Paul's Jealousy for Christ and the Deception of False Apostles
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
2Cor.11.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Οφελον: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,sg
- ανειχεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- μικρον: ADV
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- αφροσυνης·αλλα: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ανεχεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 11:16-21 (verbal): Paul repeats the same theme later in the chapter—again addressing being thought a 'fool' and defending his apparent folly—making a direct verbal and rhetorical continuation of 11:1.
- 1 Corinthians 4:10 (verbal): Paul speaks of being 'fools for Christ'—a closely related verbal/theme of accepting the role of a fool for the sake of the gospel.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (thematic): Contrast between worldly wisdom and God's 'foolishness' (the message of the cross); establishes the theological framework behind Paul’s willingness to appear foolish.
- 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 (thematic): Admonition that those who think themselves wise should become 'fools'—echoes the paradox of wisdom/foolishness that underlies Paul’s appeal to be 'borne with' in a little foolishness.
- Philippians 3:7-8 (thematic): Paul willingly counts former gains as loss and embraces apparent loss/ridicule for Christ’s sake—parallels the idea of accepting apparent folly for the sake of the gospel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Oh that you would bear with me a little in my folly—yet indeed you do bear with me.
- Would that you would bear with me in a little foolishness—indeed, bear with me.
2Cor.11.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ζηλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ζηλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ηρμοσαμην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ενι: PREP
- ανδρι: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- παρθενον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αγνην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- παραστησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- Χριστω·: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Ephesians 5:25-27 (verbal): Paul’s desire to ‘present’ the church holy and unstained echoes 2 Cor 11:2’s aim to present the Corinthians as a chaste virgin to Christ (similar language of presentation, purity, and Christ’s relationship to the church).
- Romans 7:4 (thematic): Uses marriage/espousal imagery to describe believers’ belonging to Christ (‘you were made to be married to another… that you might belong to him’), paralleling Paul’s espousal metaphor in 2 Cor 11:2.
- Revelation 19:7-8 (thematic): The bride-of-Christ motif—‘the bride… has made herself ready’ and clothed in fine linen, pure—resonates with the image of presenting a chaste virgin to Christ as pure and prepared.
- Hosea 2:19-20 (allusion): God’s betrothal language toward Israel (‘I will betroth you to me in faithfulness…’) is an Old Testament precedent for the covenantal/espousal metaphor Paul applies to the church.
- Isaiah 62:5 (thematic): The image of God rejoicing over his bride as a bridegroom over his bride parallels the nuptial imagery in 2 Cor 11:2, highlighting covenantal love and the bride’s purity/preparation.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
- For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy: I have betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
2Cor.11.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- φοβουμαι: VERB,pres,mp,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- μη: PART
- πως: ADV
- ως: ADV
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- οφις: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εξηπατησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- Ευαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- πανουργια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- φθαρη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- νοηματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- απλοτητος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αγνοτητος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Genesis 3:1-7 (allusion): Direct allusion to the serpent’s deception of Eve in Eden; Paul invokes this episode as the paradigmatic instance of spiritual deceit.
- 1 Timothy 2:14 (verbal): Paul elsewhere cites Eve’s deception (’was deceived’) to explain how deception leads to transgression, echoing the same verbal motif.
- Galatians 1:6-9 (thematic): Paul’s rebuke of believers who are ‘deserting’ the gospel parallels the concern that Corinthian minds be led away from the simplicity of devotion to Christ.
- Colossians 2:8 (thematic): Warning against being taken captive by ‘philosophy and empty deceit’ that draw people away from Christ parallels the image of subtle deception corrupting faith.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I fear lest, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity that are in Christ.
- But I fear lest, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and single-minded devotion to Christ.
2Cor.11.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μεν: PART
- γαρ: PART
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ερχομενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- αλλον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- κηρυσσει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εκηρυξαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ετερον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- λαμβανετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ελαβετε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ετερον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εδεξασθε: VERB,aor,mid,ind,2,pl
- καλως: ADV
- ανεχεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Galatians 1:6-9 (verbal): Paul reproaches acceptance of a 'different gospel' and pronounces anathema on anyone preaching a contrary gospel—language and concern closely parallel 2 Cor 11:4's 'another gospel' motif.
- 2 John 1:7 (thematic): Warns about 'many deceivers' who deny the true Jesus; parallels the concern in 2 Cor 11:4 about someone proclaiming 'another Jesus' and the danger of false Christology.
- 1 John 4:1-3 (thematic): Instructs believers to 'test the spirits' and distinguishes the Spirit of truth from false spirits; echoes 2 Cor 11:4's warning about receiving a 'different spirit.'
