2 Corinthians 2 11

2 Corinthians 2:11 kjv

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

2 Corinthians 2:11 nkjv

lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

2 Corinthians 2:11 niv

in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

2 Corinthians 2:11 esv

so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

2 Corinthians 2:11 nlt

so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

2 Corinthians 2 verses

2 Corinthians 2 11 Meaning

This verse underscores the vital importance of believers being spiritually alert and understanding the deceptive tactics of Satan. It serves as a strong cautionary note, explaining that a failure to practice love, forgiveness, and unity within the Christian community, as Paul instructs (specifically concerning the repentant individual in the previous verses), creates a vulnerable point for Satan to exploit and gain advantage. Believers are exhorted to operate with discernment, as ignorance of the adversary's nature and schemes leaves them susceptible to his manipulative and destructive purposes.

2 Corinthians 2 11 Context

2 Corinthians 2:11 stands within a crucial passage concerning reconciliation and forgiveness within the Corinthian church. Earlier in his ministry, Paul had confronted the Corinthians regarding a severe moral issue, which involved a deeply offending individual. Paul had instructed them to excommunicate this person (likely referenced in 1 Cor 5). In 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses the aftermath. Having seen the sorrow and repentance of both the church and the offender (2 Cor 7:8-10 hints at this), Paul now urges the Corinthians to forgive and reaffirm their love for the penitent man (2 Cor 2:5-10). He explains that he too has forgiven the individual "in the presence of Christ" (2 Cor 2:10). Verse 11 provides the immediate, overarching reason for this act of forgiveness and restoration: to prevent Satan from exploiting the situation, specifically by fostering lingering bitterness, excessive grief, or divisions that would undermine the church's health and witness. Paul's approach demonstrates not only pastoral care but also strategic spiritual wisdom.

2 Corinthians 2 11 Word analysis

• so that: Introduces a purpose clause, indicating the desired outcome of the preceding actions (forgiveness and reaffirmation of love towards the repentant individual).
• we: Refers to Paul and his fellow workers, implying also the church members he is instructing. It signifies a shared responsibility and objective in spiritual warfare.
• may not be outwitted: From the Greek πλεονεκτηθῶμεν (pleonektēthōmen), derived from πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteō). This term means to "gain an unfair advantage over," "exploit," "defraud," or "take advantage of greedily." In this context, it vividly portrays Satan's desire to seize an opportunity or capitalize on a weakness for his own malicious ends. It suggests Satan seeks to overreach or make a profit out of a bad situation.
• by Satan: Σατανᾶς (Satanas), the proper name for the adversary of God and humanity. He is the specific agent actively seeking to exploit any vulnerability within the church.
• for: An explanatory conjunction, introducing the reason or justification for the preceding statement. It clarifies why believers should act to prevent being outwitted.
• we are not ignorant: From the Greek ἀγνοοῦμεν (agnooumen) used with a negative, emphasizing a strong awareness and understanding. It suggests Paul and the church are not naive or unfamiliar with the ways of their spiritual enemy. They possess divine insight into his strategies.
• of his designs: From the Greek νοήματα (noēmata), meaning "thoughts," "purposes," "schemes," or "devices." This refers to Satan's premeditated, crafty methods and malevolent plans for undermining believers and the church. It encompasses his intentions, strategic plots, and the specific tactics he employs.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "so that we may not be outwitted by Satan": This phrase reveals the preventative and defensive aspect of Christian conduct. Paul emphasizes that the church's proper response (forgiveness, reconciliation) is a strategic move to block Satan from achieving a "victory" or "advantage" in their midst. Satan thrives on division, bitterness, unforgiveness, and despair, which he can "outwit" or exploit believers through.
• "for we are not ignorant of his designs": This second clause provides the theological and practical basis for the first. The command to prevent Satan from gaining advantage is not based on blind fear but on informed understanding. Believers possess knowledge of Satan's characteristic methods: stirring up strife, fostering unforgiveness, leading to despair, promoting false teaching, inciting immorality, or exploiting human weaknesses like anger and pride. This knowledge empowers them to anticipate and counter his efforts effectively. The implicit understanding is that while Satan is cunning, believers, enlightened by God's Spirit, can recognize his patterns and intentions.

2 Corinthians 2 11 Bonus section

The concept of not being "ignorant of his designs" implies spiritual discernment is crucial for every believer. This is not about gaining secret knowledge, but about recognizing patterns of temptation, deception, and division that align with Satan's established character (e.g., as a liar, accuser, and deceiver). The early church would have readily understood the spiritual battle inherent in their faith. Paul often presented himself not just as an evangelist but as a strategist in a divine war, constantly aware of both God's purposes and the adversary's counter-schemes. This verse underlines that God has given believers the ability through His Word and Spirit to identify and resist Satan's maneuvers, making ignorance a choice rather than an inevitability for the equipped Christian.

2 Corinthians 2 11 Commentary

2 Corinthians 2:11 is a crucial verse illustrating Paul's profound spiritual wisdom and practical insight into church life and spiritual warfare. After commanding the Corinthian church to forgive and reaffirm love to the repentant offender, Paul presents a direct and compelling reason: to deny Satan a strategic foothold. Satan seeks to exploit division, lingering bitterness, and unaddressed grief to cripple believers and hinder the gospel's progress. His "designs" (noēmata) are not random acts but cunning strategies aimed at separating believers from one another and from Christ, often through the very areas God desires unity and healing. Paul reminds the Corinthians (and us) that they possess knowledge of these schemes, implying that such awareness should translate into decisive, biblical action. Therefore, acts of forgiveness and restoration are not just ethical requirements but vital spiritual defenses against the enemy's efforts to disrupt the peace and purity of the church. The verse powerfully teaches that maintaining Christian fellowship and love thwarts the adversary's agenda, preventing him from leveraging past failures into future victories.