2 Corinthians 7:2
Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
Original Language Analysis
Χωρήσατε
Receive
G5562
Χωρήσατε
Receive
Strong's:
G5562
Word #:
1 of 8
to be in (give) space, i.e., (intransitively) to pass, enter, or (transitively) to hold, admit (literally or figuratively)
οὐδένα
no man
G3762
οὐδένα
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
3 of 8
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἠδικήσαμεν
we have wronged
G91
ἠδικήσαμεν
we have wronged
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
4 of 8
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
οὐδένα
no man
G3762
οὐδένα
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
5 of 8
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐφθείραμεν
we have corrupted
G5351
ἐφθείραμεν
we have corrupted
Strong's:
G5351
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)
Cross References
Acts 20:33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.Matthew 10:40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.Matthew 10:14And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.2 Corinthians 11:9And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.Numbers 16:15And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.2 John 1:10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
Historical Context
False apostles in Corinth (11:13-15) apparently accused Paul of financial impropriety, perhaps related to the Jerusalem collection (chapters 8-9). In Greco-Roman culture, traveling philosophers and rhetoricians often exploited audiences financially. Paul's refusal to accept payment (11:7-12) was unusual and apparently used against him as evidence of inferior apostleship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's transparent accountability challenge modern ministry practices that prioritize platform over character?
- In what relationships am I withholding forgiveness or reconciliation despite the other party's demonstrated integrity?
- What accusations against God's servants do I believe too quickly without examining the evidence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man—The imperative chōrēsate (χωρήσατε, "make room for us/receive us") literally means "make space" in your hearts. Paul's triple defense uses strong Greek negatives: oudena ēdikēsamen (οὐδένα ἠδικήσαμεν, "we wronged no one"), oudena eptheiramen (οὐδένα ἐφθείραμεν, "we corrupted no one"), oudena epleonektēsamen (οὐδένα ἐπλεονεκτήσαμεν, "we defrauded no one").
These denials address specific accusations from Paul's opponents: financial exploitation (pleonekteō, "to take advantage/defraud"), moral corruption (phtheirō, "to ruin/corrupt"—used of sexual immorality in 11:3), and general injustice (adikeō, "to wrong"). Unlike the 'super-apostles' who peddled God's word for profit (2:17), Paul's ministry maintained ethical integrity. His appeal for reconciliation rests on demonstrable blamelessness, not manipulative rhetoric.