2 Corinthians 4:2

Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul to the Corinthian church, defending his apostolic method against rivals who questioned his credentials. The verse pivots from his unshaken ministry (v. 1) to a direct contrast with their practice.

The words — κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνῃς (krypta tēs aischunēs), "hidden things of shame," is a fixed phrase for concealed, dishonorable maneuvering. The verb ἀπειπάμεθα (apeipametha) carries the sense of casting off or renouncing, not merely avoiding.

The thread — The same claim of open, unmanipulated speech recurs in 2 Corinthians 2:17 (not peddling the word of God) and 1 Thessalonians 2:3 (no deceit, ulterior motive, or trickery). 2 Corinthians 5:11 echoes the accountability frame: what they are is clear to God.

Why it lands — The verse sets a test for any communicator of truth: whether the method itself conceals a motive, and whether the speaker can stand before God's witness with the message unaltered. It asks the reader to audit their own handling of truth against that standard.

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

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.

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.
2 Corinthians 5:11 Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
2 Corinthians 6:4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
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.
Ephesians 5:12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.