2 Corinthians 4:2 kjv
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 4:2 nkjv
But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 4:2 niv
Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 4:2 esv
But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 4:2 nlt
We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don't try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.
2 Corinthians 4 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Corinthians 4:2 | we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; not | Ministry Conduct |
| Philippians 2:15 | that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without | Blamelessness |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:3 | For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any | Integrity of Ministry |
| 1 Timothy 3:7 | He must also have a good reputation with those outside the church, | Good Reputation |
| Titus 2:8 | sound in speech that cannot be condemned, so that the opponent | Sound Speech |
| 1 Peter 2:12 | Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they | Honorable Conduct |
| Romans 12:17 | Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is | Retaliation |
| Romans 13:13 | Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and | Proper Conduct |
| Matthew 5:16 | in the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they | Shine Your Light |
| John 8:12 | Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. | Light of the World |
| Acts 6:3 | Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good | Full of the Spirit and Wisdom |
| Galatians 6:4 | Let each one test his own work, and then his reason to | Self Examination |
| Ephesians 4:1 | I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner | Worthy of Your Calling |
| Ephesians 5:8 | formerly you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. | Walk as Children of Light |
| Colossians 4:5 | Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. | Wisdom Towards Outsiders |
| 1 Peter 4:8 | Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers | Love Covers Multitude |
| Proverbs 10:9 | Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his | Integrity |
| Proverbs 11:3 | The integrity of the upright guides them, but the | Integrity Guides |
| Proverbs 4:25 | Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight | Straight Gaze |
| 2 Corinthians 6:3 | We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found | No Obstacle |
| 2 Corinthians 4:5 | For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ the Lord | Proclaim Christ Jesus |
| 2 Corinthians 8:21 | providing for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the | Honorable Conduct |
2 Corinthians 4 verses
2 Corinthians 4 2 Meaning
This verse speaks about the believers' honorable conduct in their ministry. It signifies that their behavior should be impeccable, serving as a testament to God's truth. Their actions are not meant to be hidden or manipulative but open and transparent, reflecting the integrity of their message. This conduct garners respect and vindication, even from those outside the faith.
2 Corinthians 4 2 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 4 deals with the ministry of the new covenant, particularly as carried out by the Apostle Paul and his companions. Following the discussion in chapter 3 about the glory of the new covenant compared to the old, chapter 4 addresses the sincerity and endurance of their ministry despite hardships. Paul emphasizes that their message is not veiled but revealed, and while they suffer afflictions, they are not crushed. He contrasts the transient, outward decay with the eternal, inward renewal. This verse specifically addresses the methods and motivations behind their apostolic work. Paul asserts that they do not resort to deceitful or manipulative tactics but conduct themselves with transparency and honesty. This serves as a defense against criticisms or suspicions that might have been leveled against them by opposing factions, possibly within or outside the Corinthian church.
2 Corinthians 4 2 Word analysis
"But we have renounced":
- ἀπεγράψαμεν (apegrapsamen): From apographō (ἀπογράφω). Literally means "to write off" or "enroll." Here, it conveys the sense of "reject," "give up," or "renounce." It implies a deliberate and complete discarding of something.
"disgraceful":
- ἐντρεπομένα (entrepomena): From entrepo (ἐντρέπω). Means "to turn in," leading to senses of "to reverence," "to regard with shame," or "to be ashamed." In this context, it suggests actions that cause shame or are dishonorable, especially in relation to proper conduct and respect.
"underhanded ways":
- deceit/craftiness. The Greek is more general and can encompass manipulative tactics, slyness, or any form of indirect and potentially dishonest action. It is the opposite of openness and integrity.
"nor do we adulterate":
- ὑπObloesv (hypōblōuõ): From hypoblōõ (ὑποβλώσκω). A rare verb that can mean "to cast a shadow over," "to obscure," or "to tamper with." It suggests diluting, falsifying, or corrupting something pure.
"the word of God":
- τοῦ θeoῦ λόγον (tou theou logon). This refers to the message of God, the gospel itself. The implication is that the truth of God’s word should not be mixed with or compromised by human trickery or error.
Phrase analysis: "renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways": This collective phrase indicates a complete turning away from methods that are shameful, morally questionable, and deceptive.
Phrase analysis: "nor do we adulterate the word of God": This highlights the commitment to preserving the purity and integrity of the gospel message itself, without distortion or manipulation for personal gain or appeal.
2 Corinthians 4 2 Bonus section
The contrast here with the Mosaic Law is implicit. While the Law was glorious, its ministry could be obscured by human hearts turned away from God (2 Cor. 3:14-15). Paul contrasts this by affirming that their ministry of the new covenant is manifest, not hidden or veiled. Their transparency serves as a key apologetic for the authenticity of their mission and the truth they proclaim. The strength of their ministry is not in rhetorical skill or deceptive marketing, but in God's revealed truth and the consistent, honorable behavior of His messengers. The word "adulterate" also evokes the idea of mixing the pure with the impure, a concept condemned in other biblical contexts related to worship and truth.
2 Corinthians 4 2 Commentary
Paul defends the apostles' integrity by asserting that they do not engage in shamefully manipulative or deceptive practices. Their ministry is characterized by transparency and honesty, both in their conduct and in their proclamation of God's word. They have actively abandoned any form of deceit, impurity, or slyness that could misrepresent the gospel or their authority. Instead, they present the truth of God without alteration or corruption, aiming to commend themselves to every person’s conscience before God. This steadfast commitment to integrity ensures that their message remains pure and effective.
- Practical application involves practicing honesty in all dealings, avoiding gossip or slander.
- Presenting truth accurately, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
- Ensuring that personal motivations align with God's purposes.