King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 4:2 Mean?

2 Corinthians 4:2 in the King James Version says “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully;... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. dishonesty: Gr. shame

2 Corinthians 4:2 · KJV


Context

1

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. dishonesty: Gr. shame

3

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty (ta krypta tēs aischynēs, τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης, 'the secret shameful things')—Paul contrasts his transparent ministry with opponents who used panourgia (πανουργία, 'craftiness, cunning') and doloō (δολόω, 'to adulterate, corrupt') the word of God. He doesn't manipulate Scripture for personal gain or twist it to please audiences.

By manifestation of the truth (phanerōsei tēs alētheias, φανερώσει τῆς ἀληθείας)—Paul's defense rests on open declaration, not rhetorical tricks. He appeals to every man's conscience (pasēs syneidēseōs anthrōpōn, πάσης συνειδήσεως ἀνθρώπων) before God as witness. Truth doesn't need deceptive packaging; it commends itself when plainly stated. This is the antithesis of Sophistic rhetoric that valued style over substance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth was notorious for Sophists—traveling teachers who taught rhetoric and philosophy for pay, often manipulating arguments to win debates regardless of truth. False apostles in Corinth apparently used such tactics with Scripture. Paul's insistence on plainness was countercultural in a city that prized eloquence.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where are you tempted to 'package' truth in ways that make it more palatable but less honest?
  2. How does Paul's confidence that truth commends itself to conscience challenge modern marketing approaches to the gospel?
  3. What 'hidden things of dishonesty' might you need to renounce in how you communicate spiritual things?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 30

But

G235

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

ἀπειπάμεθα2 of 30

have renounced

G550

to say off for oneself, i.e., disown

τὰ3 of 30
G3588

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

κρυπτὰ4 of 30

the hidden things

G2927

concealed, i.e., private

τῆς5 of 30
G3588

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

αἰσχύνης6 of 30

of dishonesty

G152

shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely)

μὴ7 of 30

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

περιπατοῦντες8 of 30

walking

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

ἐν9 of 30

in

G1722

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

πανουργίᾳ10 of 30

craftiness

G3834

adroitness, i.e., (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry

μηδὲ11 of 30

nor

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

δολοῦντες12 of 30

deceitfully

G1389

to ensnare, i.e., (figuratively) adulterate

τὸν13 of 30
G3588

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

λόγον14 of 30

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

τοῦ15 of 30
G3588

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

θεοῦ16 of 30

of God

G2316

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

ἀλλὰ17 of 30

But

G235

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

τῇ18 of 30
G3588

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

φανερώσει19 of 30

by manifestation

G5321

exhibition, i.e., (figuratively) expression, (by extension) a bestowment

τῆς20 of 30
G3588

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

ἀληθείας21 of 30

of the truth

G225

truth

συνιστώντες22 of 30

commending

G4921

to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co

ἑαυτοὺς23 of 30

ourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

πρὸς24 of 30

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,

πᾶσαν25 of 30

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

συνείδησιν26 of 30

conscience

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἀνθρώπων27 of 30

man's

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐνώπιον28 of 30

in the sight

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ29 of 30
G3588

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

θεοῦ30 of 30

of God

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 4:2 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 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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