Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 11:4
For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it very easily.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while confronting infiltrating teachers who are distorting their faith. He writes at a moment of spiritual vulnerability, fearing they will abandon their original devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).
The words — The phrase ἄλλον Ἰησοῦν (allon Iēsoun) literally means "another Jesus," marking a direct contrast to the apostolic message. The verb κηρὺσσει (kēryssēi) means "proclaims," indicating the active delivery of a fabricated substitute.
The thread — This warning aligns with the Galatian rebuke of deserting the true caller for a different gospel (Galatians 1:6), the Corinthian declaration of Christ as the only foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11), and the Ephesian affirmation of one Spirit and one hope (Ephesians 4:4).
Why it lands — The text requires readers to measure every new teaching against the specific Christ, Spirit, and gospel they originally received. It demands active discernment rather than passive tolerance of altered religious claims.
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 if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Cross-references
- Galatians 1:6 I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
- 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
- Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
- 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
- 1 Corinthians 12:4 There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.
- Acts 4:12 Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
- Galatians 3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?
- Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”