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2 Corinthians 2:11

2 Corinthians 2:11 in Multiple Translations

in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

So that Satan may not get the better of us: for we are not without knowledge of his designs.

In this way Satan will not be able to take us in, because we know the tricks he thinks up.

Lest Satan should circumuent vs: for we are not ignorant of his enterprises.

that we may not be over-reached by the Adversary, for of his devices we are not ignorant.

that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

That we be not overreached by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his devices.

I want you to forgive him so that Satan will not be able to take advantage of the problems among us and make the situation worse. We know very well [LIT] that Satan is always planning to cause problems among us.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 2:11

BAB
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2 Corinthians 2:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ινα μη πλεονεκτηθωμεν υπο του σατανα ου γαρ αυτου τα νοηματα αγνοουμεν
ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj
μη G3361 not Particle-N
πλεονεκτηθωμεν pleonekteō G4122 to exploit Verb-APS-1P
υπο hupo G5259 by/under: by Prep
του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM
σατανα Satanas G4567 Satan Noun-GSM
ου ou G3756 no Particle-N
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
αυτου autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSM
τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APN
νοηματα noēma G3540 mind/thought Noun-APN
αγνοουμεν agnoeō G50 be ignorant Verb-PAI-1P
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 2:11

ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj
This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.
Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.
μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: 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 See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
πλεονεκτηθωμεν pleonekteō G4122 "to exploit" Verb-APS-1P
To exploit or take advantage of someone for personal gain, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:2 and 12:17-18. This means to overreach or defraud others. It is the opposite of selfless love.
Definition: πλεονεκτέω, -ῶ (πλεονέκτης, which see), [in LXX: Hab.2:9, Eze.22:27 (בָּצַע), Jdg.4:11 B* ;] __1. intrans., to have more, to have an advantage (cl., with genitive of person(s)). __2. Trans., in late writers (see M, Pr., 65), to over­reach, defraud: with accusative of person(s), 2Co.7:2 12:17-18; ἐν τ. πράγματιι, 1Th.4:6 (see M, Th., in l); pass., 2Co.2:11 (as also in cl.; see LS, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: get an advantage, defraud, make a gain See also: 1 Thessalonians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 7:2; 2 Corinthians 12:18.
υπο hupo G5259 "by/under: by" Prep
Under or by something, like under a person's authority, as in Matthew 8:9, or under a place, as in Luke 7:8.
Definition: ὑπό (before smooth breathing ὑπ᾽, Mat.8:9b, Luk.7:8b; before rough breathing ὑφ᾽, Rom.3:9; on the neglect of elision in Mt, Lk, ll. witha, Gal.3:22, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., iv), prep. with genitive, dative (not in NT), accusative __I. C. genitive, primarily of place, under, hence, metaphorically, of the efficient cause, by: after passive verbs, with genitive of person(s), Mat.1:22, Mrk.1:5, Luk.2:18, Jhn.14:21, Act.4:11, 1Co.1:11, Heb.3:4, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Mat.8:24, Luk.7:24, Rom.3:21, al.; with neut. verbs and verbs with pass, meaning, Mat.17:12, Mrk.5:26, 1Co.10:9, 10 1Th.2:14, al. __II. C. accusative, under; __1. of motion: Mat.5:15 8:8, Mrk.4:21, Luk.13:34; hence, metaphorically, of subjection, Rom.7:14, 1Co.15:27, Gal.3:22, 1Pe.5:6, al. __2. Of position: Jhn.1:49, Act.4:12, Rom.3:13, 1Co.10:1, al.; hence, metaphorically, under, subject to, Mat.8:9, Rom.3:9, 1Co.9:20, Gal.4:5, al. __3. Of time, about: Act.5:21. __III. In composition: under (ὑποδέω), hence, of subjection (ὑποτάσσω), compliance (ὑπακούω), secrecy (ὑποβάλλω), diminution (ὑποπνέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 209 NT verses. KJV: among, by, from, in, of, under, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; Hebrews 2:3; 1 Peter 2:4.
