2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
himself
G846
αὐτὸς
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετασχηματίζεται
is transformed
G3345
μετασχηματίζεται
is transformed
Strong's:
G3345
Word #:
8 of 11
to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 11
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Galatians 1:8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.2 Corinthians 2:11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.2 Corinthians 11:3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Historical Context
Jewish tradition (not biblical but reflected in intertestamental literature) developed Satan's fall from an angel of light. Early Christian theology saw Satan as the great deceiver (Rev 12:9) who blinds minds to the gospel (2 Cor 4:4). His strategy is mimicry—creating counterfeit religion that imitates but contradicts true worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Satan's masquerade as an angel of light help explain why false teaching often sounds more appealing than hard biblical truth?
- What are contemporary examples of Satan appearing as 'light'—religious error disguised as enlightenment, liberation, or progress?
- How can we avoid being deceived by impressive appearances, supernatural signs, or beautiful-sounding teaching that contradicts Scripture?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Paul grounds the false apostles' disguise in Satan's own methodology: autos gar ho Satanas metaschēmatizetai eis angelon phōtos (αὐτὸς γὰρ ὁ Σατανᾶς μετασχηματίζεται εἰς ἄγγελον φωτός, 'Satan himself transforms into an angel of light'). The present tense indicates habitual practice—this is Satan's characteristic strategy.
Ou thauma (οὐ θαῦμα, 'no marvel/no wonder') tells the Corinthians to stop being surprised that false teachers look impressive. The most dangerous deception appears righteous, beautiful, enlightening. Satan doesn't announce himself as evil; he masquerades as good. The serpent in Eden didn't appear as a monster but as wisdom's guide (Gen 3:1-5).
Angel of light evokes Isaiah 14:12 ('Lucifer, son of the morning') and contrasts with Satan's true nature as prince of darkness (Eph 6:12; Col 1:13). The disguise is religious—Satan's servants speak of God, quote Scripture (Matt 4:6), perform signs (2 Thess 2:9; Rev 13:13-14), and appear as ministers of righteousness. Truth is discerned not by appearances but by conformity to revealed gospel truth.