2 Corinthians 11:4 kjv
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2 Corinthians 11:4 nkjv
For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted?you may well put up with it!
2 Corinthians 11:4 niv
For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.
2 Corinthians 11:4 esv
For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.
2 Corinthians 11:4 nlt
You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.
2 Corinthians 11 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gal 1:6-9 | I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ... | Warning against another gospel. |
| Matt 24:24 | For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. | Prophecy of false christs and deceptive signs. |
| 1 Jn 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. | Testing spirits to discern truth from deception. |
| Deut 13:1-5 | If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder... saying, “Let us go after other gods,”... you shall not listen to the words of that prophet. | Old Testament warning against prophets leading to other gods. |
| Acts 20:29-30 | I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. | Paul's prophecy of false teachers within the church. |
| 2 Cor 11:13-15 | For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ... and their servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. | Description of false apostles as deceptive. |
| Jud 1:4 | For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. | Infiltration of ungodly deceivers. |
| 2 Pet 2:1 | But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them. | Warnings against false teachers bringing heresies. |
| Heb 13:9 | Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods. | Caution against varied and foreign doctrines. |
| 1 Tim 4:1 | Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. | Prophecy of departing from faith to deceptive spirits. |
| Eph 4:14 | so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. | Warning against instability due to false doctrines. |
| Rom 16:17-18 | I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them... | Admonition to avoid those creating divisions with contrary doctrine. |
| Col 2:8 | See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. | Warning against worldly philosophies and empty deceit. |
| Phil 3:18-19 | For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ... Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame. | Description of enemies of the cross with different values. |
| Jer 23:25-28 | “I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name... how long shall there be in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy lies the delusion of their own mind, who plan to make my people forget my name...” | Jeremiah’s indictment of false prophets misleading God's people. |
| Exo 20:3 | "You shall have no other gods before me." | The fundamental command against idolatry. |
| Isa 45:21 | "who declared this from of old... Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me." | God's unique identity; no other savior. |
| Acts 4:12 | And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mankind by which we must be saved. | Exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. |
| John 14:6 | Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." | Jesus as the sole path to the Father. |
| 1 Cor 2:10-14 | These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit... Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God. | Distinction between the Spirit of God and the spirit of the world. |
| 2 Thes 2:9-12 | The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. | Satan's deception and false wonders in the last days. |
2 Corinthians 11 verses
2 Corinthians 11 4 Meaning
The verse 2 Corinthians 11:4 expresses Paul's deep concern and condemnation of false teachers who present a subtly distorted version of Christianity to the Corinthians. He warns that if someone preaches a "different Jesus" from the one Paul proclaimed, offers a "different spirit" than the Holy Spirit the Corinthians had received, or presents a "different gospel" than the one they initially embraced, the Corinthians are dangerously receptive to such deceptions. This highlights the vital importance of the true Christ, the authentic Holy Spirit, and the unadulterated Gospel as foundational truths that must not be compromised or replaced by counterfeits, even if presented attractively.
2 Corinthians 11 4 Context
Chapter 11 of 2 Corinthians sees Paul vehemently defending his apostolic authority and the authenticity of his gospel against a group he sarcastically labels "super-apostles" (2 Cor 11:5). These false teachers had infiltrated the Corinthian church, undermining Paul's credibility, perhaps by criticizing his lack of eloquence, his refusal to accept financial support, or his perceived "weakness" compared to their grand displays. Paul uses sharp irony and impassioned rhetoric, fearing that the Corinthians, much like Eve was beguiled by the serpent, could be led astray from their simple and sincere devotion to Christ (2 Cor 11:3). This specific verse serves as a crucial point in Paul's argument, identifying the core danger: a subtle but fundamental perversion of the foundational elements of their faith—Jesus, the Spirit, and the Gospel itself. The Corinthians, known for their embrace of philosophical wisdom and charismatic experiences, were particularly susceptible to eloquent speakers offering "something new," regardless of its truthfulness.
2 Corinthians 11 4 Word analysis
- For (γὰρ - gar): A conjunction, indicating a reason or explanation for Paul's previous statements about his jealousy for the Corinthians (2 Cor 11:2-3). It introduces the underlying problem he fears.
- If (εἰ - ei): A conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical yet probable situation. Paul is not merely postulating a possibility but highlighting a current danger and their unhealthy openness to it.
- He who comes (ὁ ἐρχόμενος - ho erchomenos): Literally, "the one coming." This refers to any of the false teachers, imposters, or "super-apostles" who arrived in Corinth subsequent to Paul's ministry. It’s a general reference to an invading figure.
- Preaches (κηρύσσῃ - kēryssē): From kērussō, meaning "to proclaim, herald, preach authoritatively." The false teachers are not just chatting; they are actively and publicly presenting their alternative message with a claim of authority, mirroring Paul's own manner of preaching, yet distorting its content.
- another Jesus (ἄλλον Ἰησοῦν - allon Iēsoun): Allos typically means "another of the same kind," in contrast to heteros meaning "another of a different kind." Here, the "Jesus" they preach might bear the same name but is fundamentally altered in character, person, or saving work. It suggests a subtle but crucial redefinition that deviates from the true, historical, crucified, and resurrected Christ of the apostolic witness. This is not atheism but a perversion.
