For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

2 CORINTHIANS 11:4KJV
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2 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:4 mean?

2 Corinthians 11:4 warns the Corinthian believers that if someone comes preaching a different Jesus, a different spirit, or a different gospel than what Paul and his companions originally taught, the Corinthians might too easily accept it. Paul is concerned that they are being too tolerant of teachings that do not match the true message they first received.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing their openness to new teachers who bring messages that differ from the gospel he preached. He points out the danger of accepting teachings about "another Jesus," "another spirit," or "another gospel," showing that not every message about Jesus is the same. This verse highlights Paul's frustration that the Corinthians might not recognize the seriousness of straying from the original message.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 11:4

  • "ἄλλον" (allon, G243) and "ἕτερον" (heteron, G2087) both mean "another," but in Greek, "ἄλλον" often means "another of the same kind," while "ἕτερον" means "another of a different kind." Paul uses both, suggesting the Corinthians are at risk of accepting both similar-sounding and completely different teachings.
  • "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion, G2098) means "gospel" or "good news." Paul is emphasizing that not every message called a gospel is truly the good news he preached.
  • "πνεῦμα" (pneuma, G4151) means "spirit." Paul warns that a different "spirit" can be received, pointing to spiritual influences or attitudes that do not come from God.

Why 2 Corinthians 11:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that not every teaching about Jesus or the gospel is true, even if it uses familiar words or ideas.
  • Paul’s warning shows that spiritual deception can be subtle, and believers need to be careful about what they accept.
  • The verse connects to Paul’s larger argument in this chapter, where he defends his ministry and urges the Corinthians to hold firmly to the original message they received.

Where else these words appear

“might” Greek G430 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
  • Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

“well” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

“have” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • Acts 28:21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

“preacheth” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
  • Acts 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.