2 Corinthians 6:8

Authorized King James Version

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By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

Original Language Analysis

διὰ By G1223
διὰ By
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 1 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
δόξης honour G1391
δόξης honour
Strong's: G1391
Word #: 2 of 12
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 3 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀτιμίας dishonour G819
ἀτιμίας dishonour
Strong's: G819
Word #: 4 of 12
infamy, i.e., (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace
διὰ By G1223
διὰ By
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 5 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
δυσφημίας evil report G1426
δυσφημίας evil report
Strong's: G1426
Word #: 6 of 12
defamation
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 7 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐφημίας· good report G2162
εὐφημίας· good report
Strong's: G2162
Word #: 8 of 12
good language ("euphemy"), i.e., praise (repute)
ὡς as G5613
ὡς as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 9 of 12
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
πλάνοι deceivers G4108
πλάνοι deceivers
Strong's: G4108
Word #: 10 of 12
roving (as a tramp), i.e., (by implication) an impostor or misleader
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀληθεῖς yet true G227
ἀληθεῖς yet true
Strong's: G227
Word #: 12 of 12
true (as not concealing)

Analysis & Commentary

By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report (διὰ δόξης καὶ ἀτιμίας, διὰ δυσφημίας καὶ εὐφημίας, dia doxēs kai atimias, dia dysphēmias kai euphēmias)—Paul shifts to a series of antithetical pairs (vv.8-10) that express the paradoxes of apostolic ministry. Doxa (honor/glory) and atimia (dishonor/disgrace) represent opposite social assessments. Dysphēmia (evil report/slander) and euphēmia (good report/praise) refer to reputation—some speak well of Paul, others slander him. The preposition dia ('through' or 'by') indicates these opposites are the path through which Paul ministers.

As deceivers, and yet true (ὡς πλάνοι καὶ ἀληθεῖς, hōs planoi kai alētheis)—Planos means deceiver, imposter, or false teacher—the very accusation Paul's opponents leveled against him. Alēthēs (true, genuine, truthful) expresses Paul's actual character. The construction hōs...kai ('as...and yet') creates dramatic tension: Paul is perceived as a deceiver but actually is truthful.

These paradoxes reflect Christian existence in a fallen world that calls good evil and evil good (Isa 5:20). Paul's reputation fluctuates wildly depending on his audience, but he remains faithful regardless of human opinion. This previews the fuller paradox list in verses 9-10.

Historical Context

Paul faced contradictory assessments: Jewish opponents viewed him as an apostate traitor; Gentile critics saw him as a troublemaker or charlatan; false teachers in Corinth portrayed him as weak, unimpressive, and lacking credentials; while true converts recognized him as a genuine apostle of Christ. Paul learned to minister faithfully through both praise and blame.

Questions for Reflection