- whom we have not preached (ὃν οὐκ ἐκηρύξαμεν - hon ouk ekēryxamen): A direct contrast and rejection of the false teachers' message. Paul emphasizes that this "Jesus" is foreign to the message he and his fellow apostles proclaimed. The apostolic message defines the true Jesus.
- or (ἢ - ē): Introduces the next alternative, emphasizing the breadth of the deception being introduced, encompassing different facets of Christian experience.
- if you receive (εἰ λαμβάνετε - ei lambanete): Lambanō implies "to take, accept, welcome." This points to the Corinthians' willing reception or embrace of these new teachings and experiences. It indicates their openness to the alternative.
- a different spirit (πνεῦμα ἕτερον - pneuma heteron): Here, heteros means "another of a different kind." This is not merely another manifestation of the same Holy Spirit, but a spirit qualitatively distinct and alien to the Spirit of God. It could refer to a false spiritual experience, an influence, or even a demonic power mimicking the Holy Spirit’s presence or leading. This 'spirit' is not leading them to the genuine Christ.
- which you have not received (ὃ οὐκ ἐλάβετε - ho ouk elabete): Just as with Jesus, Paul contrasts the false spirit with the authentic Holy Spirit the Corinthians genuinely received at their conversion (e.g., Rom 8:15; Gal 3:2).
- or a different gospel (ἢ εὐαγγέλιον ἕτερον - ē euangelion heteron): Again, heteros highlights that this is not merely an alternative perspective on the same good news but a fundamentally distinct gospel of an entirely different kind. This alternative message deviates from the core message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection by grace through faith. It might emphasize human effort, ritual, law, or philosophical wisdom instead.
- which you have not accepted (ὃ οὐκ ἐδέξασθε - ho ouk edexasthe): Dexomai means "to welcome, accept gladly," often implying inward reception and approval. This points to their initial authentic reception of Paul's true gospel message. The implication is they are now welcoming a false gospel after having previously received the truth.
- you bear readily with him (καλῶς ἀνέχεσθε - kalōs anechesthe): This is biting sarcasm. Kalōs means "well, rightly," and anechomai means "to put up with, endure, tolerate." Paul is not praising them; he is critically observing their ease and willingness to tolerate and even embrace these deceivers. Instead of standing firm, they are "well-enduring" a spiritual danger, suggesting a profound lack of discernment or spiritual robustness. They should not be tolerating such heresy "well" but actively resisting it.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- If someone comes and preaches... whom we have not preached: This clause establishes the central conflict: an imposter bringing a message about Jesus that is not the message of the true apostles. The authority of the apostles' original proclamation defines authenticity.
- Another Jesus... a different spirit... a different gospel: This tripartite parallel structure highlights the comprehensive nature of the false teaching. It isn't just one doctrine or one aspect; it’s a wholesale redefinition of Christ, the divine indwelling, and the way of salvation. Each "another" or "different" points to a profound departure, not a mere variation.
- Which you have not received/accepted: This reiteration reminds the Corinthians of their foundational spiritual experiences and their initial commitment to the authentic apostolic message. It underscores that they possess the true standards for discernment.
- You bear readily with him: This sharp, ironic conclusion condemns the Corinthians' lack of spiritual discernment and their complicity in allowing these false teachings to take root. They are too permissive, indicating a spiritual weakness that contrasts with the simple, pure devotion Paul desires for them.
2 Corinthians 11 4 Bonus section
The distinction between allos (another of the same kind) and heteros (another of a different kind) in this verse is often discussed by scholars. While Paul uses allos for Jesus and heteros for the Spirit and Gospel, it's generally understood that in this polemical context, allos Iēsoun (another Jesus) effectively means a Jesus of a fundamentally different kind from the true Jesus. The "another Jesus" being preached was likely not an outright denial of Christ's existence, but a reinterpretation that lessened His divine person, compromised His unique salvific work (e.g., adding works-righteousness), or downplayed His suffering and humiliation in favor of a glorious or philosophical ideal, which would fundamentally alter who He is. This makes the false message more dangerous, as it wears the disguise of truth. The issue wasn't the name Jesus, but the nature and significance of Jesus being presented. The false "Spirit" might have produced charismatic phenomena but lacked ethical fruit or contradicted Christ's message. The "different gospel" similarly appeared to offer good news but had a distorted core.
2 Corinthians 11 4 Commentary
2 Corinthians 11:4 reveals the insidious nature of false teaching, which often does not openly reject Christianity but subtly alters its core tenets. Paul confronts a distortion affecting the very heart of faith: the person of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the substance of the Gospel. These "different" versions are qualitatively distinct, dangerous counterfeits that undermine salvation and genuine spiritual life. The Corinthian church's ready acceptance (kalōs anechesthe) underscores the peril of superficiality, prioritizing eloquence or novelties over biblical truth and robust discernment. Paul's warning serves as a timeless caution for believers to critically evaluate teachings against the established apostolic deposit, ensuring adherence to the authentic Christ, Spirit, and Gospel revealed in Scripture. This is crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and sincere devotion to God.