του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
σατανα Satanas G4567 "Satan" Noun-GSM
Satanas is another term for Satan, emphasizing his role as the accuser, as seen in Matthew 4:10 and Luke 10:18. He is the enemy of God and humanity, working to deceive and destroy. Satan is a major figure in the New Testament.
Definition: Σατανᾶς, -ᾶ (so also Sir 21:30, but in 3Ki.11:14, σατάν indecl.; Heb. שָׂטָן; Aram. סָטָנָא, whence the inflected Gk. form), ό, Satan (i.e. the adversary, as in LXX, ll. with): Mat.4:10 12:26, Mrk.1:13 3:23, 26 4:15 Luk.10:18 11:18 13:16 22:3, 31, Jhn.13:27, Act.5:3 26:18, Rom.16:20, 1Co.5:5 7:5, 2Co.2:11 11:14, 1Th.2:18, 2Th.2:9, 1Ti.1:20 5:15, Rev.2:9, 13 2:24 3:9 12:9 20:2, 7; addressed in person of Peter, Mat.16:23 Mrk.8:33; ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ, 2Co.12:7.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 33 NT verses. KJV: Satan See also: 1 Corinthians 5:5; Luke 22:31; Revelation 2:9.
ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
αυτου autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSM
This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.
Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: 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 See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.
τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
νοηματα noēma G3540 "mind/thought" Noun-APN
A thought or purpose, like a perception or idea, as in 2 Corinthians 2:11 and 10:5. It can also refer to the mind or intellect, like in 2 Corinthians 3:14.
Definition: νόημα, -τος, τό (νοέω) [in LXX: Sir.21:11, Bar.2:8, 3Ma.5:30 * ;] a thought, purpose, design: 2Co.2:11 10:5 11:3, Php.4:7. Meton., of the mind, 2Co.3:14 4:4.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: device, mind, thought See also: 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:7.
αγνοουμεν agnoeō G50 "be ignorant" Verb-PAI-1P
To be ignorant means lacking information or intelligence, as described in 1 Timothy 1:13 and Acts 13:27 and Romans 10:3.
Definition: ἀγνοέω, -ῶ (> ἁγνίζω), [in LXX for שָׁגָה, שָׁגַג, אָשַׁם, etc. ;] __1. to be ignorant, not to know: absol., Ι Ti 1:13, Heb.5:2; with accusative, Act.13:27 17:23, Rom.10:3, 2Co.2:11; ἐν οἷς, 2Pe.2:12; before ὅτι, Rom.2:4 6:3 7:1, 1Co.14:38; οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν, a Pauline phrase: with accusative, Rom.11:25; before ὑπέρ, 2Co.1:8; περί, 1Co.12:1, 1Th.4:13. ὅτι, Rom.1:13, 1Co.10:1 (for similar usage in π., V. MM, VGT, see word). Pass.: 1Co.14:38, 2Co.6:9, Gal.1:22. __2. not to understand: with accusative, Mrk.9:32, Luk.9:45. † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: (be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown See also: 1 Corinthians 10:1; Acts 17:23; Hebrews 5:2.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 2:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
2 Ephesians 6:11–12 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
3 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.
4 Luke 22:31 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.
5 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.
6 Revelation 12:9–11 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. And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down— he who accuses them day and night before our God. They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death.
7 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
8 Matthew 4:10 “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus declared. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ”
9 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.
10 Job 2:3 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.”

2 Corinthians 2:11 Summary

[This verse is reminding us that Satan is a sneaky enemy who wants to trick us and lead us away from God. But we don't have to be afraid because we can be aware of his tricks and stay safe with God's help, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8-9. By knowing God's Word and being united with other believers, we can outsmart Satan and stay on the path that God has for us. We can also put on the whole armor of God, as in Ephesians 6:10-18, to protect ourselves from Satan's schemes.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Satan to outwit us?

