Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:2

What does 2 Corinthians 4:2 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 4:2 means

Paul declares he has renounced disgraceful, secretive methods. He refuses to use manipulation, cunning schemes, or to twist God’s word to gain a following. Instead, he presents the truth openly, trusting that honest proclamation will reach people’s consciences under God’s gaze. His defense is not clever rhetoric but transparent integrity. Ministry, for Paul, is conducted in the light—before God and before people. This posture contrasts with the hidden agendas of false teachers. He commends himself not by self-promotion but by the visible fruit of truth-telling that pricks the conscience. Integrity is his method, and God’s presence is the court in which he stands approved.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And we have given up the secret things of shame, not walking in false ways, and not making use of the word of God with deceit; but by the revelation of what is true, as before God, we have the approval of every man's sense of right and wrong.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but did renounce for ourselves the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor deceitfully using the word of God, but by the manifestation of the truth recommending ourselves unto every conscience of men, before God;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But we renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness nor adulterating the word of God: but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience, in the sight of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But we have rejected the hidden things of shame, not walking in deceit, nor falsifying the word ofGod, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men beforeGod.

Context

Flowing from the resolve not to lose heart (verse 1), Paul defines the ethical shape of his ministry. He draws a clear line between his open, truthful service and the craftiness used by opponents. This prepares for the next question: if Paul is so open, why do some not believe? Verses 3–4 address that by explaining the spiritual veil and the blinding work of the god of this world. Thus, verse 2 is a hinge: asserting honesty in ministry before moving to the real reason the gospel can still be missed by some.

v.1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:

v.2This passage

v.3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 7:14

    For if in anything I have gloried to him on your behalf, I was not put to shame; but as we spake all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:4

    but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

  • Romans 1:16

    For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

  • Ephesians 4:14

    that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;

  • 2 Corinthians 11:3

    But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13

    For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.

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