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.
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.
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.
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.
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