2 Corinthians 11:3 Meaning and Explanation
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul fears the Corinthians may be deceived as Eve was, drawn away from the pure and single-hearted devotion they owe to Christ.
What Does 2 Corinthians 11:3 Mean?
Reaching back to the garden, Paul recalls how the serpent deceived Eve with crafty words. He sees the same danger threatening Corinth: subtle teaching that could turn their hearts from the plain truth of the gospel they first received.
The peril is not always open attack but gradual corruption of the mind. What Paul prizes is simplicity, an undivided sincerity toward Christ that needs no clever additions. Faith can be lost not only through blatant error but through slow erosion of trust. The remedy is to keep returning to Christ Himself, plain and sufficient, holding fast the straightforward devotion that first laid hold of them.
2 Corinthians 11:3 in the Original Language
haplotes (ἁπλότης), 'simplicity' -- singleness or sincerity of heart, an undivided devotion free of duplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 11:3
What does 2 Corinthians 11:3 mean?
Paul fears the Corinthians may be deceived as Eve was, drawn away from the pure and single-hearted devotion they owe to Christ.