Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 11:2
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, speaking immediately after requesting they tolerate his "foolishness" in 2 Corinthians 11:1. He frames his apostolic role as that of a spiritual parent who has arranged a marriage between the church and Christ.
The words — The Greek ζηλῶ (zēlō) literally means "I am jealous," modified by θεοῦ (theou) to specify a jealousy originating from God. The verb ἡρμοσάμην (hērmosamēn) carries the literal sense of "I betrothed" or "I promised in marriage."
The thread — The betrothal language parallels Hosea 2:19, where God vows to betroth Israel forever in righteousness and loving devotion. Paul extends the same covenant marriage imagery in Ephesians 5:26, describing Christ's work to cleanse the church.
Why it lands — The text states that the church has been promised to one husband and must be presented pure to Christ. It requires readers to maintain undivided loyalty and to guard their minds against the deception warned about in 2 Corinthians 11:3.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Cross-references
- Hosea 2:19 So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion.
- Ephesians 5:26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
- Isaiah 54:5 For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.
- Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
- Leviticus 21:13 The woman he marries must be a virgin.
- John 3:29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
- Isaiah 62:4 No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride.
- Romans 7:4 Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.
- Genesis 24:2 So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh,
- Genesis 24:58 They called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she replied.