King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:2 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:2 in the King James Version says “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chast... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:2 · KJV


Context

1

Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. indeed bear: or, indeed ye do bear with me

2

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

3

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. with him: or, with me


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. Paul reveals the motivation behind his uncomfortable 'boasting'—divine jealousy (zelos theou, ζῆλος θεοῦ). This is not petty envy but the fierce protective love of God for His covenant people, the jealousy that tolerates no rivals.

The betrothal metaphor casts Paul as the paranymphos (friend of the bridegroom) who arranged the marriage and must present the bride pure and faithful. The verb hermosamai (ἡρμοσάμαι, 'I have espoused') indicates Paul's role in their conversion—he brought them to Christ. One husband emphasizes exclusive devotion; chaste virgin (parthenon hagnēn, παρθένον ἁγνήν) denotes purity from spiritual adultery.

This imagery draws on Hosea's portrayal of Israel as God's bride and anticipates Ephesians 5:25-27 and Revelation 19:7-9. The church is corporately betrothed to Christ, awaiting the consummation at His return. Any teaching that compromises pure devotion to Christ is spiritual seduction threatening the bride's virginity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The betrothal metaphor was deeply meaningful in Jewish culture where arranged marriages involved a betrothal period of exclusive commitment before the wedding. The friend of the bridegroom bore responsibility for the bride's conduct during this interval. Paul sees his apostolic role as maintaining the Corinthians' fidelity to Christ against seducers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing yourself as betrothed to Christ, awaiting His return, shape your daily choices and affections?
  2. What 'rival lovers' compete with Christ for the church's exclusive devotion in our cultural moment?
  3. In what ways might Christian leaders today function as 'friends of the bridegroom,' protecting Christ's bride from seduction?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ζηλῶ1 of 15

I am jealous

G2206

to have warmth of feeling for or against

γὰρ2 of 15

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμᾶς3 of 15

over you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

θεοῦ4 of 15

with godly

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ζήλῳ5 of 15

jealousy

G2205

properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or

ἡρμοσάμην6 of 15

I have espoused

G718

to joint, i.e., (figuratively) to woo (reflexively, to betroth)

γὰρ7 of 15

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμᾶς8 of 15

over you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἑνὶ9 of 15

to one

G1520

one

ἀνδρὶ10 of 15

husband

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

παρθένον11 of 15

virgin

G3933

a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter

ἁγνὴν12 of 15

you as a chaste

G53

properly, clean, i.e., (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect

παραστῆσαι13 of 15

that I may present

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

τῷ14 of 15
G3588

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

Χριστῷ·15 of 15

to Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 11:2 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 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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