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2 Corinthians 4

2 Cor. 4:4 KJV (With Strong’s)

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4
In
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
whom
hos (Greek #3739)
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV usage: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also 3757.
Pronounce: hos
Origin: ἥ (hay), and neuter ὅ (ho) probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588)
the god
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
n of this
toutou (Greek #5127)
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)
KJV usage: here(-by), him, it, + such manner of, that, thence(-forth), thereabout, this, thus.
Pronounce: too'-too
Origin: genitive case singular masculine or neuter of 3778
world
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
aion (Greek #165)
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future)
KJV usage: age, course, eternal, (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning of the , while the) world (began, without end). Compare 5550.
Pronounce: ahee-ohn'
Origin: from the same as 104
hath blinded
tuphloo (Greek #5186)
to make blind, i.e. (figuratively) to obscure
KJV usage: blind.
Pronounce: toof-lo'-o
Origin: from 5185
the minds
eis (Greek #1519)
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
KJV usage: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Pronounce: ice
Origin: a primary preposition
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
noema (Greek #3540)
a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself
KJV usage: device, mind, thought.
Pronounce: no'-ay-mah
Origin: from 3539
of them which believe not
apistos (Greek #571)
(actively) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
KJV usage: that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever(-ing).
Pronounce: ap'-is-tos
Origin: from 1 (as a negative particle) and 4103
, lest
me (Greek #3361)
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
KJV usage: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also 3362, 3363, 3364, 3372, 3373, 3375, 3378.
Pronounce: may
Origin: a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial)
the light
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
photismos (Greek #5462)
illumination (figuratively)
KJV usage: light.
Pronounce: fo-tis-mos'
Origin: from 5461
of the glorious
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
doxa (Greek #1391)
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
KJV usage: dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
Pronounce: dox'-ah
Origin: from the base of 1380
gospel
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
euaggelion (Greek #2098)
a good message, i.e. the gospel
KJV usage: gospel.
Pronounce: yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on
Origin: from the same as 2097
of Christ
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
Christos (Greek #5547)
anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
KJV usage: Christ.
Pronounce: khris-tos'
Origin: from 5548
, who
hos (Greek #3739)
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV usage: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also 3757.
Pronounce: hos
Origin: ἥ (hay), and neuter ὅ (ho) probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588)
is
esti (Greek #2076)
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
KJV usage: are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
Pronounce: es-tee'
Origin: third person singular present indicative of 1510
the image
eikon (Greek #1504)
a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
KJV usage: image.
Pronounce: i-kone'
Origin: from 1503
o of God
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
, should shine
augazo (Greek #826)
to beam forth (figuratively)
KJV usage: shine.
Pronounce: ow-gad'-zo
Origin: from 827
unto them
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
.
n
John 12:31,40• 31Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out:
 40He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, that they may not see with their eyes, and understand with their heart and be converted, and I should heal them. (John 12:31,40)
o
John 1:14,18• 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we have contemplated his glory, a glory as of an only-begotten with a father), full of grace and truth;
 18No one has seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, *he* hath declared him. (John 1:14,18)

More on:

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Christ,
God,
Gods; Goddess,
Image,
Light,
The Gospel

