2 Corinthians 11:3

Authorized King James Version

But 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
φοβοῦμαι
G5399
I fear
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
μήπως
G3381
lest
lest somehow
#4
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#5
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ὄφις
G3789
the serpent
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
#7
Εὕαν
G2096
Eve
eve (or eua or eva, i.e., chavvah), the first woman
#8
ἐξηπάτησεν
G1818
beguiled
to seduce wholly
#9
ἐν
G1722
through
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πανουργίᾳ
G3834
subtilty
adroitness, i.e., (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry
#12
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#13
οὕτως
G3779
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#14
φθαρῇ
G5351
should be corrupted
properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)
#15
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
νοήματα
G3540
minds
a perception, i.e., purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself
#17
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you
#18
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#19
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἁπλότητος
G572
the simplicity
singleness, i.e., (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal)
#21
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
εἰς
G1519
that is in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#23
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
Χριστόν
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection