2 Corinthians 6:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 6:3 mean?

2 Corinthians 6:3 describes Paul’s care not to put an obstacle in anyone’s way. Paul wants to prevent his conduct, or that of his coworkers, from giving people a reason to speak badly of the work they are carrying out.

“Offence” pictures something that causes a person to stumble. After the appeal in verse 2, Paul turns to the conduct of those serving alongside him. The sentence leads into his account of the hardships they have endured.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 6:3

• “offence” — προσκοπή (proskopē): The word carries the sense of a stumbling block or obstacle. Here the image concerns something that could hinder a person, not merely hurt someone’s feelings.
• “ministry” — διακονία (diakonia): The word means service or work done on behalf of others. In this verse, Paul uses it for the work he and his companions carry out.
• “blamed” — μωμάομαι (mōmaomai): The word carries the sense of finding fault or bringing blame. Paul connects the reputation of the work with the conduct of those doing it.

Why 2 Corinthians 6:3 matters

• Paul speaks about more than his own actions. The surrounding passage uses “we” and “our,” including the people who share his work.

• Paul’s concern is how their service is viewed, not simply how they are viewed as individuals. The stated purpose is “that the ministry be not blamed.”

• The verses that follow show what Paul means by presenting their conduct as evidence. He points to endurance through troubles and to qualities such as patience and kindness.