King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 7:2 Mean?

2 Corinthians 7:2 in the King James Version says “Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.”

2 Corinthians 7:2 · KJV

Context

1

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

3

I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

4

Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

Read 2 Corinthians 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man—The imperative chōrēsate (χωρήσατε, "make room for us/receive us") literally means "make space" in your hearts. Paul's triple defense uses strong Greek negatives: oudena ēdikēsamen (οὐδένα ἠδικήσαμεν, "we wronged no one"), oudena eptheiramen (οὐδένα ἐφθείραμεν, "we corrupted no one"), oudena epleonektēsamen (οὐδένα ἐπλεονεκτήσαμεν, "we defrauded no one").

These denials address specific accusations from Paul's opponents: financial exploitation (pleonekteō, "to take advantage/defraud"), moral corruption (phtheirō, "to ruin/corrupt"—used of sexual immorality in 11:3), and general injustice (adikeō, "to wrong"). Unlike the 'super-apostles' who peddled God's word for profit (2:17), Paul's ministry maintained ethical integrity. His appeal for reconciliation rests on demonstrable blamelessness, not manipulative rhetoric.

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Historical & Cultural Context

False apostles in Corinth (11:13-15) apparently accused Paul of financial impropriety, perhaps related to the Jerusalem collection (chapters 8-9). In Greco-Roman culture, traveling philosophers and rhetoricians often exploited audiences financially. Paul's refusal to accept payment (11:7-12) was unusual and apparently used against him as evidence of inferior apostleship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's transparent accountability challenge modern ministry practices that prioritize platform over character?
  2. In what relationships am I withholding forgiveness or reconciliation despite the other party's demonstrated integrity?
  3. What accusations against God's servants do I believe too quickly without examining the evidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
Χωρήσατε1 of 8

“Receive”

G5562

to be in (give) space, i.e., (intransitively) to pass, enter, or (transitively) to hold, admit (literally or figuratively)

ἡμᾶς·2 of 8

“us”

G2248

us

οὐδένα3 of 8

“no man”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἠδικήσαμεν4 of 8

“we have wronged”

G91

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

οὐδένα5 of 8

“no man”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐφθείραμεν6 of 8

“we have corrupted”

G5351

properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)

οὐδένα7 of 8

“no man”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐπλεονεκτήσαμεν8 of 8

“we have defrauded”

G4122

to be covetous, i.e., (by implication) to over-reach

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 7:2 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 7:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 6:12-13Acts 20:332 Corinthians 11:91 Samuel 12:3-42 John 1:10Romans 16:18

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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