2 Corinthians 2:11
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πλεονεκτηθῶμεν
should get an advantage of us
G4122
πλεονεκτηθῶμεν
should get an advantage of us
Strong's:
G4122
Word #:
3 of 12
to be covetous, i.e., (by implication) to over-reach
ὑπὸ
Satan
G5259
ὑπὸ
Satan
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
4 of 12
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐ
we are not
G3756
οὐ
we are not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
7 of 12
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοῦ
of his
G846
αὐτοῦ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 12
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:2 Corinthians 11:3But 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.Luke 22:31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Matthew 4:10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.2 Corinthians 11:14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.Job 2:3And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.1 Corinthians 7:5Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;2 Timothy 2:25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Historical Context
First-century Jewish and Christian literature (Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, Dead Sea Scrolls) recognized Satan's role as accuser and tempter. Paul's pastoral theology incorporates this cosmic conflict dimension—church discipline is not merely interpersonal but spiritual warfare, requiring wisdom to avoid Satan's traps.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Satan use both tolerance of sin and excessive punishment to harm churches?
- What are Satan's "devices" in your church context that exploit either laxness or harshness?
- How does understanding spiritual warfare inform church discipline practices?
Analysis & Commentary
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us—The verb pleonekteō (πλεονεκτέω, "to take advantage, outwit, defraud") suggests calculated exploitation. The name Satanas (Σατανᾶς) means "adversary" or "accuser." Paul reveals that both unrepentant sin and unrelenting discipline serve Satan's purposes—the former through moral compromise, the latter through crushing despair and destroying community unity.
For we are not ignorant of his devices—The term noēmata (νοήματα, "schemes, thoughts, designs") indicates Satan's strategic thinking. Elsewhere Paul uses this word for "minds" (2 Cor 3:14, 4:4, 11:3), suggesting Satan's warfare targets human thinking. His "devices" include both temptation to sin and accusation after repentance. Wisdom recognizes both tactics: churches must address sin seriously while extending grace generously. Failing either way gives Satan advantage. Paul's pastoral balance thwarts demonic strategy.