27. To Corrupt, Handle Deceitfully

Both καπηλεύω and δολόω are used to express wrong treatment of the word of God. Each occurs but once, in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Doubtless the Apostle Paul as led of the Holy Spirit had some reason for employing different words, though others deem the two words to signify the same; as in both places in the Vulgate they are translated adulterantes. They both convey the thought of ‘falsifying.'
δολόω (from δόλος, ‘guile, cunning') occurs in 2 Cor. 4:22But 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. (2 Corinthians 4:2), where "falsifying the word" gives the true meaning. καπηλεύω conveys more than this. The noun κάπηλος signifies one who sells wine, as may be seen in the LXX in Isa. 1:2222Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water: (Isaiah 1:22), "wine merchants," but it is immediately added, they "mix the wine with water." This became so common a practice that the word καπηλεύω came to imply ‘making a gain by adulterating.' The word occurs in 2 Cor. 2:1717For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17), which may therefore be translated "traffic in," or "make gain by corrupting the word of God." The passage consequently implies that those referred to falsified the word of God with a view to some advantage to themselves. It is possible therefore that Paul in each passage refers to a different class of persons.