By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

2 CORINTHIANS 6:8KJV
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2 Corinthians 6:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 6:8 mean?

2 Corinthians 6:8 describes how Paul and his companions are treated in very different ways: sometimes they are honored, sometimes dishonored; sometimes people speak well of them, sometimes badly; some call them deceivers, but they are truly honest. The verse highlights the contrast between how others see them and what is actually true about their character and mission.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining the hardships and misunderstandings he faces as an apostle. He points out that their ministry is often misjudged—people may accuse them of being false or speak evil of them, but they remain genuine and faithful. This verse is part of a larger section where Paul lists the challenges and paradoxes of serving Christ, showing that appearances and public opinion do not always match reality.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 6:8

  • ἀτιμία (atimia, "dishonour") and δόξα (doxa, "honour"): These words show the extremes of how Paul is perceived—either with respect or with shame. The Greek terms emphasize the public and social aspect of these judgments.
  • δυσφημία (dysphēmia, "evil report") and εὐφημία (euphēmia, "good report"): These words refer to reputation, specifically how others talk about Paul and his team, whether slandering or praising them. The Greek highlights the power of words and public opinion in shaping a person's image.
  • πλάνοι (planoi, "deceivers"): This term means someone who leads others astray. Paul notes that some accuse him of this, but he insists they are ἀληθεῖς (alētheis, "true"), meaning genuine or trustworthy. The contrast in Greek makes clear that the accusation is false, and their integrity stands firm.

Why 2 Corinthians 6:8 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that being misunderstood or slandered means someone is in the wrong; Paul shows that faithful service can still attract false accusations and mixed reputations.
  • It emphasizes that outward appearances and public opinion are not always reliable indicators of truth or character, especially in spiritual matters.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul lists many hardships, underlining the cost and complexity of genuine ministry and the need for perseverance despite misunderstanding.

Where else these words appear

“deceivers” Greek G4108 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 27:63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
  • 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
  • 2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

“dishonour” Greek G819 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
  • 1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
  • 2 Corinthians 11:21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold,(I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

“true” Greek G227 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
  • Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.