, which prioritizes God's truth over human approval, will inevitably encounter opposition and misrepresentation. The emphasis is on remaining "true" and faithful *despite* these negative experiences, not on generating them. The goal is to glorify God, even if it means enduring hardship, as Christ Himself endured [shame for the joy set before Him](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus endured the cross").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 6:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who, though perfectly "true" and without sin, was consistently perceived "as a deceiver" by the religious and political authorities of His day ([Matthew 27:63](/matthew/27-63 "Matthew 27:63 - Calling Jesus a Deceiver")). Jesus endured profound "dishonour" and "evil report," being mocked, scourged, and crucified outside the city gate, a place of public shame ([Hebrews 13:12-13](/hebrews/13-12-13 "Hebrews 13:12-13 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). Yet, in His suffering, He brought about the ultimate "good report"—the Gospel of salvation—and was ultimately given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' Great Commission")), receiving the highest "honour" from God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/phil/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). Paul's own experience, and that of all true ministers, is a participation in the pattern of Christ's life, demonstrating that faithfulness to God's truth often involves embracing the world's scorn, knowing that divine vindication and eternal glory await those who remain "true" to Him.

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

Matthew 27:63

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Timothy 4:10

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Acts 24:5

For we have found this man [a] pestilent [fellow], and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Acts 28:22

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

Romans 3:8

And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.