2 Corinthians 4 2

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 verses

2 Corinthians 4 2 Meaning

Paul emphatically states his ministry's uncompromised integrity, directly contrasting it with deceptive practices. He and his fellow ministers have irrevocably forsaken all secretive and morally questionable methods. Their approach avoids all forms of cunning, trickery, or manipulating the Word of God for personal gain or popularity. Instead, they present the divine truth with complete openness and sincerity, appealing directly to every person's inner moral sense, knowing that their entire conduct and message are under the scrutinizing gaze of God.

2 Corinthians 4 2 Context

This verse is central to Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry against the accusations and challenges of false teachers in Corinth. Following Chapter 3, where Paul contrasted the fading glory of the Old Covenant ministry with the enduring, greater glory of the New Covenant ministered by the Spirit, he sets the stage for demonstrating how this glorious new ministry is to be conducted. Paul has received "mercy" (2 Cor 4:1) to undertake this ministry and thus refuses to succumb to the methods of his detractors. These rival ministers likely employed secretive, manipulative, or rhetorically deceptive tactics, perhaps watering down the gospel to gain followers or for financial advantage. In 2 Corinthians 4:2, Paul delineates the principled, transparent, and honest approach his ministry embodies, directly opposing the perceived moral compromises of his opponents, which implicitly presented their hidden motives and practices as "things of shame." It sets a fundamental standard for authentic gospel proclamation, emphasizing purity of message and integrity of method, understood by human conscience and overseen by divine witness.

2 Corinthians 4 2 Word analysis

• But (Δὲ - De): This conjunction signifies a strong contrast. Paul is deliberately differentiating his ministerial approach from the veiling and concealment discussed regarding those who remain hardened to the Gospel in 2 Cor 3:14-16 and 2 Cor 4:4. It signals a departure from veiled, old covenant understanding to open, new covenant proclamation.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Refers to Paul and his co-workers in the ministry, emphasizing their collective commitment to this mode of conduct, distinguishing themselves from others in Corinth.
• have renounced (ἀπετάξαμεν - apetaxamen): This is a strong verb, meaning to take leave of, to bid farewell, to abandon completely, or to formally repudiate. It implies a conscious, deliberate, and complete break with certain practices, not merely abstaining but definitively rejecting.
• the hidden things (τῆς κρυπτῆς - tēs kryptēs): Pertains to that which is concealed, secret, or not openly declared. In this context, it speaks of motives, strategies, or actions deliberately kept out of public view due to their dubious nature.
• of shame (τῆς αἰσχύνης - tēs aischynēs): Signifies that which brings dishonor, disgrace, or humiliation. These "hidden things" are not just secret, but intrinsically shameful or disgraceful, suggesting moral or ethical impropriety. They are deeds that would cause embarrassment if brought to light.
• not walking (μὴ περιπατοῦντες - mē peripatountes): "Walking" is a common biblical idiom for one's habitual conduct or way of life. The negation indicates that this manner of life is entirely absent from their practice.
• in craftiness (ἐν πανουργίᾳ - en panourgiai): Refers to cunning, shrewdness, unscrupulous cleverness, or artifice employed for deceptive purposes. It implies using guile or subtle trickery to achieve an objective.
• nor handling... deceitfully (μηδὲ δολοῦντες - mēde dolountes): The Greek word (δολοῦντες) means to adulterate, falsify, corrupt, or dilute, often implying dishonest commercial practices like watering down wine or beer. Applied to the word of God, it means twisting, misrepresenting, or corrupting its pure message for personal advantage, popularity, or to make it more palatable.
• the word of God (τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ - ton logon tou Theou): This is the gospel message, God's revelation. Paul emphasizes the sacred trust associated with delivering this message, highlighting the gravity of any manipulation.
• but by manifestation (ἀλλὰ τῇ φανερώσει - alla tē phanerōsei): Another strong contrast, pointing to the alternative method. "Manifestation" denotes an open declaration, a clear and public demonstration, making something fully visible and undeniable.
• of the truth (τῆς ἀληθείας - tēs alētheias): Not merely factual accuracy, but divine reality and spiritual integrity as revealed in Christ. It encompasses sincerity, authenticity, and unwavering adherence to divine revelation, in stark opposition to all forms of deceit.
• commending ourselves (συνιστάνοντες ἑαυτούς - synistanontes heautous): To present, to demonstrate, to prove worthy, or to recommend oneself. It’s not self-promotion for vainglory, but rather allowing their conduct and message to stand as its own proof of authenticity and integrity before observers.
• to every man's conscience (πρὸς πᾶσαν συνείδησιν ἀνθρώπων - pros pasan syneidēsin anthrōpōn): Paul appeals to the inner moral sense, the faculty within all people (both believers and non-believers) that judges one's actions and discerns between right and wrong. This implies the truth has an inherent resonance with humanity's created moral nature.
• in the sight of God (ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ - enōpion tou Theou): The ultimate guarantor of sincerity and integrity. All ministry, words, and actions are performed under the direct, watchful, and omniscient eye of God, making transparency not merely a human choice but a divine imperative. This divine witness assures accountability and purity of motive.

