2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Wycliffe Bible
4 Therefore we that have this administration [Therefore we having this administration, or office], after this that we have gotten mercy, fail we not,
2 but do we away the privy things of shame, not walking in subtle guile, neither doing adultery by the word of God, but in showing of the truth commending us selves to each conscience of men before God. [but do away the privy things of shame, not walking in subtle guile, neither adulterating the word of God, but in showing of the truth commending ourselves to each conscience of men before God.]
3 For if also our gospel is covered, or hid, in these that perish it is covered;
4 in which [the] god of this world, that is, the devil, hath blinded the souls of unfaithful men, that the lightening of the gospel of the glory of Christ, which is the image of God, shine not.[a]
5 But we preach not us selves, but our Lord Jesus Christ [Soothly we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord]; and us your servants by Jesus.
6 For God, that said [the] light to shine of darknesses, he hath given light in our hearts, to the lightening of the science of the clearness of God [he hath enlightened in our hearts, to the illumining of the science of the clearness of God], in the face of Jesus Christ.
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- 2 Corinthians 4:4 in which the god of this world, that is, the devil, or pride, hath blinded the souls of men out of belief, or unfaithful men, that the lighting of the gospel of the glory of Christ, that is the image of God, shine not.
2 Corinthians 4:1-6
New Matthew Bible
A true preacher is diligent. He does not corrupt the word of God. He does not preach himself, but seeks the honour of Christ – yea though it be at the risk of his life.
4 Therefore, seeing that we have such an office, even as mercy has come on us, we faint not, 2 but have cast from us the cloaks of dishonesty, and do not walk in craftiness. Neither do we corrupt the word of God, but walk in open truth, and appeal to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 If our gospel be yet hid, it is hid among those who are lost, 4 in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus to be the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, which has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
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2 Corinthians 4:1-6
1599 Geneva Bible
4 1 He showeth that he hath so labored in preaching the Gospel, 4 That such are even blinded of Satan, who do not perceive the brightness thereof, 7 that the same is carried in earthen vessels, 10 who are subject to many miseries: 16 and therefore he exhorteth them by his own example to be courageous, 17 and condemn this present life.
1 Therefore, [a]seeing that we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we [b]faint not:
2 But have cast from us the [c]cloaks of shame, and walk not in craftiness, neither handle we the word of God [d]deceitfully: but in declaration of the truth we approve ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 [e]If the Gospel be then hid, it is hid to them that are lost.
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds, that is, of the infidels, that the [f]light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, which is the [g]image of God, should not shine unto them.
5 [h]For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for [i]Jesus’ sake.
6 For God (A)[j]that commanded the light to shine out of darkness, is he which hath shined in our hearts, to give the [k]light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
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- 2 Corinthians 4:1 Now he plainly witnesseth that both he and his fellows (through the mercy of God) do their vocation and duty uprightly and sincerely, neglecting all dangers.
- 2 Corinthians 4:1 Though we are broken in pieces with miseries and calamities, yet we yield not.
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 Subtlety, and all kinds of deceit, which men hunt after, as it were dens and lurking holes, to cover their shameless dealings withall.
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 This is it that in the former Chapter he called, making merchandise of the word of God.
- 2 Corinthians 4:3 An objection: Many hear the Gospel, and yet are no more lightened thereby than by the preaching of the Law. He answereth, The fault is in the men themselves, whose eyes Satan plucketh out, who ruleth in this world. And yet notwithstanding doth he and his fellows set forth the most clear light of the Gospel to be seen and beholden, seeing that Christ whom only they preach, is he in whom only God will be known, and as it were seen.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 The light of plain and lightsome preaching, which telleth forth the glory of Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the Father setteth forth himself to be seen and beholden.
- 2 Corinthians 4:5 He removeth according to his accustomed manner, all suspicion of ambition: avouching that he teacheth faithfully, but as a servant, and witnessing that all this light which he and his fellows give to others, proceedeth from the Lord.
- 2 Corinthians 4:5 To preach this selfsame Jesus to you.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6 Which made only with his word.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6 That being lightened of God, we should in like sort give that light to others.
2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Authorized (King James) Version
4 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 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. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Read full chapter2001 by Terence P. Noble
Copyright © 2016 by Ruth Magnusson (Davis). Includes emendations to February 2022. All rights reserved.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
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