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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the god.
Matt. 4:8‑9• 8Again the devil takes him to a very high mountain, and shews him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory,
 9and says to him, All these things will I give thee if, falling down, thou wilt do me homage. (Matt. 4:8‑9)
;
John 12:31,40• 31Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out:
 40He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, that they may not see with their eyes, and understand with their heart and be converted, and I should heal them. (John 12:31,40)
;
John 14:30• 30I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world comes, and in me he has nothing; (John 14:30)
;
John 16:11• 11of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (John 16:11)
;
1 Cor. 10:20• 20But that what the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons, and not to God. Now I do not wish you to be in communion with demons. (1 Cor. 10:20)
;
Eph. 2:2• 2in which ye once walked according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience: (Eph. 2:2)
;
Eph. 6:12• 12because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against principalities, against authorities, against the universal lords of this darkness, against spiritual power of wickedness in the heavenlies. (Eph. 6:12)
;
1 John 5:19• 19We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the wicked one. (1 John 5:19)
;
1 John 5•  (1 John 5)
:*Gr:;
Rev. 20:2‑3• 2And he laid hold of the dragon, the ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
 3and cast him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, that he should not any more deceive the nations until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be loosed for a little time. (Rev. 20:2‑3)
blinded.
2 Cor. 3:14• 14But their thoughts have been darkened, for unto this day the same veil remains in reading the old covenant, unremoved, which in Christ is annulled. (2 Cor. 3:14)
;
1 Kings 22:22• 22And Jehovah said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt entice him, and also succeed: go forth, and do so. (1 Kings 22:22)
;
Isa. 6:10• 10Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and healed. (Isa. 6:10)
;
John 12:40• 40He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, that they may not see with their eyes, and understand with their heart and be converted, and I should heal them. (John 12:40)
test.
2 Cor. 4:6• 6Because it is the God who spoke that out of darkness light should shine who has shone in our hearts for the shining forth of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6)
;
2 Cor. 3:8‑9,11,18• 8how shall not rather the ministry of the Spirit subsist in glory?
 9For if the ministry of condemnation be glory, much rather the ministry of righteousness abounds in glory.
 11For if that annulled was introduced with glory, much rather that which abides subsists in glory.
 18But *we* all, looking on the glory of the Lord, with unveiled face, are transformed according to the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:8‑9,11,18)
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John 8:12• 12Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world; he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)
;
John 12:35• 35Jesus therefore said to them, Yet a little while is the light amongst you. Walk while ye have the light, that darkness may not overtake you. And he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. (John 12:35)
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Acts 26:18• 18to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me. (Acts 26:18)
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Col. 1:27• 27to whom God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you the hope of glory: (Col. 1:27)
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1 Tim. 1:11• 11according to the glad tidings of the glory of the blessed God, with which *I* have been entrusted. (1 Tim. 1:11)
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Titus 2:13• 13awaiting the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13)
the image.
John 1:14,18• 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we have contemplated his glory, a glory as of an only-begotten with a father), full of grace and truth;
 18No one has seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, *he* hath declared him. (John 1:14,18)
;
John 12:45• 45and he that beholds me, beholds him that sent me. (John 12:45)
;
John 14:9‑10• 9Jesus says to him, Am I so long a time with you, and thou hast not known me, Philip? He that has seen me has seen the Father; and how sayest thou, Shew us the Father?
 10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words which I speak to you I do not speak from myself; but the Father who abides in me, he does the works. (John 14:9‑10)
;
John 15:24• 24If I had not done among them the works which no other one has done, they had not had sin; but now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father. (John 15:24)
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Phil. 2:6• 6who, subsisting in the form of God, did not esteem it an object of rapine to be on an equality with God; (Phil. 2:6)
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Col. 1:15• 15who is image of the invisible God, firstborn of all creation; (Col. 1:15)
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Heb. 1:3• 3who being the effulgence of his glory and the expression of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, having made by himself the purification of sins, set himself down on the right hand of the greatness on high, (Heb. 1:3)
shine.
2 Cor. 4:6• 6Because it is the God who spoke that out of darkness light should shine who has shone in our hearts for the shining forth of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6)
;
Psa. 50:2• 2Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined forth. (Psa. 50:2)
;
Isa. 60:1‑2• 1Arise, shine! for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.
 2For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but Jehovah will arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen on thee. (Isa. 60:1‑2)
;
2 Peter 1:19• 19And we have the prophetic word made surer, to which ye do well taking heed (as to a lamp shining in an obscure place) until the day dawn and the morning star arise in your hearts; (2 Peter 1:19)
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1 John 2:8• 8Again, I write a new commandment to you, which thing is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light already shines. (1 John 2:8)
• In their ease, the god of this age blinded the thoughts, or understandings, of the unbelieving. It was no defect in the truth, no obscurity in the message from God, nor insincerity in the messenger, who gave it out as purely as he received it. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 4:1-4” by W. Kelly)
• {god of this age} And as the Lord, in view of His own rejection unto death, spoke of the devil as the prince of this world (John 12; 14), so the Apostle here designates him, with striking propriety, as "god of this age." During the new age, when the Lord takes the sovereignty of the world (Rev. 11), it will not be so; he will be bound, and thereby kept from his old deceits. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 4:1-4” by W. Kelly)
• {glad tidings of the glory, JND Trans.} The gospel, as Paul preached it, was not of His descent and life here only, nor of His death and resurrection, but of His glory in heaven also. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 4:1-4” by W. Kelly)
• If such glad tidings were veiled, they were veiled in the lost, not by those that preached the truth. In their ease, the god of this age blinded the thoughts, or understandings, of the unbelieving. It was no defect in the truth, no obscurity in the message from God, nor insincerity in the messenger, who gave it out as purely as he received it.... the gospel, as Paul preached it, was not of His descent and life here only, nor of His death and resurrection, but of His glory in heaven also. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 4:1-4” by W. Kelly)
• This is translated “glorious gospel.” But we have seen that the fact of Christ’s being in glory, the glory of God being seen in His face, was the special subject of the preceding chapter. To that the Apostle here alludes as characterizing the gospel which he preached. (“2 Corinthians 4” by J.N. Darby)
• The gospel that Paul preached was not only that Christ had died and was risen, but that He is glorified — "the glad tidings of the glory of the Christ". It is not only that Christ is in glory, but that the One Who fully set forth God is glorified, the everlasting witness to God's infinite satisfaction in Christ and His work, as well as to the believer's place of acceptance and favor, and the righteous ground of the proclamation of forgiveness and salvation to sinners. (“2 Corinthians 4” by H. Smith)
• As “the god of this world” he is in control of this world’s religious activities (2 Cor. 4:4). As “the prince of this world” he is in control of this world’s secular activities (John 12:31; 14:30). (“A True Christian Minister Has Personal Exercises Regarding the Ministry He Carries: 2 Corinithains 4” by B. Anstey)

J. N. Darby Translation

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4
in whom the god of this world has blinded the thoughts of the unbelieving, so that the radiancy of the glad tidings of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine forthi for them.

JND Translation Notes

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i
I add "for them" to complete the sense. I have doubted as to this passage. The word translated "shine forth" is only found here in the New Testament and generally means "to see," or "discern." If this be the meaning here, we should read "so that they should not discern the shining forth of the glad tidings of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

W. Kelly Translation

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4
in whom the god of this age blinded the mindsa of the faithless, that the illumination of the gospel of the gloryb of Christ, who is [the] image of God, should not shine forthc.

WK Translation Notes

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a
Or, "thoughts."
b
"The glorious gospel," as in the KJV, is not only inadequate, but incorrect. For "the glory" is definitely of Christ exalted to God’s right hand, not in "the glorious gospel."
c
"Unto them" as reads the T. R. is an addition of the more recent copies against the oldest MSS.