2 Corinthians 4:5

Authorized King James Version

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For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

Original Language Analysis

οὐ not G3756
οὐ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 1 of 14
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἑαυτοὺς ourselves G1438
ἑαυτοὺς ourselves
Strong's: G1438
Word #: 3 of 14
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
κηρύσσομεν we preach G2784
κηρύσσομεν we preach
Strong's: G2784
Word #: 4 of 14
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
ἀλλὰ but G235
ἀλλὰ but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 5 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Χριστὸν Christ G5547
Χριστὸν Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 6 of 14
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
Ἰησοῦν Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦν Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 7 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
κύριον the Lord G2962
κύριον the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 8 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἑαυτοὺς ourselves G1438
ἑαυτοὺς ourselves
Strong's: G1438
Word #: 9 of 14
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
δὲ and G1161
δὲ and
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 10 of 14
but, and, etc
δούλους servants G1401
δούλους servants
Strong's: G1401
Word #: 11 of 14
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ὑμῶν your G5216
ὑμῶν your
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 12 of 14
of (from or concerning) you
διὰ for G1223
διὰ for
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 13 of 14
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Ἰησοῦν Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦν Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 14 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis & Commentary

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord (ou gar heautous kēryssomen alla Iēsoun Christon kyrion, οὐ γὰρ ἑαυτοὺς κηρύσσομεν ἀλλὰ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν κύριον)—Paul's message centers on Christ's lordship, not apostolic personalities. Kēryssō (κηρύσσω, 'to proclaim, herald') conveys authoritative public announcement of royal decrees. Paul is herald, not hero.

And ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake (heautous de doulous hymōn dia Iēsoun, ἑαυτοὺς δὲ δούλους ὑμῶν διὰ Ἰησοῦν)—the only self-reference is as douloi (δοῦλοι, 'slaves, bondservants'). Paul inverts worldly leadership: apostles are slaves to their congregations because of (dia, διὰ) Jesus. Christ's lordship produces servant leadership (cf. Mark 10:42-45). This demolishes personality cults and celebrity Christianity.

Historical Context

Corinth's culture elevated celebrity teachers—followers identified with Apollos, Paul, or Peter (1 Cor 1:12). Sophists cultivated personal followings and charged premium fees. Paul's insistence on slave status for apostles and Christ-centered preaching was radically countercultural, rejecting the patronage system that defined Greco-Roman social relations.

Questions for Reflection

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