• "But we have renounced the hidden things of shame": This phrase defines Paul's absolute break from any ministerial or personal practice characterized by secrecy, moral compromise, or disreputable conduct. It is a commitment to moral transparency, disavowing methods that would bring dishonor upon the Gospel if exposed.
• "not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully": These two negations elaborate on "the hidden things of shame." "Not walking in craftiness" speaks to the methods of operation (no cunning or manipulation in general conduct), while "nor handling the word of God deceitfully" directly addresses the content and presentation of their preaching (no adulteration or distortion of the divine message). This forms the core of Paul's commitment to pure gospel ministry.
• "but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves": This phrase presents the positive alternative to deceptive practices. Paul's method is open and direct, clearly presenting divine truth. The integrity of their message and their lives serves as their only recommendation, trusting in the inherent power and appeal of the unadulterated truth.
• "to every man's conscience in the sight of God": This delineates the scope and accountability of their ministry. They appeal to the inner moral faculty present in all humans, trusting that a pure presentation of truth will resonate. Crucially, all of this is done under the all-seeing eyes of God, ensuring ultimate accountability and the verification of their sincerity.

2 Corinthians 4 2 Bonus section

Paul’s forceful self-defense here is ultimately not about elevating himself, but about safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the Gospel he preaches. If the messenger's methods are deemed deceitful, the message itself becomes suspect. By rejecting all "hidden things of shame," Paul affirms the inherent self-validating power of the truth of Christ. This passage therefore serves as a timeless directive for Christian leadership, mandating transparency, truthfulness, and an unwavering commitment to the unadulterated Word of God. It encourages reliance on the Holy Spirit's conviction through plainly presented truth, rather than human cleverness or persuasive techniques, knowing that God himself is the ultimate audience and judge of every minister's heart and method. The challenge posed by Paul's statement remains vital today: does our communication of the Gospel withstand scrutiny "in the sight of God" and appeal purely to "every man's conscience"?

2 Corinthians 4 2 Commentary

Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 4:2 is a foundational statement on ministerial ethics, contrasting integrity with deception. He unequivocally rejects any form of secrecy or trickery in his apostolic work, which he labels "hidden things of shame." This implies that anything that cannot stand the light of day, or would bring disgrace upon the Gospel, has no place in his ministry. His conduct and message are free from "craftiness," which speaks to manipulative tactics, and crucially, he avoids "handling the word of God deceitfully" (δολοῦντες), a powerful image of adulterating or corrupting a pure product.

Instead, Paul chooses the path of complete transparency, emphasizing the "manifestation of the truth." This means the Gospel is proclaimed openly, clearly, and sincerely, without embellishment or dilution. His method is to "commend" his ministry and message not through human rhetoric or hidden agendas, but by the sheer, unadulterated presentation of truth itself. This appeal is directed to "every man's conscience," highlighting an innate moral faculty that, though clouded by sin, can still discern genuine truth when confronted with it sincerely. The ultimate validation, however, comes "in the sight of God," underscoring divine accountability as the bedrock of authentic ministry. This verse sets a high standard for anyone proclaiming God's Word: preach with integrity, clarity, and purity of motive, trusting the truth to stand on its own merits under God's watchful eye.

Examples:

• Preaching the whole counsel of God, including difficult truths about sin or judgment, without softening them to appease an audience.
• Ensuring financial transparency in ministry, providing clear accountability rather than hidden transactions.
• Communicating one's intentions clearly and honestly in interpersonal relationships within the church, avoiding manipulation or veiled motives.