2 Corinthians 11:4

Authorized King James Version

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὲν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐρχόμενος

G2064

he that cometh

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἄλλον

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

Ἰησοῦν

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐκηρύξαμεν

G2784

preached

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

ὃ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#10

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#11

ἐκηρύξαμεν

G2784

preached

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

#12

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#13

πνεῦμα

G4151

spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#14

ἕτερον

G2087

another

(an-, the) other or different

#15

ἐλάβετε

G2983

if ye receive

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#16

ὃ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#17

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#18

ἐλάβετε

G2983

if ye receive

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#19

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#20

εὐαγγέλιον

G2098

gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

#21

ἕτερον

G2087

another

(an-, the) other or different

#22

ὃ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#23

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#24

ἐδέξασθε

G1209

accepted

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#25

καλῶς

G2573

well

well (usually morally)

#26

ἠνείχεσθε

G430

bear with

to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with

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 revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?