2 Corinthians 4 3

2 Corinthians 4:3 kjv

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

2 Corinthians 4:3 nkjv

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

2 Corinthians 4:3 niv

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

2 Corinthians 4:3 esv

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

2 Corinthians 4:3 nlt

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.

2 Corinthians 4 verses

2 Corinthians 4 3 Meaning

If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. This verse clarifies that the inability of some to understand the gospel is not due to an inherent flaw in the gospel itself, but rather due to the spiritual state of the hearers – specifically, those who are perishing. It points to a divine blindness affecting those resistant to or rejectful of God's message, making the gospel incomprehensible to them.

2 Corinthians 4 3 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 4 deals with Paul's ministry and his suffering for the gospel. He is defending himself and his apostolic authority against opponents. In the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 4:1-2), Paul states that because of his ministry, he does not lose heart. He explains that they have renounced all shameful underhanded ways, not walking in craftiness nor adulterating the word of God, but by the open declaration of truth commending themselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. Verse 3 directly follows this defense, addressing the perceived "veiling" of the gospel that some in Corinth may be experiencing or perceiving. The historical context involves challenges to Paul's apostleship and the effectiveness of his message by adversarial influences within the Corinthian church.

2 Corinthians 4 3 Word Analysis

• Εἰ (Ei): "If". This is a conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical situation or a concession.

• δὲ (de): "But" or "And". A common conjunction, often adversative or continuing a thought. Here, it marks a contrast or consequence to the previous statement of open declaration.

• καὶ (kai): "And". Connects phrases or clauses, often adding to or emphasizing a point.

• εὐαγγέλιον (euaggelion): "Gospel". Literally "good news." Refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

• ἡμῶν (hēmōn): "Our". Possessive pronoun, referring to Paul and his companions.

• ἐστιν (estin): "Is". Third person singular, present tense of the verb "to be."

• κεκαλυμμένος (kekalummmenos): "Veiled" or "covered." This is the perfect passive participle of the verb kalyptō. The perfect tense indicates a state resulting from a past action, suggesting the veil is already in place. It implies something is hidden or obscured from view.

• ἐστιν (estin): "Is". Repeats the verb "to be."

• ἐν (en): "In". A preposition indicating location or the sphere within which something operates.

• τοῖς (tois): "The". Definite article, dative plural.

• ἀπολλυμένοις (apollymenois): "Perishing" or "perishing ones." This is the present passive participle of apollymi. It describes a state of ongoing destruction, ruin, or loss, particularly in a spiritual and eternal sense. It refers to those who are headed for eternal destruction.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "If our gospel is veiled": Paul acknowledges that some perceive the gospel as veiled. This isn't asserting that the gospel is inherently hidden, but rather that it appears veiled to some. The perfect tense "kekalummmenos" suggests a completed action that has resulted in a current state of being hidden.
  • "it is veiled to those who are perishing": This connects the veiling directly to the state of the hearer. "Apollumenois" is key here, denoting not just physical death but eternal spiritual ruin. The gospel's obscuration is a consequence of their spiritual condition.

2 Corinthians 4 3 Bonus Section

The concept of "perishing" (apollymenois) is significant. It is not simply non-existence, but a state of being lost, ruined, and subjected to destruction, primarily of an eternal nature. This echoes Old Testament imagery of judgment and divine wrath upon those who reject God. The passive voice "is veiled" suggests that the veiling is an action performed upon them, reinforcing the idea of God's judicial hardening or the subtle deception by the "god of this age" (mentioned in the next verse). This understanding contrasts sharply with modern ideas of universalism, highlighting a biblical distinction between those who are saved and those who are lost, with a defined path of divine judgment for the latter.

2 Corinthians 4 3 Commentary

The gospel's clarity is divine, but its comprehension depends on the spiritual receptivity of the hearer. The message is inherently transparent, yet for those on the path of destruction ("perishing"), it remains obscure. This lack of understanding is not a fault of the message itself, but a consequence of their spiritual deadness and allegiance to the world's ruler. Paul's ministry, characterized by truth and openness, stands in stark contrast to this spiritual blindness.

• Practical Usage:
  • Recognizing that resistance to the gospel is often a sign of a deeper spiritual state, rather than merely intellectual disagreement.
  • Emphasizing reliance on God's power to open hearts and minds, rather than solely human persuasive abilities.