2 Corinthians 7 2

2 Corinthians 7:2 kjv

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

2 Corinthians 7:2 nkjv

Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.

2 Corinthians 7:2 niv

Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.

2 Corinthians 7:2 esv

Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one.

2 Corinthians 7:2 nlt

Please open your hearts to us. We have not done wrong to anyone, nor led anyone astray, nor taken advantage of anyone.

2 Corinthians 7 verses

2 Corinthians 7 2 Meaning

The Apostle Paul makes an earnest appeal to the Corinthian believers to "make room" for him and his fellow ministers in their affections, trust, and understanding. This plea is immediately followed by three strong declarations asserting his blameless conduct: he affirms that he has not wronged anyone, corrupted anyone, or exploited anyone. This serves as a direct defense against accusations, ensuring that his integrity and pure motives in ministry are recognized and accepted by the church. It is an invitation for open-hearted reconciliation and a full embrace of their relationship in Christ.

2 Corinthians 7 2 Context

This verse stands at a critical juncture in Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church. Following what is often referred to as a "severe letter" (possibly an earlier part of 2 Corinthians or a lost letter), relations between Paul and the Corinthians had been strained due to various issues including Paul's postponed visits, his suffering, and most importantly, the activities of certain opposing teachers who undermined his apostolic authority and questioned his character. In 2 Corinthians chapters 2-6, Paul defends his ministry, explaining his motives, sincerity, and commitment. Chapter 7 specifically reflects Paul's profound relief and joy upon receiving a positive report from Titus regarding the Corinthians' repentance and renewed affection for him. Verse 2, therefore, serves as a direct plea for reconciliation and trust. Paul wants the Corinthians to fully reopen their hearts to him, addressing directly—and refuting—accusations likely circulating that he had harmed them, morally corrupted them, or taken financial advantage of them. It is a heartfelt appeal for their relationship to be restored on a foundation of mutual trust and love, essential for genuine fellowship and ongoing spiritual growth.

2 Corinthians 7 2 Word analysis

• Make room for us (χωρέσατε ἡμᾶς - chōresate hēmas):
  • Make room (χωρέσατε - chōresate): The imperative verb here means 'to give space to', 'to receive', 'to open one's self to'. It's not a physical request but a heartfelt appeal for emotional and relational acceptance. Paul is asking them to open their affections, their understanding, and their trust to him and his companions. It implies removing any barriers of suspicion, resentment, or judgment they might still harbor.
  • for us (ἡμᾶς - hēmas): Refers to Paul and his ministerial team, signifying a unified front in their blameless conduct.
• we have wronged no one (οὐδένα ἠδικήσαμεν - oudéna ēdikēsamen):
  • wronged (ἠδικήσαμεν - ēdikēsamen): From adikéō, meaning 'to do wrong', 'to act unjustly', 'to injure', 'to cause harm to'. This refers to any kind of general mistreatment or injustice. Paul asserts he has inflicted no such harm. This addresses potential accusations of harshness, unkindness, or inflicting personal damage.
  • no one (οὐδένα - oudéna): Emphasizes the absolute scope of his blamelessness.
• we have corrupted no one (οὐδένα ἐφθειράσαμεν - oudéna ephthereusamen):
  • corrupted (ἐφθειράσαμεν - ephthereusamen): From phtheírō, meaning 'to spoil', 'to ruin', 'to destroy', 'to corrupt morally'. This is a very strong word implying destruction or moral decay. Paul denies having led anyone astray from true faith, defiled their conscience, or compromised their spiritual integrity. This directly counters potential charges of false teaching, spiritual manipulation, or undermining their purity.
  • no one (οὐδένα - oudéna): Reiteration of the universal claim of integrity.
• we have exploited no one (οὐδένα ἐπλεονεκτήσαμεν - oudéna epleonektēsamen):
  • exploited (ἐπλεονεκτήσαμεν - epleonektēsamen): From pleonektéō, meaning 'to take advantage of', 'to gain selfishly at another's expense', 'to defraud', 'to overreach'. This term carries strong connotations of financial or material exploitation, often driven by covetousness or greed. Paul faced accusations of financially benefiting from his ministry, and this denial is crucial. It underscores his commitment to serving for the sake of the gospel, not personal gain.
  • no one (οὐδένα - oudéna): Reinforces the absolute absence of exploitation.

Words-group analysis

• "Make room for us in your hearts": This phrase captures Paul's profound desire for a restored, intimate relationship. It's an emotional appeal for full reconciliation and acceptance, asking the Corinthians to set aside any lingering doubts or criticisms. It highlights the deeply personal nature of Paul's apostolic relationship with them, valuing their trust and affection as much as their obedience.
• "we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one": This powerful triple denial serves as a direct, comprehensive refutation of common charges brought against itinerant teachers and sometimes against Paul himself. Each denial addresses a specific facet of misconduct:
  • "wronged no one": deals with general mistreatment or injustice.
  • "corrupted no one": addresses spiritual or moral harm, implying sound doctrine and pure influence.
  • "exploited no one": tackles accusations of financial manipulation or selfish gain.
  Together, these declarations form a robust defense of Paul's unimpeachable character and pure motives in his apostolic ministry, demonstrating that he operated out of love and selflessness, not for personal advantage. This sequence also builds a powerful crescendo, moving from general harm to specific moral and financial corruption.

2 Corinthians 7 2 Bonus section

The emphatic repetition of "no one" (οὐδένα) three times (wronged no one, corrupted no one, exploited no one) serves as a strong rhetorical device. It reinforces the universality and absolute nature of Paul's blameless conduct concerning his relationship with the Corinthians. This triple negation creates an undeniable and exhaustive declaration, leaving no room for any perceived exception or partial guilt. It is a powerful affirmation of apostolic purity in the face of persistent slander and deeply reflects Paul's understanding that genuine Christian leadership is marked by selfless service, spiritual fidelity, and unimpeachable ethics, all rooted in an overflowing heart of love for those served.

2 Corinthians 7 2 Commentary

2 Corinthians 7:2 is a profound plea from the Apostle Paul, brimming with both a heartfelt desire for reconciliation and a resolute defense of his integrity. He invites the Corinthian believers to "make room" for him in their deepest affections and trust, implying that some relational distance or suspicion still existed despite their recent repentance. This invitation is predicated on his blameless conduct. By emphatically denying that he has wronged, corrupted, or exploited anyone, Paul addresses the very core accusations likely leveled against him by rival teachers in Corinth. These charges often sought to discredit his character, undermine his authority, and question his motives—specifically his teaching, his spiritual influence, and his financial dealings. His strong denials assert his pure and selfless commitment to the gospel and their spiritual well-being. This verse underscores the paramount importance of integrity, selflessness, and relational transparency in Christian leadership and the essential need for mutual trust and open-heartedness within the church for true spiritual communion to flourish. Paul seeks not just outward compliance but inward, heartfelt acceptance.