2 Corinthians 11:15

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Original Language Analysis

οὐ it is no G3756
οὐ it is no
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 1 of 20
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
μέγα great thing G3173
μέγα great thing
Strong's: G3173
Word #: 2 of 20
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
οὖν Therefore G3767
οὖν Therefore
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 3 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
εἰ G1487
εἰ
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 4 of 20
if, whether, that, etc
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 5 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διάκονοι ministers G1249
διάκονοι ministers
Strong's: G1249
Word #: 7 of 20
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
αὐτῶν his G846
αὐτῶν his
Strong's: G846
Word #: 8 of 20
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
μετασχηματίζονται be transformed G3345
μετασχηματίζονται be transformed
Strong's: G3345
Word #: 9 of 20
to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation)
ὡς as G5613
ὡς as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 10 of 20
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
διάκονοι ministers G1249
διάκονοι ministers
Strong's: G1249
Word #: 11 of 20
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
δικαιοσύνης· of righteousness G1343
δικαιοσύνης· of righteousness
Strong's: G1343
Word #: 12 of 20
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
ὧν whose G3739
ὧν whose
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 13 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τέλος end G5056
τέλος end
Strong's: G5056
Word #: 15 of 20
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
ἔσται shall be G2071
ἔσται shall be
Strong's: G2071
Word #: 16 of 20
will be
κατὰ according G2596
κατὰ according
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 17 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα works G2041
ἔργα works
Strong's: G2041
Word #: 19 of 20
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
αὐτῶν his G846
αὐτῶν his
Strong's: G846
Word #: 20 of 20
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

Analysis & Commentary

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. If Satan masquerades as light, ou mega (οὐ μέγα, 'it is no great thing') that hoi diakonoi autou (οἱ διάκονοι αὐτοῦ, 'his servants/ministers') do likewise. Metaschēmatizōntai (μετασχηματίζωνται, 'be transformed') echoes verse 13-14—this is the family business of deception.

As ministers of righteousness (hōs diakonoi dikaiosynēs, ὡς διάκονοι δικαιοσύνης) describes the disguise: they appear to serve righteousness, preach morality, promote religious devotion, speak of God's standards. Yet they are actually Satan's agents. The counterfeiting of righteousness is more dangerous than obvious wickedness because it deceives the elect (Matt 24:24).

Whose end shall be according to their works (hōn to telos estai kata ta erga autōn, ὧν τὸ τέλος ἔσται κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν) pronounces eschatological judgment. Despite their disguise, their works will be exposed at Christ's judgment seat. The contrast is implicit: true ministers are saved by grace despite their weakness; false ministers are condemned by works despite their impressive appearance. God sees behind the mask.

Historical Context

The concept of servants of Satan disguised as servants of righteousness would resonate with warnings against false prophets in Israel (Deut 13:1-5; Jer 23:16-32) and Jesus's warnings against false teachers appearing as sheep but inwardly ravening wolves (Matt 7:15). The early church needed vigilance against this perennial threat.

Questions for Reflection

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