2 Corinthians 11:2

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ζηλῶ
I am jealous
to have warmth of feeling for or against
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ὑμᾶς
over you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#4
θεοῦ
with godly
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
ζήλῳ
jealousy
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
#6
ἡρμοσάμην
I have espoused
to joint, i.e., (figuratively) to woo (reflexively, to betroth)
#7
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#8
ὑμᾶς
over you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#9
ἑνὶ
to one
one
#10
ἀνδρὶ
husband
a man (properly as an individual male)
#11
παρθένον
virgin
a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter
#12
ἁγνὴν
G53
you as a chaste
properly, clean, i.e., (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect
#13
παραστῆσαι
that I may present
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
#14
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
Χριστῷ·
to Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection