Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 2:11
in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church regarding the administration of church discipline and forgiveness. He issues this instruction immediately after commanding the community to reaffirm their forgiveness toward a repentant offender.
The words — The Greek term πλεονεκτηθῶμεν (pleonektēthōmen) literally means "to be outwitted" or "deprived of advantage." It functions within the ἵνα (ina) clause to state the purpose of their collective action.
The thread — The warning against spiritual deception appears in 1 Peter 5:8, which commands alertness against the devil's prowling, and in Ephesians 6:11, which instructs believers to stand against the devil’s schemes. Paul also echoes this concern in 2 Corinthians 11:3 regarding the serpent's cunning.
Why it lands — The text demands that the community maintain unified forgiveness to prevent enemy exploitation. It requires readers to recognize spiritual opposition without relying on emotional reassurance.
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
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
- Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3 I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
- Luke 22:31 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
- Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
- Matthew 4:10 “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
- 1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.
- 1 Chronicles 21:1 Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.