2 Corinthians 4:5
New International Version
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

New Living Translation
You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.

English Standard Version
For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Berean Standard Bible
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Berean Literal Bible
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves as your servants for the sake of Jesus.

King James Bible
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

New King James Version
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

New American Standard Bible
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants on account of Jesus.

NASB 1995
For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.

NASB 1977
For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.

Legacy Standard Bible
For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus.

Amplified Bible
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.

Christian Standard Bible
For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus.

American Standard Version
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

Contemporary English Version
We are not preaching about ourselves. Our message is that Jesus Christ is Lord. He also sent us to be your servants.

English Revised Version
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for his sake.

Good News Translation
For it is not ourselves that we preach; we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

International Standard Version
For we do not preach ourselves, but rather Jesus the Messiah as Lord, and ourselves as merely your servants for Jesus' sake.

Majority Standard Bible
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

NET Bible
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.

New Heart English Bible
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus.

Webster's Bible Translation
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

Weymouth New Testament


World English Bible
For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus—LORD, and [we are] ourselves your servants because of Jesus;

Berean Literal Bible
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves as your servants for the sake of Jesus.

Young's Literal Translation
for not ourselves do we preach, but Christ Jesus -- Lord, and ourselves your servants because of Jesus;

Smith's Literal Translation
For we proclaim not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves your servants through Jesus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For we are not preaching about ourselves, but about Jesus Christ our Lord. We are merely your servants through Jesus.

New American Bible
For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus.

New Revised Standard Version
For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For we do not preach about ourselves, but about Christ Jesus our LORD; and as to ourselves, we are your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For we have not been preaching ourselves, but The Messiah Yeshua, Our Lord; but we ourselves are your Servants for Yeshua's sake.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants, for Jesus sake.

Godbey New Testament
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

Haweis New Testament
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus? sake.

Mace New Testament
for we preach not our selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, professing our selves your servants for his sake.

Weymouth New Testament


Worrell New Testament
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake;

Worsley New Testament
for we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for the sake of Jesus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Light of the Gospel
4The 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. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.…

Cross References
Philippians 2:5-7
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:28
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:19
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

Romans 15:1-3
We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. / Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. / For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”

John 13:13-16
You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. ...

1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Colossians 1:28
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

Acts 20:19
I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.

1 Thessalonians 2:6-7
Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. / On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

Matthew 23:11-12
The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Luke 22:26-27
But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.

John 3:30
He must increase; I must decrease.

Ephesians 3:8
Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,


Treasury of Scripture

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

we.

Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

John 1:21-23
And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No…

John 3:27-31
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven…

Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:19
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.

Matthew 23:8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

Acts 2:36
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

and.

2 Corinthians 1:24
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

2 Corinthians 5:14,15
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: …

Matthew 20:25-27
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them…

Jump to Previous
Bondmen Bond-Servants Christ Jesus Ourselves Preach Preaching Sake Servants
Jump to Next
Bondmen Bond-Servants Christ Jesus Ourselves Preach Preaching Sake Servants
2 Corinthians 4
1. Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,
7. and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,
12. to the benefit of the church,
16. and to the apostle's own eternal glory.














For we do not proclaim ourselves
The phrase emphasizes the humility and self-effacement that Paul and his companions practice in their ministry. The Greek word for "proclaim" is "κηρύσσομεν" (kērussomen), which means to herald or announce publicly. In the Greco-Roman world, heralds were messengers who conveyed the words of a king or authority, not their own. Paul is making it clear that their message is not about self-promotion or personal gain. This reflects a core Christian value of humility, where the focus is on God's glory rather than human achievement.

but Jesus Christ as Lord
Here, Paul centers the message of the Gospel on the person and lordship of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "Κύριον" (Kurion) for "Lord" signifies authority and divinity, acknowledging Jesus as sovereign over all. This declaration is foundational to Christian belief, affirming the deity of Christ and His rightful place as the ruler of believers' lives. Historically, this was a bold statement in a polytheistic society where Caesar was often declared as lord. By proclaiming Jesus as Lord, Paul is asserting the supremacy of Christ over all earthly powers.

and ourselves as your servants
The term "servants" is translated from the Greek "δούλους" (doulous), meaning bondservants or slaves. This reflects a voluntary submission and dedication to serving others, following the example of Christ who came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45). In the early church, this concept of servanthood was revolutionary, challenging societal norms of status and power. Paul and his companions willingly take on this role, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in creating a community marked by love and service.

for Jesus’ sake
This phrase underscores the motivation behind their service. The Greek "διὰ Ἰησοῦν" (dia Iēsoun) indicates that their actions are done through and for the sake of Jesus. It highlights the selfless nature of their ministry, driven by a desire to honor Christ and advance His kingdom. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of living for God's glory and the advancement of His purposes on earth. Historically, this commitment often led to persecution and hardship, yet it was embraced joyfully by early Christians as a testament to their faith and devotion.

(5) For we preach not ourselves.--The words, like those about "commending ourselves," imply a reference to something that had been said. He was charged with being egotistic in his preaching, perhaps with special reference to passages like 1Corinthians 2:1-4; 1Corinthians 3:1-10; 1Corinthians 4:11-13. He indignantly repudiates that charge. "Christ Jesus" had been all along the subject of his preaching. (Comp. 1Corinthians 2:2.) So far as he had spoken of himself at all, it had been as a minister and servant for their sake (1Corinthians 3:22-23; 1Corinthians 9:19). . . . Verse 5. - For we preach not ourselves. There is no glory or illumination on our faces, and we have no personal ends to gain, nor are we "lords" over your faith. This is, perhaps, meant as an answer to some charge of egotism. The Lord; rather, as Lord (Philippians 2:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3). Your servants; literally, your slaves (1 Corinthians 9:19). For Jesus' sake. So Christ had himself desired (Matthew 20:27).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

we do not proclaim
κηρύσσομεν (kēryssomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2784: To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.

ourselves,
ἑαυτοὺς (heautous)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

Christ
Χριστὸν (Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

[as] Lord,
Κύριον (Kyrion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

ourselves
ἑαυτοὺς (heautous)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

[as] your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

servants
δούλους (doulous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

for Jesus’
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

sake.
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.


Links
2 Corinthians 4:5 NIV
2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT
2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV
2 Corinthians 4:5 NASB
2 Corinthians 4:5 KJV

2 Corinthians 4:5 BibleApps.com
2 Corinthians 4:5 Biblia Paralela
2 Corinthians 4:5 Chinese Bible
2 Corinthians 4:5 French Bible
2 Corinthians 4:5 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:5 For we don't preach ourselves but Christ (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 4:4
Top of Page
Top of Page