- Romans 16:17-18 (thematic): Urges believers to watch for and avoid those who teach contrary doctrine and cause divisions—similar pastoral admonition against accepting false teachers or a different gospel.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (structural): Close contextual parallel within the same letter describing 'false apostles' and deceitful workers who disguise themselves—develops the charge in 11:4 about alternative Jesuses/spirits/gospels.
Alternative generated candidates
- For if one comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or you receive a different spirit or a different gospel—which you bear well enough—
- For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted—you readily tolerate that.
2Cor.11.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- λογιζομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- μηδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- υστερηκεναι: VERB,perf,act,inf
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- υπερλιαν: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- αποστολων·: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 10:12 (structural): Paul objects to those who compare themselves with others and defends his reluctance to boast — a structural parallel to his claim not to be inferior to the 'superlative' apostles.
- 2 Corinthians 11:6 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same argument about boasting and apostleship; directly connected wording and tone as Paul defends his competence compared to other apostles.
- 2 Corinthians 12:11 (thematic): Paul again addresses the theme of boasting and his critics, calling himself a 'fool' for boasting and insisting on his credentials as an apostle—reflecting the same defensive posture about apostolic status.
- Galatians 2:6-8 (allusion): Paul recounts the Jerusalem leaders' recognition of his gospel and the granting of ministry to the Gentiles, supporting his claim of not being inferior to the other apostles.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10 (thematic): Paul asserts that by God's grace he labored more abundantly than the other apostles; this theme of not being inferior and of legitimate apostolic labor parallels the claim in 2 Cor 11:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- for I consider myself not inferior to the greatest of the apostles.
- For I consider that I am not at all inferior to those eminent apostles.
2Cor.11.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ιδιωτης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- λογω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- αλλ᾽ου: CONJ
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- γνωσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- αλλ᾽εν: CONJ
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- φανερωσαντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Cor.2:1-5 (verbal): Paul similarly contrasts lack of rhetorical eloquence with the reality and power of his message—emphasizing weakness in speech but not in the truth/knowledge he proclaims.
- Acts 18:24-28 (thematic): Apollos is described as eloquent in speech yet limited in knowledge about Christian baptism—illustrating the distinction between persuasive speaking and actual understanding found in 2 Cor 11:6.
- 2 Cor.10:10 (allusion): Opponents mock Paul’s speaking ability in this same letter; 2 Cor 11:6 answers the charge by admitting poor speech but asserting genuine knowledge and visible conduct among the Corinthians.
- 2 Cor.1:12 (thematic): Paul appeals elsewhere in the letter to the clear testimony of his conscience and trustworthy conduct—paralleling the claim that he and his companions have been openly manifested among the Corinthians in all things.
- 2 Cor.4:2 (verbal): Paul insists on renouncing deceit and making the truth plain; the language of openness and manifesting (φανερόω) parallels 11:6’s claim of having been made manifest among the Corinthians.
Alternative generated candidates
- Even if I am unskilled in speech, I am not so in knowledge; indeed in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
- Even if I am unskilled in speaking, yet I am not unskilled in knowledge; in every way we have made this plain to you.
2Cor.11.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Η: ART,nom,sg,fem
- αμαρτιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εποιησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εμαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ταπεινων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- υψωθητε: VERB,aor,pass,subj,2,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- δωρεαν: ADV
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ευηγγελισαμην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Cor.9.18 (verbal): Uses the same idea and wording about preaching the gospel 'free of charge' (δωρεάν); Paul links missionary proclamation with foregoing his rights to financial support.
- 1 Thess.2.9 (verbal): Paul emphasizes working and enduring hardship so as 'not to be a burden' to the believers—parallel motive to his self-humbling in 2 Cor 11:7.
- Acts 20.33-35 (thematic): Paul insists he coveted no one's possessions and supported himself/others by labor—reflects the same ethic of refusing financial gain from the ministry.
- Phil.2.6-8 (thematic): The motif of self-humbling ('made himself nothing') echoes Paul’s claim to humble himself for others' benefit (so that they might be exalted).
Alternative generated candidates
- Did I commit a wrong in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
- Have I committed a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s good news to you free of charge?
2Cor.11.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εσυλησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- λαβων: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- οψωνιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- προς: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- διακονιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Cor 11:9 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same argument: Paul explains he was not a burden to the Corinthian church because brothers from Macedonia supplied his needs, echoing the point about taking support from other churches.
- 1 Cor 9:11-12 (verbal): Paul argues that those who minister spiritually have a right to material support (’if we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap material things?’), directly related to his discussion of accepting financial aid.
- 1 Thess 2:9 (thematic): Paul stresses that he and his companions worked night and day so as not to be a burden to the Thessalonians, a parallel theme of refusing to impose on a congregation.
