### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kapēleúō**, represented by `{{G2585}}`, literally means to retail or act as a huckster, but carries the figurative implication of adulterating or to **corrupt**. It is a rare term in scripture, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. Its meaning is sharply defined by its use as a contrast to speaking with purity and divine authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G2585}}` is found in [[2 Corinthians 2:17]], where it describes a negative example. The passage states, "For we are not as many, which **corrupt** the word of God." This act of corruption is set in direct opposition to the way the speaker and their companions minister. They do not adulterate the message for personal gain but instead **speak** `{{G2980}}` "as of **sincerity**" `{{G1505}}`, "as of **God**" `{{G2316}}`, and "in the sight of **God**" `{{G2714}}` in **Christ** `{{G5547}}`. This context establishes `{{G2585}}` as the act of debasing the divine message, unlike pure and accountable speech.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify the meaning of `{{G2585}}` by providing a direct contrast:
* `{{G1505}}` **eilikríneia** (sincerity): Defined as clearness or purity, this is the opposite of the corruption described by `{{G2585}}`. It signifies a motive that is pure and unmixed, as seen in the call to keep a feast "with the unleavened bread of **sincerity** and truth" [[1 Corinthians 5:8]].
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos** (word): This is what is being corrupted. As "something said," it refers specifically in this context to the **word** of God [[2 Corinthians 2:17]], which is presented elsewhere as powerful and divine, as in "the **Word** was God" [[John 1:1]].
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (speak): This is the action undertaken. While some **speak** corruptly, the passage contrasts this with those who **speak** in Christ [[2 Corinthians 2:17]]. This verb underscores the importance of the manner and motive behind speech, whether it is from God or from self.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2585}}` lies in its function as a solemn warning against the mishandling of divine truth.
* **Integrity of the Message:** The primary point is the absolute necessity of preserving the purity of God's **word** `{{G3056}}`. To **corrupt** `{{G2585}}` it is to act like the "many," while the faithful are called to minister with **sincerity** `{{G1505}}`, which is presented as a characteristic of godly conduct [[2 Corinthians 1:12]].
* **Divine versus Human Motivation:** The passage contrasts corrupting the word with speaking "as **of** `{{G1537}}` God" [[2 Corinthians 2:17]]. This highlights a fundamental theological division: whether the source of one's message is divine and pure or tainted by human motives. Believers are identified as being "**of** God" [[1 John 4:4]].
* **Accountability before God:** The act of speaking occurs "in the **sight** `{{G2714}}` of God" [[2 Corinthians 2:17]], implying that the handling of His word is done under divine observation and judgment. This accountability is a recurring theme, with the goal being to be presented "holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his **sight**" [[Colossians 1:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2585}}` **kapēleúō** is a concise and potent term whose single biblical appearance powerfully frames the responsibility of handling God's word. Its meaning is defined not by what it is, but by what it is not. By contrasting the act to **corrupt** with speaking from **sincerity** `{{G1505}}`, from a divine source `{{G1537}}`, and under divine scrutiny `{{G2714}}`, scripture issues a clear command for integrity and purity in ministry.
TRV