This means that Satan can deceive us and lead us away from God's truth, as seen in Ephesians 6:11, where we are told to put on the whole armor of God to stand against his schemes.

What are the schemes of Satan that we should be aware of?

Satan's schemes include tempting us to sin, as in 1 Corinthians 7:5, and deceiving us with false teachings, as in 2 Corinthians 11:3, so we must be vigilant and grounded in God's Word.

How can we avoid being outwitted by Satan?

We can avoid being outwitted by Satan by being aware of his schemes and by putting on the whole armor of God, as in Ephesians 6:10-18, and by forgiveness and unity among believers, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:10-11.

Is Satan's power limited in any way?

Yes, Satan's power is limited by God's sovereignty, as seen in Job 1:12, where Satan had to ask permission from God to test Job, and in 1 John 4:4, where we are told that God is greater than Satan.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that Satan might try to outwit me in my daily life, and how can I be on guard against his schemes?
  2. How can I be more aware of Satan's schemes and tactics, and what can I do to resist them?
  3. In what ways can forgiveness and unity among believers help to protect us from Satan's schemes, as mentioned in this verse?
  4. What role does spiritual discernment play in recognizing and resisting Satan's schemes, and how can I develop this discernment in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 2:11

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us,.... Or make gain of us, or we should be circumvented by him; a metaphor taken from covetous persons, who take every occasion, and make use of every advantage

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 2:11

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:11

As I have done it in kindness to you, so I have also done it for the advantage both of that person, who is so forgiven, and of your whole church, which is concerned in the welfare or miscarriage of every individual member. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: the Greek is: That we be not overcome by Satan: pleonektein properly signifies to get again, or to gain a superiority, to get the upper hand. The advantage Satan was like to get by their continuing severity to this offender, was either by his over much grief, or by the hardening of his heart; so as he, seeing no probability to be restored again to his communion with the church, should be exposed, either to temptations to some desperate courses, (which are often the effects of minds full of sorrow and discontent), or else to courses of idolatry or looseness, in giving up himself to the devil’ s kingdom in the world, because he could not be admitted into the church, which is the kingdom of Christ. For (saith the apostle) we are not ignorant of his devices, nohmata, his thoughts and counsels, how he continually walketh about both like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; and like an old serpent, seeking whom and how he may deceive. This lets us know, with how much prudence those who are trusted with the souls of others, ought to manage their reproofs, or severe dealings with others: the end of all these is the amendment and reformation of such persons, not their spiritual ruin and destruction; and all reproofs and censures must be given, and made, and managed with reference to that end. We have not only the concern of God’ s glory (which is the main) to be looked at, but the good also of their souls, whom we so reprove, censure, or alienate ourselves from: and indeed, without consulting this, we cannot consult God’ s glory; who hath told us, that he desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live: and therefore we must have an eye about us, and beneath us, to the devil, as well as above us, to God; and prudently judge how such afflictive and harsh actions may be so done by us, that in the mean time Satan get no advantage, and we lose the souls of those with whom we so deal, instead of gaining them to God; which is the main and principal end we ought in all those actions to aim at, ; so .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:11

11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Ver. 11. Lest Satan] That wily merchant, that greedy bloodsucker, that devoureth not widows’ houses, but most men’ s souls, see 2 Corinthians 2:7. πλεονεκτηθωμεν. For we are not ignorant] He is but a titular Christian that hath not personal experience of Satan’ s stratagems, νοηματα, his set and composed machinations, his artificially moulded methods, his plots, darts, depths, whereby he outwitted our first parents, and fits us a penny’ s worth still, as he sees reason.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:11

