2 Corinthians 11:13
What does 2 Corinthians 11:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 11:13 means
Paul no longer speaks indirectly. Those troubling Corinth are “false apostles,” “deceitful workers,” masquerading as apostles of Christ. Their work is not harmless; it is fraudulent and spiritually dangerous. They wear the costume of apostolic authority but lack the substance—truth, holiness, and sacrificial love. By naming them plainly, Paul protects the flock from confusion. Not all who claim Christ speak for Him. Titles and appearances can be counterfeited. The church must test teachers by the apostolic gospel and the character that flows from it. Paul’s severe language reflects the high stakes: souls are at risk when deception enters the church.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For such men are false Apostles, workers of deceit, making themselves seem like Apostles of Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for those such <FI>are<Fi> false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For such false apostles are deceitful workmen, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
Context
Having explained his strategy to silence rivals’ boasting (v.12), Paul exposes the rivals themselves. This direct indictment (v.13) will be reinforced by a theological explanation of deception (v.14)—Satan’s habit of disguising himself—and a sober warning of the ultimate outcome for such ministers (v.15). This triad justifies Paul’s forceful tone and prepares for his return to “foolish” boasting (vv.16–21) as he contrasts real apostolic ministry, marked by suffering and weakness, with the flashy triumphalism of the impostors.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:2
I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false;
- Jude 1:4
For there are certain men crept in privily, even they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
- Revelation 2:20
But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
- 1 Timothy 4:1
But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
- 2 John 1:7
For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
- Acts 15:24
Forasmuch as we have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment;
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