King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:15 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:15 in the King James Version says “Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall b...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

2 Corinthians 11:15 · KJV

Context

13

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

16

I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. receive: or, suffer

17

That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly , in this confidence of boasting.

Read 2 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. If Satan masquerades as light, ou mega (οὐ μέγα, 'it is no great thing') that hoi diakonoi autou (οἱ διάκονοι αὐτοῦ, 'his servants/ministers') do likewise. Metaschēmatizōntai (μετασχηματίζωνται, 'be transformed') echoes verse 13-14—this is the family business of deception.

As ministers of righteousness (hōs diakonoi dikaiosynēs, ὡς διάκονοι δικαιοσύνης) describes the disguise: they appear to serve righteousness, preach morality, promote religious devotion, speak of God's standards. Yet they are actually Satan's agents. The counterfeiting of righteousness is more dangerous than obvious wickedness because it deceives the elect (Matt 24:24).

Whose end shall be according to their works (hōn to telos estai kata ta erga autōn, ὧν τὸ τέλος ἔσται κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν) pronounces eschatological judgment. Despite their disguise, their works will be exposed at Christ's judgment seat. The contrast is implicit: true ministers are saved by grace despite their weakness; false ministers are condemned by works despite their impressive appearance. God sees behind the mask.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of servants of Satan disguised as servants of righteousness would resonate with warnings against false prophets in Israel (Deut 13:1-5; Jer 23:16-32) and Jesus's warnings against false teachers appearing as sheep but inwardly ravening wolves (Matt 7:15). The early church needed vigilance against this perennial threat.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do 'ministers of righteousness' who are actually Satan's servants differ from genuine ministers—what distinguishes them upon close examination?
  2. In what ways might emphasis on moralism, religious performance, or self-righteousness be Satanic even when appearing righteous?
  3. How does the certainty of future judgment according to works provide hope when false teachers seem to prosper and deceive many?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
οὐ1 of 20

“it is no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μέγα2 of 20

“great thing”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

οὖν3 of 20

“Therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

εἰ4 of 20
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

καὶ5 of 20

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ6 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διάκονοι7 of 20

“ministers”

G1249

an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)

αὐτῶν8 of 20

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μετασχηματίζονται9 of 20

“be transformed”

G3345

to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation)

ὡς10 of 20

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

διάκονοι11 of 20

“ministers”

G1249

an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)

δικαιοσύνης·12 of 20

“of righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

ὧν13 of 20

“whose”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὸ14 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέλος15 of 20

“end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

ἔσται16 of 20

“shall be”

G2071

will be

κατὰ17 of 20

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὰ18 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργα19 of 20

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

αὐτῶν20 of 20

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 11:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:19Revelation 9:112 Corinthians 3:9Acts 13:10Isaiah 9:14-15Matthew 7:15-16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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