King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 6:3 Mean?

2 Corinthians 6:3 in the King James Version says “Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:”

2 Corinthians 6:3 · KJV

Context

1

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

3

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, approving: Gr. commending

5

In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; in tumults: or, in tossings to and fro

Read 2 Corinthians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Giving no offence in any thing (μηδεμίαν ἐν μηδενὶ διδόντες προσκοπήν, mēdemian en mēdeni didontes proskopēn, 'placing no stumbling block in anything')—The present participle didontes indicates Paul's habitual practice. Proskopē means an obstacle or occasion for stumbling, something that would cause another to trip or fall into sin. The doubled negative (mēdemian en mēdeni) creates comprehensive scope: 'no offense in nothing.'

That the ministry be not blamed (ἵνα μὴ μωμηθῇ ἡ διακονία, hina mē mōmēthē hē diakonia)—The subjunctive mood with hina expresses purpose: Paul's blameless conduct aims to protect the gospel ministry from reproach. Mōmaomai means to find fault, criticize, or discredit. Paul recognizes that ministerial failure brings public disgrace not merely on the minister but on the gospel itself.

This verse introduces the famous 'hardship catalogue' (vv.4-10) by establishing its purpose: Paul's conduct must adorn the gospel, not discredit it. True apostolic ministry combines doctrinal fidelity with ethical integrity—orthodoxy without orthopraxy breeds hypocrisy and undermines evangelistic credibility.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul faced constant criticism from opponents in Corinth who questioned his apostolic credentials and conduct. His opponents likely pointed to his sufferings as evidence of divine disfavor. Paul turns this argument on its head in verses 4-10, showing that apostolic hardships, borne with godly character, actually validate rather than discredit true ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of your life might your conduct create stumbling blocks that discredit the gospel?
  2. How does Paul's concern that 'the ministry be not blamed' challenge modern individualism that divorces personal conduct from gospel witness?
  3. What practical steps can you take to ensure your Christian witness is reinforced rather than contradicted by your lifestyle?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
μηδενὶ1 of 10

“any thing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ἐν2 of 10

“in”

G1722

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

μηδενὶ3 of 10

“any thing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

διδόντες4 of 10

“Giving”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

προσκοπήν5 of 10

“offence”

G4349

a stumbling, i.e., (figuratively and concretely) occasion of sin

ἵνα6 of 10

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ7 of 10
G3361

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

μωμηθῇ8 of 10

“be”

G3469

to carp at, i.e., censure (discredit)

ἡ9 of 10
G3588

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

διακονία10 of 10

“the ministry”

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 14:131 Corinthians 9:12Matthew 17:271 Corinthians 10:32-331 Corinthians 9:22Matthew 18:6

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 6 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes