King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 2:17 Mean?

2 Corinthians 2:17 in the King James Version says “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we ... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. corrupt: or, deal deceitfully with in Christ: or, of Christ

2 Corinthians 2:17 · KJV


Context

15

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

16

To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. corrupt: or, deal deceitfully with in Christ: or, of Christ


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God—The verb kapēleuontes (καπηλεύοντες, "to peddle, retail, adulterate") literally means to dilute wine for profit or hawk goods in the marketplace. Paul accuses false teachers of treating God's word as merchandise to be marketed, diluted for popular consumption, or manipulated for personal gain. The phrase hoi polloi (οἱ πολλοί, "the many") suggests widespread corruption—Paul's integrity was exceptional, not normal.

But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ—Three prepositional phrases define authentic ministry: ex eilikrinias (ἐξ εἰλικρινείας, "from sincerity/purity"), all' hōs ek theou (ἀλλ' ὡς ἐκ θεοῦ, "but as from God"), and katenanti theou (κατέναντι θεοῦ, "before God"). Ministers speak with pure motives, divine commission, and God as their primary audience. The phrase en Christō (ἐν Χριστῷ, "in Christ") locates ministry within union with Christ—not human enterprise but participation in Christ's ongoing work. This concludes the chapter by answering verse 16's question: sufficiency comes from Christ-centered, God-commissioned, sincere ministry, not human cleverness or marketplace tactics.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century marketplace vendors commonly diluted wine and oil to increase profits. Itinerant teachers and philosophers often charged fees and adapted messages to please audiences. Paul supported himself by tentmaking (Acts 18:3) and refused payment from Corinth (1 Cor 9:12-18) to avoid any appearance of merchandising the Gospel. His financial integrity authenticated his message.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern ministers sometimes "peddle" God's word like merchandise?
  2. What practical differences result from viewing God rather than people as your audience?
  3. How does union with Christ ("in Christ") transform ministry from human effort to divine work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
οὐ1 of 25

not

G3756

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

γάρ2 of 25

For

G1063

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

ἐσμεν3 of 25

we are

G2070

we are

ὡς4 of 25

as

G5613

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

οἱ5 of 25
G3588

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

πολλοὶ6 of 25

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καπηλεύοντες7 of 25

which corrupt

G2585

to retail, i.e., (by implication) to adulterate (figuratively)

τὸν8 of 25
G3588

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

λόγον9 of 25

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ10 of 25
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 25

God

G2316

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

ἀλλ'12 of 25

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὡς13 of 25

as

G5613

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

ἐκ14 of 25

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

εἰλικρινείας15 of 25

sincerity

G1505

clearness, i.e., (by implication) purity (figuratively)

ἀλλ'16 of 25

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὡς17 of 25

as

G5613

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

ἐκ18 of 25

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

θεοῦ19 of 25

God

G2316

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

κατενώπιον20 of 25

in the sight

G2714

directly in front of

τοῦ21 of 25
G3588

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

θεοῦ22 of 25

God

G2316

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

ἐν23 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ24 of 25

Christ

G5547

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

λαλοῦμεν25 of 25

speak we

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words


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 2:17 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 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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