2 Corinthians 6:3 kjv
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
2 Corinthians 6:3 nkjv
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
2 Corinthians 6:3 niv
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
2 Corinthians 6:3 esv
We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,
2 Corinthians 6:3 nlt
We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.
2 Corinthians 6 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 6:1 | We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. | Urgency of receiving grace properly |
| 2 Cor 6:3 | Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed. | Maintaining ministerial integrity |
| Phil 2:15 | That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. | Call to blamelessness |
| 1 Thes 2:10 | Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe. | Paul's conduct as an example |
| 1 Tim 3:7 | Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. | Need for a good reputation |
| Titus 1:7 | For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; | Qualifications for leadership |
| 1 Peter 2:12 | Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. | Conduct influencing Gentiles |
| Matt 5:16 | Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. | Demonstrating good works |
| Rom 14:13 | Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or a occasion to fall in his brother's way. | Avoiding stumbling blocks |
| 1 Cor 10:32 | Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: | Avoiding offense to all groups |
| Eph 4:3 | Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. | Unity and peace within the church |
| Col 4:6 | Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. | Gracious and wise speech |
| 1 John 3:18 | My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. | Love demonstrated in action |
| Rom 15:2 | To please his neighbour for his good to edification. | Pleasing others for their benefit |
| Phil 1:10 | That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; | Sincerity and offense-free living |
| Gal 5:14 | For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. | Law fulfilled in love |
| James 3:2 | For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. | Control over the tongue |
| 1 Cor 8:9 | But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. | Caution with liberty |
| Acts 24:16 | And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. | Paul's personal commitment |
| Heb 12:14 | Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: | Pursuit of peace and holiness |
| 1 Cor 9:12 | If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? But we have not used this power: but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. | Not hindering the gospel |
2 Corinthians 6 verses
2 Corinthians 6 3 Meaning
This verse is a call to avoid causing offense or criticism towards the ministry of the gospel. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and blamelessness in conduct, ensuring that the service rendered to God is not brought into disrepute. The aim is to present the truth without any fault in the messengers themselves, reflecting God's character.
2 Corinthians 6 3 Context
In 2 Corinthians chapter 6, Paul is defending his apostolic ministry against the accusations and slanders of his opponents, often referred to as "super-apostles." He contrasts the weakness and suffering he endures for Christ with the boasts and prestige of these false apostles. In this specific verse, Paul is highlighting how he and his fellow laborers strive for blameless conduct. This is not for their own glory, but so that the "ministry" itself – the work of reconciliation and proclaiming the gospel entrusted to them by God – would not be discredited or brought into disrepute by their actions or behaviors. The Corinthians were facing pressure from these rivals who were likely presenting a more attractive, albeit false, image of apostleship.
2 Corinthians 6 3 Word Analysis
- Giving (διδόντες - didontes): Present participle of didōmi, meaning "to give," but in this context, it carries the sense of "presenting," "offering," or "causing." It implies an ongoing action and responsibility in how they conduct themselves.
- no (μηδέν - mēden): A pronoun or adverb meaning "nothing," "not at all." Here it signifies "in nothing," "not in any respect."
- offence (σκάνδαλον - skandalon): This word originally referred to the bait on a trap or a snare. In the New Testament, it signifies anything that causes someone to stumble, fall into sin, or be misled. It implies providing a reason for criticism, blame, or moral stumbling. It can refer to a cause of spiritual ruin.
- in (ἐν - en): A preposition often translated as "in," "on," "at," or "with." Here it signifies "in regard to," "concerning," or "throughout."
- thing (πράγματι - pragmati): The dative singular of pragma, meaning "a deed," "an action," "a thing," or "a matter." Combined with mēden (nothing), mēdeni pragmati means "in nothing," or "in no matter."
- that (ἵνα - hina): A conjunction introducing a purpose clause. It explains the reason why they are giving no offense.
- the (ἡ - hē): Feminine definite article.
- ministry (διακονία - diakonia): This refers to service, ministration, or the office and work of a minister. In this context, it specifically points to the ministry of reconciliation, the work of spreading the gospel and making God known, entrusted to Paul and his companions.
- be (γένηται - genētai): Third person singular, aorist subjunctive of ginomai, meaning "to become," "to be born," "to happen," or "to come into being." The subjunctive mood is used after hina to express purpose – "so that it may become" or "so that it might be."
- blamed (ἐμπαιγμός - empaigmos): This noun, present in some textual traditions for "blamed," has meanings related to mockery, ridicule, or a subject of jest. A more widely accepted textual reading is μωμηθῇ (mōmēthē), the aorist passive subjunctive of mōmaō, meaning "to be blamed," "to be censured," or "to be found fault with." This second option is strongly supported by context. The purpose is to avoid bringing censure or fault upon their divine calling and commission.
Phrase Analysis: "Giving no offence in any thing"
This phrase emphasizes a proactive and comprehensive approach to conduct. It’s not about avoiding offense accidentally or in a few specific areas, but rather a constant vigilance to live in such a way that no action or inaction provides a legitimate reason for others to criticize or stumble spiritually, thereby dishonoring God's work.
Phrase Analysis: "that the ministry be not blamed"
This clarifies the ultimate motivation. The focus is on safeguarding the integrity and effectiveness of the gospel ministry. If the messengers are perceived as hypocritical, immoral, or unreliable, the message they carry will also be questioned and rejected, hindering God's work.
2 Corinthians 6 3 Bonus Section
The concept of "offense" (skandalon) in the New Testament can be complex. While it implies avoiding fault, it does not mean conforming to the world's standards or avoiding challenging truths that may naturally cause offense to sinful hearts. The offense here is about the failure of the messenger's character or actions, not the offense inherent in the gospel message itself (which is a stumbling block to some, 1 Cor 1:23). Paul here refers to a stumbling block arising from misconduct, not the offense of the cross. The aim is to ensure that the ministry is recognized for its divine origin and power, not for the failings of those who carry it.
2 Corinthians 6 3 Commentary
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 6:3 underscores a vital principle for Christian service: integrity. The apostle's commitment was to live such a life that no part of his behavior would give cause for blame against the sacred ministry God had entrusted to him. This requires immense self-control and ethical diligence. It means being sensitive to how one's actions might be perceived, particularly by those outside the faith or by those who are spiritually vulnerable. The goal is not to be people-pleasing for popularity, but to ensure that the gospel message itself is not tainted by the messenger's faults. This practice was a hallmark of Paul's ministry, as he often pointed to his own blameless conduct as evidence of his genuine apostleship. It serves as a timeless exhortation for all believers involved in ministry or representing Christ in any capacity to live irreproachably.