But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

2 CORINTHIANS 4:3KJV
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2 Corinthians 4:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 4:3 mean?

2 Corinthians 4:3 says that if the message about Jesus (the gospel) seems hidden or unclear, it is only hidden to those who are spiritually lost or perishing. The verse points out that the problem is not with the gospel itself, but with the condition of those who cannot see or receive it.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, explaining why some people do not respond to the good news about Jesus. He wants his readers to understand that the gospel is open and available, but some people are unable to grasp it because they are spiritually lost. This verse sets up the next verses, where Paul explains more about spiritual blindness and the work of the enemy in keeping people from seeing the truth.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 4:3

  • The word "hid" comes from the Greek καλύπτω (kalyptō), which means "to cover" or "to conceal." Paul repeats this word to stress that the gospel is not naturally hidden, but it is veiled to some people.
  • The word "lost" is from the Greek ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi), often understood as "those who are perishing" or "being destroyed." This word highlights the serious spiritual state of those who cannot see the gospel—they are not just missing information, but are in a condition of spiritual ruin.

Why 2 Corinthians 4:3 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that the gospel is complicated or secretive; Paul insists the message itself is not hidden, but some people are unable to see it.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and spiritual condition, showing that the barrier is not in the message but in the hearer.
  • By connecting this verse to the wider passage, readers see Paul’s compassion and urgency for those who are spiritually lost, and it sets up his explanation of spiritual blindness in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“hid” Greek G2572 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
  • James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

“if” Greek G1499 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
  • Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

“lost” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.