2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
4 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 25
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καπηλεύοντες
which corrupt
G2585
καπηλεύοντες
which corrupt
Strong's:
G2585
Word #:
7 of 25
to retail, i.e., (by implication) to adulterate (figuratively)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
9 of 25
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 25
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
εἰλικρινείας
sincerity
G1505
εἰλικρινείας
sincerity
Strong's:
G1505
Word #:
15 of 25
clearness, i.e., (by implication) purity (figuratively)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 25
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
17 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
19 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
22 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.Revelation 2:20Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.Jeremiah 5:31The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?1 Corinthians 5:8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.Matthew 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.Titus 1:11Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.Jude 1:4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.Acts 20:20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Historical Context
First-century marketplace vendors commonly diluted wine and oil to increase profits. Itinerant teachers and philosophers often charged fees and adapted messages to please audiences. Paul supported himself by tentmaking (Acts 18:3) and refused payment from Corinth (1 Cor 9:12-18) to avoid any appearance of merchandising the Gospel. His financial integrity authenticated his message.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern ministers sometimes "peddle" God's word like merchandise?
- What practical differences result from viewing God rather than people as your audience?
- How does union with Christ ("in Christ") transform ministry from human effort to divine work?
Analysis & Commentary
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God—The verb kapēleuontes (καπηλεύοντες, "to peddle, retail, adulterate") literally means to dilute wine for profit or hawk goods in the marketplace. Paul accuses false teachers of treating God's word as merchandise to be marketed, diluted for popular consumption, or manipulated for personal gain. The phrase hoi polloi (οἱ πολλοί, "the many") suggests widespread corruption—Paul's integrity was exceptional, not normal.
But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ—Three prepositional phrases define authentic ministry: ex eilikrinias (ἐξ εἰλικρινείας, "from sincerity/purity"), all' hōs ek theou (ἀλλ' ὡς ἐκ θεοῦ, "but as from God"), and katenanti theou (κατέναντι θεοῦ, "before God"). Ministers speak with pure motives, divine commission, and God as their primary audience. The phrase en Christō (ἐν Χριστῷ, "in Christ") locates ministry within union with Christ—not human enterprise but participation in Christ's ongoing work. This concludes the chapter by answering verse 16's question: sufficiency comes from Christ-centered, God-commissioned, sincere ministry, not human cleverness or marketplace tactics.