(11) Lest Satan should get an advantage of us.—Literally, lest we should be cheated (or out-maneuvered) by Satan. The phraseology is that of one who is, as it were, playing a game against the Tempter, in which the souls of men are at once the counters and the stake. The Apostle’s last move in that game had been to “give the sinner over to Satan” with a view to his ultimate deliverance. But what if Satan should outwit him, by tempting the sinner to despair or recklessness? To guard against that danger required, as it were, another move. Stratagem must be met by strategy. The man must be absolved that he may be able to resist the Tempter. We are not ignorant of his devices.—The language comes from a wide and varied experience. St. Paul had been buffeted by a messenger of Satan (2 Corinthians 12:7); had once and again been hindered by him in his work (1 Thessalonians 2:18); was ever wrestling, not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12); and so he knew how the Tempter could turn even the rules of an ascetic rigour, or the remorse of a sin-burdened conscience, into an occasion of yet further and more irremediable sin.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:11

Verse 11. Lest Satan should get an advantage] If the man who has given sufficient proof of the sincerity of his repentance be not restored, he may be overwhelmed with sorrow, and sink into despair; and then the discipline of the Church will be represented, not as emendatory, but as leading to destruction. Of this our enemies would most gladly avail themselves, as they wish to discredit this ministry; and there is always at hand a devil to suggest evil, and prompt men to do it; for in this respect we have thorough acquaintance with his devices. Let us therefore be careful to remove, both from Satan and his partisans, all those occasions which might turn to the disadvantage or disparagement of the Gospel of Christ.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 2:11

11. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us] See note on 1 Corinthians 5:10. The word signifies (1) to have more, (2) to be greedy, and hence (3) to overreach, to defraud.devices] The word properly means mental processes, “the product of mind.” Meyer. It is translated minds in ch. 2 Corinthians 3:14, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 11:3; Philippians 4:7, thought in ch. 2 Corinthians 10:5. In reference to Satan, all whose thoughts are evil, it may legitimately be translated devices, i e. things which he devised. Luke 22:31. 1 Corinthians 7:5. Cf. 1 Peter 5:8. Revelation 12:12. St Paul’s meaning here is that to refuse forgiveness when the time for it had come would be only to give Satan an advantage. The offender had been delivered over to him (see 1 Corinthians 5:5 and notes). Not to release him from the bondage when he was truly repentant would be to afford the enemy of souls an opportunity of which he would not be slow to avail himself. Nothing is so likely to plunge a man into every kind of crime as despair. See notes on 2 Corinthians 2:7.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 2:11

Lest Satan - The devil. The name Satan denotes an adversary, an accuser, an enemy. It is the usual proper name which is given to the devil, the great adversary of God and man.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:11

11. Lest… us—Literally, Lest we should be overreached by Satan. He had, perhaps, been surrendered by excommunication to Satan, (see note on 1 Corinthians 5:5,) but in order to really save him from Satan.

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 2:11

SermonDescription
George Verwer (Om Orientation) Real Christian Morals - Part 1 by George Verwer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of sexual immorality and its consequences. He starts by referencing the story of Reuben in Genesis 35, who committed immorality and
Zac Poonen (The Church and Satans Wiles) 2 - as Jesus Is So Are We by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible. He believes that many Christians are unaware of the truth of Scripture and are easily
William MacDonald Skyland Conference 1988 (Two Kingdoms) - Part 1 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emptiness of the world and how it fails to satisfy the human heart. He references a story about a young entertainer who had achieved fame
Mariano Di Gangi Resist the Devil by Mario Digangi - Part 2 by Mariano Di Gangi Peter, drawing from his own experience of failing to watch, pray, and falling into temptation by denying Jesus, exhorts Christians to be self-controlled, alert, and firm in faith.
Carter Conlon Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest - Part 2 by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the need to identify and address the negative influences and complaints that hinder our relationship with God, urging believers to set fire to the harvest of
Rolfe Barnard Baptized Into the Spirit by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's plan is not to make believers perfect, but to make them desire perfection and fight against sin. He explains that the battle agai
George Verwer An Honest Walk by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding how seemingly opposite aspects of life fit together in the context of the Christian faith. He discusses how m

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