- Phil 4:15-16 (thematic): Paul acknowledges the Philippians’ financial partnership in his needs (they sent aid to him when no other church did), comparable to his reference to receiving support from other churches for ministry.
- Acts 20:33-35 (thematic): Paul’s claim that he worked with his own hands and did not covet anyone’s silver or gold fits the background tension between accepting support and avoiding dependence on a particular congregation.
Alternative generated candidates
- I robbed other churches by accepting support from them to serve you.
- I robbed other churches by accepting support from them to serve you—when I was present with you and in want, I was a burden to no one.
2Cor.11.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- παρων: PART,pres,act,nom,m,sg
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- υστερηθεις: PART,aor,pass,nom,m,sg
- ου: PART,neg
- κατεναρκησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- ουθενος·το: ART,nom,sg,neut
- γαρ: PART
- υστερημα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- προσανεπληρωσαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ελθοντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- απο: PREP
- Μακεδονιας·και: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- αβαρη: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- εμαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- ετηρησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- τηρησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 11:8 (structural): Immediate context: verse 8 describes Paul receiving support from other churches, which connects directly to v.9's claim that Macedonian brothers supplied his lack and he did not burden the Corinthians.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (verbal): Paul insists he worked and labored 'night and day' so as not to be a burden while proclaiming the gospel—same claim to self-support and avoidance of imposing on the churches.
- Acts 18:3 (thematic): Describes Paul's tentmaking with Aquila and Priscilla, illustrating his pattern of self-support and reluctance to be a financial burden on churches.
- Philippians 4:15-16 (thematic): The Philippians repeatedly sent financial help to Paul; parallels v.9's report that brethren from Macedonia supplied his need (both speak of churches providing for Paul's necessities).
- Acts 20:33-35 (allusion): Paul's declaration that he coveted no one's possessions and that his own hands provided for his needs echoes v.9's emphasis on not burdening the Corinthians and supporting himself.
Alternative generated candidates
- When I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my lack; and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so.
- For the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need; and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so.
2Cor.11.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αληθεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- οτι: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- καυχησις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αυτη: PRON,dat,sg,f
- ου: PART,neg
- φραγησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- εμε: PRON,acc,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- κλιμασι: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Αχαιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 11:6 (verbal): Immediate context: Paul again defends his right to boast and uses similar language about boasting and its limitations — continuation of the same polemic about boasting in Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 12:5 (thematic): Paul speaks of boasting but denies foolish boasting, distinguishing legitimate boast (grounded in Christ) from mere self-exaltation, echoing the claim that his boasting is in Christ.
- Galatians 6:14 (thematic): Paul declares he will boast only in the cross of Christ — parallel theological principle that any boasting must be 'in Christ,' not in personal credentials.
- 1 Corinthians 1:31 (thematic): Paul cites the proverb 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord,' which undergirds his claim that his boasting is truly 'of Christ' and not self‑glorifying.
- Romans 15:17 (verbal): Paul states that in Christ Jesus he has reason for boasting in his ministry — a similar formulation linking boasting directly to Christ as the source and warrant of his confidence.
Alternative generated candidates
- As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
- As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
2Cor.11.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δια: PREP
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- οτι: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- αγαπω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- οιδεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Galatians 1:20 (verbal): Paul's formulaic appeal to God as witness ('God is witness'/'God knows') to authenticate his sincerity, paralleling ὁ θεός οἶδεν in 2 Cor 11:11.
- Romans 1:9 (verbal): Another Pauline affirmation ('God is my witness') used to attest his motives and truthfulness—comparable in force to 'God knows' here.
- 2 Corinthians 11:2 (structural): Immediate context: Paul professes godly jealousy and love for the Corinthians, which grounds the rhetorical question in 11:11 about whether he does not love them.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 (thematic): Paul defends his affectionate, self-giving care for a church—a parallel theme of pastoral love and vindication of motives against implicit charges.
- Galatians 1:10 (thematic): Paul's rhetorical defense about seeking God's approval rather than human favor resonates with the appeal to God's knowledge of his true motives in 2 Cor 11:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- Why? Because I do not love you? God knows.
- Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do.
2Cor.11.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ποιω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- ποιησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- εκκοψω: VERB,aor,act,sub,1,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αφορμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- θελοντων: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,pl,m
- αφορμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- καυχωνται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,pl
- ευρεθωσιν: VERB,aor,pass,sub,3,pl
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (structural): Immediate context: Paul identifies the opponents who create 'occasion'—calling them false apostles and describing their deceitful methods; the verses develop why Paul must act to cut off their occasion.
- 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (thematic): Same collection of themes—boasting, comparisons with others, and Paul’s refusal to give an occasion to those who judge by outward measures; both passages defend Paul’s ministry against rival boastings.
