King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 3:4 Mean?

2 Corinthians 3:4 in the King James Version says “And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:”

2 Corinthians 3:4 · KJV

Context

2

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

3

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

4

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

5

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

6

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. giveth life: or, quickeneth

Read 2 Corinthians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Paul transitions from the Corinthians as evidence to his apostolic confidence (pepoithēsis, πεποίθησις, "trust" or "confidence"). This confidence is crucially qualified: through Christ to God-ward (Greek dia tou Christou pros ton Theon, διὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ πρὸς τὸν Θεόν). Paul's boldness is not self-generated but Christ-mediated and God-directed.

The structure is significant: confidence flows through Christ (instrumental) toward God (directional). This prevents both self-reliance and false humility. Paul is confident, but only because Christ is the mediator of his ministry and God is the source of its effectiveness. The apostle models proper Christian confidence—neither arrogant self-sufficiency nor paralyzing doubt, but bold trust rooted in Christ's finished work and the Spirit's present power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In a culture that prized rhetorical skill, philosophical sophistication, and social status, Paul's emphasis on Christ-mediated confidence was countercultural. Greek and Roman society celebrated self-made success and personal achievement. The Sophists, traveling teachers who charged fees for rhetorical training, embodied this ethos. Paul deliberately contrasts his ministry with such self-promotion, grounding his authority not in human credentials but in divine calling and Christ's mediatorial work.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you find your confidence for ministry and service—in your abilities, credentials, and experience, or in Christ?
  2. How does the qualifier "through Christ to God-ward" protect you from both arrogance and false humility?
  3. What would it look like for you to exercise bold confidence in God's calling while maintaining complete dependence on Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Πεποίθησιν1 of 10

“trust”

G4006

reliance

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοιαύτην3 of 10

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ἔχομεν4 of 10

“have we”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

διὰ5 of 10

“through”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ6 of 10
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ7 of 10

“Christ”

G5547

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

πρὸς8 of 10

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν9 of 10
G3588

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

θεόν10 of 10

“God-ward”

G2316

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

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 1:6Ephesians 3:121 Thessalonians 1:8Exodus 18:192 Corinthians 2:14

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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