2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θεοῦ
with godly
G2316
θεοῦ
with godly
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ζήλῳ
jealousy
G2205
ζήλῳ
jealousy
Strong's:
G2205
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
ἡρμοσάμην
I have espoused
G718
ἡρμοσάμην
I have espoused
Strong's:
G718
Word #:
6 of 15
to joint, i.e., (figuratively) to woo (reflexively, to betroth)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἁγνὴν
you as a chaste
G53
ἁγνὴν
you as a chaste
Strong's:
G53
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, clean, i.e., (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect
παραστῆσαι
that I may present
G3936
παραστῆσαι
that I may present
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
13 of 15
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
Cross References
Isaiah 54:5For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.Colossians 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:John 3:29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.Ezekiel 44:22Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away: but they shall take maidens of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that had a priest before.
Historical Context
The betrothal metaphor was deeply meaningful in Jewish culture where arranged marriages involved a betrothal period of exclusive commitment before the wedding. The friend of the bridegroom bore responsibility for the bride's conduct during this interval. Paul sees his apostolic role as maintaining the Corinthians' fidelity to Christ against seducers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing yourself as betrothed to Christ, awaiting His return, shape your daily choices and affections?
- What 'rival lovers' compete with Christ for the church's exclusive devotion in our cultural moment?
- In what ways might Christian leaders today function as 'friends of the bridegroom,' protecting Christ's bride from seduction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. Paul reveals the motivation behind his uncomfortable 'boasting'—divine jealousy (zelos theou, ζῆλος θεοῦ). This is not petty envy but the fierce protective love of God for His covenant people, the jealousy that tolerates no rivals.
The betrothal metaphor casts Paul as the paranymphos (friend of the bridegroom) who arranged the marriage and must present the bride pure and faithful. The verb hermosamai (ἡρμοσάμαι, 'I have espoused') indicates Paul's role in their conversion—he brought them to Christ. One husband emphasizes exclusive devotion; chaste virgin (parthenon hagnēn, παρθένον ἁγνήν) denotes purity from spiritual adultery.
This imagery draws on Hosea's portrayal of Israel as God's bride and anticipates Ephesians 5:25-27 and Revelation 19:7-9. The church is corporately betrothed to Christ, awaiting the consummation at His return. Any teaching that compromises pure devotion to Christ is spiritual seduction threatening the bride's virginity.