2 Corinthians 11 13

2 Corinthians 11:13 kjv

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:13 nkjv

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:13 niv

For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:13 esv

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:13 nlt

These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11 verses

2 Corinthians 11 13 Meaning

The verse highlights the deceptive nature of false apostles. They masquerade as authentic servants of Christ but are fundamentally deceitful, disguising themselves to achieve their sinister purposes. This deception is so profound that they present themselves as apostles of Christ in a genuine-seeming way.

2 Corinthians 11 13 Context

This verse is situated within 2 Corinthians chapter 11, where Paul is defending his apostolic authority against attacks from "super-apostles" in Corinth. These opponents were likely influential, perhaps employing sophisticated rhetoric and boasting about their credentials and spiritual experiences. Paul, in contrast, has been recounting his own sufferings and weaknesses for Christ, arguing that true apostleship is recognized by faithfulness and endurance, not by worldly acclaim. The context of 2 Corinthians 11 is a deeply personal defense where Paul reveals the harsh realities faced by authentic messengers of the Gospel, contrasting them with those who peddle a counterfeit message. The immediate preceding verses (11:7-12) show Paul's rejection of accepting payment, setting up his present argument that these false apostles, who are willing to receive anything and distort the message, are like the original serpent.

2 Corinthians 11 13 Word Analysis

• "for" (γάρ - gar): A coordinating conjunction indicating reason or explanation, connecting this statement to the preceding or following argument about false apostles.
• "such" (τοιοῦτοι - toioutoi): This demonstrative pronoun points to a specific kind of person already described or implied, meaning "of this sort" or "such people."
• "false" (ψευδ- - pseud-): A prefix from the Greek word ψεῦδος (pseudos), meaning "falsehood," "lie," or "deceit."
• "apostles" (ἀπόστολοι - apostoloi): The plural of ἀπόστολος (apostolos), meaning "one who is sent out," "an ambassador," or "a messenger." Here, it's used to describe individuals who falsely claim this title, unlike the genuine apostles sent by Christ.
• "workers" (ἐργάται - ergatai): From ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai), meaning "to work," "to labor," or "to perform." It signifies those actively engaged in labor or ministry.
• "thieves" (κλέπται - kleptai): The plural of κλέπτης (kleptes), meaning "a thief," one who steals. This word implies they are not legitimately commissioned but illicitly pilfer or steal from the truth or the flock.
• "by" (ἐκ - ek): A preposition often indicating origin or source, "from" or "out of."
• "disguising" (μετασχηματίζοντες - metaschmatizontes): The present active participle of μετασχηματίζω (metaschmatizo). This is a key word meaning "to change form," "to transform," or "to disguise." It suggests a deliberate alteration of appearance or nature to mislead. It carries the idea of outward transformation to conceal the true inward reality, similar to changing clothes or assuming a new costume.
• "themselves" (ἑαυτούς - heautous): Reflexive pronoun referring back to the subject (false apostles).
• "as" (ὡς - hōs): A comparative particle or adverb, "as," "like," or "in the manner of."
• "apostles" (ἀποστόλων - apostolon): Genitive plural of ἀπόστολος (apostolos), used here with the preposition "as" (hōs) to indicate the role they are impersonating.
• "of" (Χριστοῦ - Christou): Genitive case, "of Christ."

Words Group Analysis

• "false apostles" (ψευδαπόστολοι - pseudapostoloi): This compound noun combines "false" and "apostles." It's a strong term of condemnation used by Paul to designate individuals who claimed apostolic authority but were utterly lacking in genuine commission and character, unlike the true apostles appointed by Christ. This term starkly contrasts with Christ's own apostles.
• "workers of thieves" (κλεπτῶν ἐργάται - kleptōn ergatai): This unusual phrasing emphasizes the corrupt and exploitative nature of their "work." They are not workers for Christ, but rather, their efforts serve the interests of thievery and plunder. The order suggests that their working itself is characterized by or derived from the nature of thieves.
• "disguising themselves as apostles of Christ" (ἑαυτοὺς μετασχηματίζοντες ὡς ἀποστόλους Χριστοῦ - heautous metaschmatizontes hōs apostolous Christou): This phrase paints a vivid picture of calculated deception. The active participle "disguising" shows continuous, deliberate action. They adopt the outward appearance of apostles of Christ to mask their true identity as impostors and workers for illegitimate ends. This mirrors the ultimate deceiver.

2 Corinthians 11 13 Bonus Section

The Greek word metaschmatizo (μετασχηματίζω) carries a weight beyond mere imitation. It suggests a fundamental change in outward form or shape, derived from schēma (σχῆμα), the external form or outline of something. This contrasts with morphē (μορφή), which refers to the essential form or character. Thus, the false apostles changed their schēma—their outward appearance and presentation—while retaining their corrupt morphē. This technique is the very modus operandi of Satan, who the Bible describes as transforming himself into an "angel of light" (2 Cor 11:14), mirroring the deceptive tactics of the individuals Paul is warning against. The description of them as "workers of thieves" further elaborates on their exploitative mission; they labor in the service of a thieving spirit, pilfering people's spiritual inheritance and allegiance for their own kingdom. This imagery underscores the profound spiritual warfare involved in the early church and the constant need for believers to exercise discernment, grounded in the authentic teachings of the apostles.

2 Corinthians 11 13 Commentary

Paul confronts the Corinthians with the stark reality of deceptive figures who presented themselves as genuine apostles of Christ. These individuals were not honest laborers for God but were likened to thieves, not because they stole money directly (though that might be implied), but because they pilfered souls and distorted the pure gospel for their own gain, essentially stealing the glory from Christ. Their primary method was "disguising themselves," meaning they transformed their appearance or manner to mimic true apostleship. This act of masquerade is deeply strategic, designed to fool believers. The word "metamorphosizing" or "transforming" points to a deliberate, significant change of outward form while their inward reality remained corrupt. They weren't simply weak or mistaken; they were actively concealing their true nature by putting on a Christ-like facade. This was a form of spiritual counterfeit, much like Satan himself presents himself in a way that seems righteous and holy to ensnare people. Paul’s intention was to provoke discernment among the Corinthians, urging them to look beyond outward presentations and to evaluate spiritual claims by the unchanging truth of the Gospel and its demonstrable fruit of suffering and faithfulness.