Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:11

What does 2 Corinthians 2:11 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 2:11 means

Paul names the spiritual stakes: forgiveness rightly applied prevents Satan from gaining an advantage. The adversary exploits extremes—either laxity that tolerates sin or severity that withholds mercy. Paul insists the church is not ignorant of such devices. The enemy loves to fracture fellowship, embitter the repentant, or harden the unrepentant. By restoring the offender, the church shuts a door to those schemes. This is more than conflict management; it is spiritual warfare carried out through gospel patterns. Awareness of Satan’s designs leads to vigilant balance—firm correction, prompt forgiveness, and protective love that keeps the flock from his snares.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that Satan may not get the better of us: for we are not without knowledge of his designs.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that we may not be over-reached by the Adversary, for of his devices we are not ignorant.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That we be not overreached by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his devices.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that we might not have Satan get an advantage against us, for we are not ignorant of his thoughts.

Context

This verse concludes the section on discipline and restoration by revealing its deeper dimension: resisting the devil’s tactics. With the immediate pastoral issue settled in principle, Paul shifts scenes in verse 12 to his recent travels and internal struggles, especially his restlessness in Troas when Titus did not appear. The transition shows that the same gospel wisdom guiding church discipline also governs Paul’s missionary life, culminating in a burst of thanksgiving in verse 14 for God’s triumphant leading in Christ.

v.10But to whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for what I also have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, for your sakes have I forgiven it in the presence of Christ;

v.11This passage

v.12Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 2:25

    in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,

  • Zechariah 3:1

    And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Jehovah, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.

  • Job 2:3

    And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

  • Job 2:5

    But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:14

    And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light.

  • Matthew 4:10

    Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

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