2 Corinthians 2:17
What does 2 Corinthians 2:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 2:17 means
Paul concludes by distinguishing his ministry from those who corrupt or peddle God’s word. He and his coworkers do not treat the message as merchandise to be diluted for profit or favor. Instead, they speak with sincerity, as those sent by God, under God’s gaze, in union with Christ. Their authority and integrity rest not on letters of recommendation but on a clear conscience and a God‑given commission. This is the only answer to the “Who is sufficient?” question: not self‑promotion, but God‑wrought sincerity that refuses to twist the message. Ministry is conducted coram Deo—before God—and therefore must be pure and Christ‑centered.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For we are not like the great number who make use of the word of God for profit: but our words are true, as from God, being said as before God in Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for we are not as the many, adulterating the word of God, but as of sincerity--but as of God; in the presence of God, in Christ we do speak.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For we are not as many, adulterating the word of God: but with sincerity: but as from God, before God, in Christ we speak.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For we do not, as the many, make a trade of the word ofGod; but as of sincerity, but as ofGod, beforeGod, we speak in Christ.
Context
Answering the question of sufficiency, Paul points to motive and source: sincerity, from God, before God, in Christ. This closes the chapter by contrasting true ministry with mercenary distortion. It prepares for chapter 3, where Paul will further defend his ministry and describe the new covenant’s surpassing glory. The flow from restored relationships to triumphant praise to sincere proclamation displays a coherent vision: pastoral care, sovereign leading, and integrity in the Word all belong together.
v.16to the one a savor from death unto death; to the other a savor from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
v.17This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.
- 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,
- Acts 20:27
For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God.
- 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.
- 2 Corinthians 4:2
but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Atonement
Atonement, a central doctrine of Christianity, describes how humanity is reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About Boldness
Bible verses about boldness reveal how believers can stand firm in faith, speak truth, and overcome fear through God’s strength.
Topic
Bible Verses About Being Born Again
Being born again refers to a spiritual rebirth, a transformative process initiated by God and experienced through faith in Jesus Christ.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.