2 Corinthians 6:3
New International Version
We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

New Living Translation
We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.

English Standard Version
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,

Berean Standard Bible
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

Berean Literal Bible
Placing no obstacle in anyone's way so that our ministry should not be blemished,

King James Bible
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

New King James Version
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

New American Standard Bible
giving no reason for taking offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited,

NASB 1995
giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited,

NASB 1977
giving no cause for offense in anything, in order that the ministry be not discredited,

Legacy Standard Bible
giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited,

Amplified Bible
we put no obstruction in anyone’s path, so that the ministry will not be discredited,

Christian Standard Bible
We are not giving anyone an occasion for offense, so that the ministry will not be blamed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We give no opportunity for stumbling to anyone, so that the ministry will not be blamed.

American Standard Version
giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;

Contemporary English Version
We don't want anyone to find fault with our work, and so we try hard not to cause problems.

English Revised Version
giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We don't give people any opportunity to find fault with how we serve.

Good News Translation
We do not want anyone to find fault with our work, so we try not to put obstacles in anyone's way.

International Standard Version
We do not put an obstacle in anyone's way. Otherwise, fault may be found with our ministry.

Majority Standard Bible
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

NET Bible
We do not give anyone an occasion for taking an offense in anything, so that no fault may be found with our ministry.

New Heart English Bible
We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed,

Webster's Bible Translation
Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

Weymouth New Testament
We endeavour to give people no cause for stumbling in anything, lest the work we are doing should fall into discredit.

World English Bible
We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In nothing giving any cause of offense, that the ministry may not be blamed,

Berean Literal Bible
Placing no obstacle in anyone's way so that our ministry should not be blemished,

Young's Literal Translation
in nothing giving any cause of offence, that the ministration may be not blamed,

Smith's Literal Translation
Giving no offence in any thing, that the service be not blamed:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed:

Catholic Public Domain Version
May we never give offense to anyone, so that our ministry may not be disparaged.

New American Bible
We cause no one to stumble in anything, in order that no fault may be found with our ministry;

New Revised Standard Version
We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Give no occasion for offence to any one in anything, so that there be no blemish in our ministry:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Why should you give any person an occasion of stumbling in anything? Otherwise it would be a defect in our ministry.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for we put no stumbling-block in any man's way, in order that this ministry may not be blamed;

Godbey New Testament
giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, in order that the ministry may not be blamed;

Haweis New Testament
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

Mace New Testament
as for us, we give no occasion of offence, that our ministry may not be blamed:

Weymouth New Testament
We endeavour to give people no cause for stumbling in anything, lest the work we are doing should fall into discredit.

Worrell New Testament
giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministry be not blamed;

Worsley New Testament
We give no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Hardships and God's Grace
2For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation! 3We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:32
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—

Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

Philippians 1:10
so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.

1 Timothy 3:2
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Peter 2:12
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

1 Peter 3:16
keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Romans 14:21
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.

1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

1 Corinthians 9:12
If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

2 Corinthians 4:2
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Acts 24:16
In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

Romans 15:1-2
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.


Treasury of Scripture

Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

2 Corinthians 8:20
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

Matthew 17:27
Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Jump to Previous
Able Blamed Block Cause Discredit Discredited Endeavour Fall Fault Found Manner Ministration Ministry Obstacle Occasion Offence Offense One's Path Service Stumbling Trouble Way Work
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2 Corinthians 6
1. That he has approved himself a faithful minister of Christ by his exhortations,
3. and by integrity of life,
4. and by patiently enduring all kinds of affliction and disgrace for the gospel.
10. Of which he speaks the more boldly amongst them because his heart is open to them,
13. and he expects the like affection from them again;
14. exhorting them to flee the society and pollutions of idolaters,
17. as being themselves temples of the living God.














We put no obstacle
The Greek word for "obstacle" is "προσκοπή" (proskopē), which refers to a stumbling block or something that causes others to trip or fall. In the context of Paul's ministry, this phrase emphasizes the apostle's commitment to living a life that is above reproach, ensuring that nothing he does becomes a hindrance to others coming to faith. Historically, this reflects the early Christian leaders' dedication to integrity and transparency, ensuring that their personal conduct did not detract from the message of the Gospel.

in anyone’s way
The phrase "in anyone’s way" underscores the universal scope of Paul's concern. The Greek term "τινι" (tini) means "anyone" or "any person," indicating that Paul is mindful of all individuals, regardless of their background or status. This reflects the inclusive nature of the Gospel message, which is intended for all people. In a historical context, this inclusivity was radical, as it broke down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, male and female.

so that no fault may be found
The Greek word for "fault" is "μωμή" (mōmē), which implies blame or criticism. Paul is deeply concerned with maintaining a blameless reputation, not for personal pride, but to protect the integrity of the Gospel. This reflects a broader biblical principle found throughout Scripture, where leaders are called to be above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2). Historically, this was crucial for the early church, which faced intense scrutiny and persecution.

with our ministry
The term "ministry" comes from the Greek "διακονία" (diakonia), which means service or ministry. This word highlights the servant nature of Paul's work, emphasizing that his mission is not self-serving but dedicated to serving others and advancing the Kingdom of God. In the early church, ministry was not just a role but a calling to serve others selflessly, following the example of Christ. This perspective is foundational to a conservative Christian understanding of ministry as a sacred duty to God and others.

(3) Giving no offence . . .--The participial construction is resumed from 2Corinthians 6:1, 2Corinthians 6:2 being treated as parenthetical. A subtle distinction in the two forms of the Greek negative suggests the thought that he is here giving, as it were, his own estimate of his aim and endeavour in his work. He avoids all occasion of offence, not because he fears censure for himself, but that "the ministry be not blamed."

Verse 3. - Giving no offence in anything. An undercurrent of necessary self defence runs through St. Paul's exhortation. The participle is, like "fellow workers," a nominative to "we exhort you" in ver. 1. Offence. The word here is not skandalon, which is so often rendered "offence," but proskope, which occurs here alone in the New Testament, and is not found in the LXX. It means "a cause of stumbling." Proskomma, a stumbling block, is used in 1 Corinthians 8:9. Be not blamed. When any just blame can be attached to the minister, the force of the ministry of reconciliation is fatally weakened. (For the word, see 2 Corinthians 8:20.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We put
διδόντες (didontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

no
Μηδεμίαν (Mēdemian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3367: No one, none, nothing.

obstacle
προσκοπήν (proskopēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4349: A cause of stumbling, offense, shock. From proskopto; a stumbling, i.e. occasion of sin.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[anyone’s] {way},
μηδενὶ (mēdeni)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3367: No one, none, nothing.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

no one
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

can discredit
μωμηθῇ (mōmēthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3469: To blame, find fault with, slander. From momos; to carp at, i.e. Censure.

[our]
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

ministry.
διακονία (diakonia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 6:3 We give no occasion of stumbling (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 6:2
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