- Galatians 6:12-13 (verbal): Paul condemns those who seek to make a show (literally 'make a good appearance') in the flesh—similar motive to those who seek an 'occasion' for boasting in 2 Cor 11:12.
- 2 Corinthians 12:11 (thematic): Paul again addresses boasting and his compelled defense of his apostleship—acknowledging that he has been forced into a form of boasting to counter rivals, echoing the purpose stated in 11:12.
- 1 Corinthians 1:31 (thematic): The proper object of boasting ('Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord') contrasts with the opponents’ self-exalting boasting that Paul aims to frustrate in 2 Cor 11:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off every ground of boasting from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded as we are in the things in which they boast.
- But what I do, I will keep doing—so that I may cut off every opportunity from those who desire such an opportunity, and so that what they boast of may be found true of us as well.
2Cor.11.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- τοιουτοι: DEM,nom,pl,m
- ψευδαποστολοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εργαται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- δολιοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- μετασχηματιζομενοι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- αποστολους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- Χριστου·: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 (verbal): Immediate context in the same argument: both verses use the language of transformation/deception (Satan "transforms himself" into an angel of light), highlighting the deceptive appearance of false apostles.
- 2 Corinthians 11:15 (structural): Continuation of the same polemic: describes false apostles appearing as ministers of righteousness and points to their true end—closely linked thematically and argumentative structure.
- Galatians 1:6-9 (thematic): Paul's warning against deserting the true gospel for a false one and his denunciation of those who preach a different message parallels the charge against 'false apostles' who misrepresent Christ.
- 2 Peter 2:1 (thematic): Speaks of false prophets/teachers who introduce destructive heresies and conceal corrupt motives—parallels the characterization of deceitful workers posing as authentic leaders.
- Matthew 7:15 (thematic): Jesus' warning to 'beware of false prophets, who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves' echoes the motif of deceptive appearance and hidden danger found in 2 Corinthians 11:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
- For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
2Cor.11.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- θαυμα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- αυτος: PRON,nom,sg,3,m
- γαρ: PART
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Σατανας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μετασχηματιζεται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- αγγελον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- φωτος·: NOUN,gen,sg,n
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 11:13 (verbal): Paul describes false apostles as deceitful workmen who 'disguise themselves as apostles of Christ,' directly paralleling the theme of deceptive appearance in verse 11:14.
- Matthew 7:15 (thematic): Jesus warns of false prophets who come in 'sheep's clothing' but are inwardly wolves — the same motif of deceptive outward appearance masking danger.
- 1 Peter 5:8 (thematic): Peter depicts the devil as a prowling, predatory adversary ('like a roaring lion') seeking to devour, echoing the peril posed by Satan's disguised activity.
- John 8:44 (thematic): Jesus calls the devil a liar and the father of lies, linking Satan's nature to deception, which underlies the image of him appearing as an angel of light.
- Revelation 12:9 (allusion): Satan is pictured as 'the deceiver of the whole world,' an image that resonates with Paul’s claim that Satan can masquerade as an angel of light to mislead people.
Alternative generated candidates
- And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
- And no wonder—Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light.
2Cor.11.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- μεγα: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- ουν: CONJ
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- διακονοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- μετασχηματιζονται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,pl
- ως: ADV
- διακονοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- δικαιοσυνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- τελος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- εσται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- κατα: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εργα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 11:13 (verbal): Calls certain men 'false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ'—uses the same language of disguise applied to human agents as in 11:15.
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 (quotation): Directly states that 'Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light,' which 11:15 echoes and extends to the servants who imitate that disguise.
- Matthew 7:15 (thematic): Warns of false prophets 'in sheep's clothing' who are inwardly ravenous wolves—parallel concern with outward appearance masking true (malignant) character.
- 2 Peter 2:1-3 (thematic): Describes false teachers bringing destructive heresies and exploiting people with deceptive words; also emphasizes the judgment fitting their deeds, resonating with 'their end will be according to their works.'
- Romans 16:17-18 (thematic): Warns against those who cause divisions and 'by smooth talk and flattery' deceive, echoing the idea of opponents who present themselves as righteous servants while misleading others.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore it is no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; their end will be according to their deeds.
- So it is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; their end will be according to their deeds.
Would that you would bear with a little of my boasting—indeed, bear with me.
For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear lest, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity that are in Christ.
For if one comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit which you did not receive, or a different gospel which you did not accept—you readily tolerate it.
For I consider that I am not at all inferior to those 'super-apostles.'
Even if I am unskilled in oratory, I am not lacking in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you.
Did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to minister to you. And when I was with you and in need, I burdened no one; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I lacked. In everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and I will continue to do so.
As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
Why? Because I do not love you? God knows. But what I am doing, I will keep doing, so as to cut off every opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the very things they boast about.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder—for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; their end will be according to their deeds.