King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 4:5 Mean?

2 Corinthians 4:5 in the King James Version says “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.”

2 Corinthians 4:5 · KJV

Context

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.

5

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. hath: Gr. is he who hath

7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Read 2 Corinthians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord (ou gar heautous kēryssomen alla Iēsoun Christon kyrion, οὐ γὰρ ἑαυτοὺς κηρύσσομεν ἀλλὰ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν κύριον)—Paul's message centers on Christ's lordship, not apostolic personalities. Kēryssō (κηρύσσω, 'to proclaim, herald') conveys authoritative public announcement of royal decrees. Paul is herald, not hero.

And ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake (heautous de doulous hymōn dia Iēsoun, ἑαυτοὺς δὲ δούλους ὑμῶν διὰ Ἰησοῦν)—the only self-reference is as douloi (δοῦλοι, 'slaves, bondservants'). Paul inverts worldly leadership: apostles are slaves to their congregations because of (dia, διὰ) Jesus. Christ's lordship produces servant leadership (cf. Mark 10:42-45). This demolishes personality cults and celebrity Christianity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth's culture elevated celebrity teachers—followers identified with Apollos, Paul, or Peter (1 Cor 1:12). Sophists cultivated personal followings and charged premium fees. Paul's insistence on slave status for apostles and Christ-centered preaching was radically countercultural, rejecting the patronage system that defined Greco-Roman social relations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern church structures and celebrity pastors contradict Paul's model of servant leadership?
  2. In what subtle ways might you 'preach yourself' rather than Christ—seeking validation, building platform, cultivating following?
  3. What would it look like to be genuinely enslaved to others' spiritual good 'for Jesus' sake' in your relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οὐ1 of 14

“not”

G3756

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

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

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

ἑαυτοὺς3 of 14

“ourselves”

G1438

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

κηρύσσομεν4 of 14

“we preach”

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

ἀλλὰ5 of 14

“but”

G235

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

Χριστὸν6 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦν7 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

κύριον8 of 14

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἑαυτοὺς9 of 14

“ourselves”

G1438

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

δὲ10 of 14

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

δούλους11 of 14

“servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ὑμῶν12 of 14

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

διὰ13 of 14

“for”

G1223

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

Ἰησοῦν14 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 4:5 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 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 1:241 Corinthians 1:231 Thessalonians 2:5-62 Corinthians 5:14-15Galatians 5:13Philippians 1:15

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 4 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes