2 Corinthians 4:2

Authorized King James Version

But 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλὰ
G235
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
ἀπειπάμεθα
G550
have renounced
to say off for oneself, i.e., disown
#3
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
κρυπτὰ
G2927
the hidden things
concealed, i.e., private
#5
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
αἰσχύνης
G152
of dishonesty
shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely)
#7
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#8
περιπατοῦντες
G4043
walking
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#9
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
πανουργίᾳ
G3834
craftiness
adroitness, i.e., (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry
#11
μηδὲ
G3366
nor
but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor
#12
δολοῦντες
G1389
deceitfully
to ensnare, i.e., (figuratively) adulterate
#13
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
λόγον
G3056
the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#15
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#17
ἀλλὰ
G235
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#18
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
φανερώσει
G5321
by manifestation
exhibition, i.e., (figuratively) expression, (by extension) a bestowment
#20
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἀληθείας
G225
of the truth
truth
#22
συνιστώντες
G4921
commending
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
#23
ἑαυτοὺς
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#24
πρὸς
G4314
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#25
πᾶσαν
G3956
every
all, any, every, the whole
#26
συνείδησιν
G4893
conscience
co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness
#27
ἀνθρώπων
G444
man's
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#28
ἐνώπιον
G1799
in the sight
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#29
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 truth 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 truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection