2 Corinthians 2 17

2 Corinthians 2:17 kjv

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:17 nkjv

For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:17 niv

Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

2 Corinthians 2:17 esv

For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:17 nlt

You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us.

2 Corinthians 2 verses

2 Corinthians 2 17 Meaning

Second Corinthians 2:17 declares Paul's unwavering commitment to integrity in ministry, distinguishing himself and his companions from those who corrupt God's word for personal gain. It emphasizes that their message originates from God, is delivered with sincere purity, and spoken under God's watchful eye, demonstrating their true partnership with Christ in spreading the unadulterated Gospel.

2 Corinthians 2 17 Context

This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, where he defends his apostolic authority and the legitimacy of his ministry against critics and false teachers. Following his discussion of their renewed fellowship and the overwhelming triumph of Christ through the spread of the gospel (2 Cor 2:14-16), Paul directly addresses the method and motivation of his preaching. The contrast presented in 2 Cor 2:17 serves to establish his authenticity in spreading "the fragrance of Christ" (2 Cor 2:15). This declaration is a preemptive strike against accusations that he, like some others, preaches for selfish gain or manipulates the message for popularity or financial benefit. He sets himself apart by emphasizing divine origin, sincerity, and divine accountability in his ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-20). Historically, there were itinerant teachers, Sophists, and rhetoricians in the Roman world who would travel, charging for their wisdom or persuasive speeches. Paul distinguishes the proclamation of the Gospel from such practices, asserting its divine origin and integrity, not as a product for sale or manipulation.

2 Corinthians 2 17 Word analysis

• For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God;

  • For we are not: Paul states a clear distinction. "We" refers to Paul and his genuine fellow ministers (like Timothy, Silas, and Apollos, who align with his method). This is a strong, negative assertion setting them apart.
  • as so many: Refers to a significant number of individuals who were active in the early Christian world but whose motivations or methods were impure. These could be false apostles (2 Cor 11:13-15), deceptive workers, or those seeking self-promotion.
  • peddling (Greek: kapēleuontes, καπηλεύοντες): This is a crucial term. It literally means "to be a petty tradesman or huckster," someone who retails wares. In a moral sense, it implies "to make merchandise of," "to adulterate," "to corrupt," or "to hawk about for gain." The image is of a person who sells a product but cheapens or dilutes it, often mixing inferior materials with precious ones to maximize profit. It strongly implies illicit financial gain or exploitative behavior, not honest trade. This is a direct polemic against those who treat God's sacred message as a commodity for personal enrichment, distorting it to make it more appealing or less offensive to secure followers or income.
  • the word of God: This is the divine message, the Gospel of Christ (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 15:1-4). Paul's concern is the purity and unadulterated nature of this revelation, contrasting his method with those who would compromise or twist it.

• but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

  • but as of sincerity (Greek: eilikrineias, εἰλικρινείας): Literally means "tested by sunlight," "pure," "unadulterated," "without mixture." The word implies genuineness and transparency, something found pure when exposed to bright light. Paul emphasizes that his motives and message are not hidden or corrupted but are genuine and truthful. It stands in direct contrast to "peddling."
  • but as from God (Greek: ek Theou, ἐκ Θεοῦ): This points to the divine origin and authorization of their message. It is not their own invention, opinion, or product, but directly proceeds from God. This legitimizes their message as divine revelation, not human speculation or merchandise.
  • we speak: Denotes their action, the very act of proclaiming, teaching, and living out the Gospel. It underscores the active and responsible delivery of the message.
  • in the sight of God (Greek: katenōpion Theou, κατενώπιον Θεοῦ): Means "in the face of God," "before God's eyes," "in His immediate presence." This highlights profound accountability. Paul recognizes that his ministry is always under the direct scrutiny of God Himself, who discerns all motives and actions. This constant awareness compels him to absolute integrity.
  • in Christ (Greek: en Christō, ἐν Χριστῷ): This phrase permeates Paul's theology, indicating union with Christ, representing Christ's authority, or acting as His representative. For Paul, their speaking is empowered, guided, and authenticated by their intimate fellowship and identity in Jesus Christ. It underscores that their message is centered on Christ, originates from Christ, and is delivered according to Christ's will and example, as Christ himself acted always "in the sight of God" (John 8:29).

• Word-Groups analysis:

  • "For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God": This phrase forms the negative antithesis, clearly disavowing the corrupt and commercially driven approaches to handling divine truth that were prevalent among many contemporary teachers. It establishes the primary boundary of legitimate ministry: no monetization or adulteration of God's sacred word.
  • "but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.": This composite phrase establishes the positive antithesis and defines the core principles of authentic Gospel ministry: Purity of motive ("as of sincerity"), Divine origin ("as from God"), Divine accountability ("in the sight of God"), and Christocentricity/Union with Christ ("in Christ"). These four elements collectively paint a picture of a ministry characterized by integrity, divine authorization, transparency, and submission to God's will through Christ.

2 Corinthians 2 17 Bonus section

• The term kapēleuontes (peddling) was associated in the ancient world not only with petty traders but often specifically with innkeepers who were notorious for diluting their wines. This adds a layer of connotation suggesting deceit, trickery, and exploitation of trust.
• This verse directly contributes to Paul's larger apologetic effort throughout 2 Corinthians to defend his apostleship and validate his Gospel against detractors who often questioned his sincerity, authority, and financial dealings. It’s part of a consistent theme in Paul's letters regarding the financial aspects and motivations of ministry (e.g., 1 Cor 9, 2 Cor 11:7-12, 1 Thes 2:5).
• The contrast Paul draws is not simply between preaching for money versus not preaching for money, but between the spirit and method of ministry. It's about preserving the intrinsic value and power of "the word of God" from human corruption, ego, or avarice. It's about serving God, not self or mammon.

2 Corinthians 2 17 Commentary

Second Corinthians 2:17 is a cornerstone verse defending the authenticity and purity of Paul's ministry. He forcefully differentiates himself and his fellow workers from those who engage in "peddling the word of God," a sharp critique implying the dilution or adulteration of truth for personal gain, much like a dishonest merchant might dilute wine for profit. Paul's rejection of this practice underscores that the Gospel is a sacred trust, not a commodity to be exploited.

Instead, Paul declares their ministry is conducted "as of sincerity," indicating an unblemished purity of motive and content, transparent and free from guile. Furthermore, their message comes "from God," asserting its divine origin and authority, thus it cannot be manipulated by human designs or desires. Crucially, they speak "in the sight of God," implying a constant awareness of God's omnipresent gaze, which holds them accountable for every word spoken and every action taken. This acute sense of divine scrutiny compels profound integrity. Finally, their proclamation is "in Christ," signifying that their identity and mission are inextricably bound to Jesus. They act as His legitimate representatives, empowered by Him, speaking His truth, and reflecting His character. This verse provides a timeless blueprint for Christian ministry: it must be driven by divine commission, characterized by unadulterated truth, undertaken with pure motives, and executed with unwavering accountability before God, always centered on Christ.