2 Corinthians 4:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 30
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 30
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
περιπατοῦντες
walking
G4043
περιπατοῦντες
walking
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
8 of 30
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)
πανουργίᾳ
craftiness
G3834
πανουργίᾳ
craftiness
Strong's:
G3834
Word #:
10 of 30
adroitness, i.e., (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
14 of 30
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 #:
15 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 30
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
17 of 30
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φανερώσει
by manifestation
G5321
φανερώσει
by manifestation
Strong's:
G5321
Word #:
19 of 30
exhibition, i.e., (figuratively) expression, (by extension) a bestowment
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνιστώντες
commending
G4921
συνιστώντες
commending
Strong's:
G4921
Word #:
22 of 30
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
23 of 30
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
24 of 30
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,
Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:17For 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.2 Corinthians 5:11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.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.Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.2 Corinthians 7:14For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.Ephesians 5:12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;Romans 6:21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.2 Corinthians 11:6But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
Historical Context
Corinth was notorious for Sophists—traveling teachers who taught rhetoric and philosophy for pay, often manipulating arguments to win debates regardless of truth. False apostles in Corinth apparently used such tactics with Scripture. Paul's insistence on plainness was countercultural in a city that prized eloquence.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to 'package' truth in ways that make it more palatable but less honest?
- How does Paul's confidence that truth commends itself to conscience challenge modern marketing approaches to the gospel?
- What 'hidden things of dishonesty' might you need to renounce in how you communicate spiritual things?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty (ta krypta tēs aischynēs, τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης, 'the secret shameful things')—Paul contrasts his transparent ministry with opponents who used panourgia (πανουργία, 'craftiness, cunning') and doloō (δολόω, 'to adulterate, corrupt') the word of God. He doesn't manipulate Scripture for personal gain or twist it to please audiences.
By manifestation of the truth (phanerōsei tēs alētheias, φανερώσει τῆς ἀληθείας)—Paul's defense rests on open declaration, not rhetorical tricks. He appeals to every man's conscience (pasēs syneidēseōs anthrōpōn, πάσης συνειδήσεως ἀνθρώπων) before God as witness. Truth doesn't need deceptive packaging; it commends itself when plainly stated. This is the antithesis of Sophistic rhetoric that valued style over substance.