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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/47_2Co_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 4:4 - The Light of the Gospel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/4-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/4-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm" title="2 Corinthians 4:3">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 4:4 <a href="/2_corinthians/4-5.htm" title="2 Corinthians 4:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/4.htm">New International Version</a> The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so as for not to beam forth the illumination of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The god who rules this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers. They cannot see the light, which is the good news about our glorious Christ, who shows what God is like. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. As a result, they don't see the light of the Good News about Christ's glory. It is Christ who is God's image. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe to keep them from seeing the light of the glorious gospel of the Messiah, who is the image of God. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, to prevent the light shining from the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them who believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine to them. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in whom the god of this present age has blinded their unbelieving minds so as to shut out the sunshine of the Good News of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> in whom the god of this age blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that there does not shine forth to them the enlightening of the good news of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God; <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so as for not to beam forth the illumination of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> in whom the god of this age did blind the minds of the unbelieving, that there doth not shine forth to them the enlightening of the good news of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God; <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> In whom the God of this world blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so that the enlightening of the good news of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, does not enlighten them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> As for them, the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, would not shine in them. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> To those in this world whose minds have been blinded by God, because they did not believe, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the likeness of God, should shine on them. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Those whose intellects The God of this world has blinded, because they do not believe, lest the light of The Gospel of the glory of The Messiah, who is the image of God, should dawn upon them.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> whose unbelieving minds the god of this age has darkened, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine to them. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who believe not, in order that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, may not shine on them. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> among whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dart its bright beams upon them. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> to those unbelievers, whose minds the God of this world has so blinded, that the glorious lustre of the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, does not enlighten them. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in whom the god of this present age has blinded their unbelieving minds so as to shut out the sunshine of the Good News of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> in whom the god of this world blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God, should not shine upon them. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> among whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, doth not shine unto them: <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=600" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">The Light of the Gospel</a> …3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">god</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutou (DPro-GMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">of this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/165.htm" title="165: aiōnos (N-GMS) -- From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.">age</a> <a href="/greek/5186.htm" title="5186: etyphlōsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To make blind, physically or mentally. From tuphlos; to make blind, i.e. to obscure.">has blinded</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3540.htm" title="3540: noēmata (N-ANP) -- From noieo; a perception, i.e. Purpose, or the intellect, disposition, itself.">minds</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hois (RelPro-DMP) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/571.htm" title="571: apistōn (Adj-GMP) -- (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing).">unbelievers</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">so</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/826.htm" title="826: augasai (V-ANA) -- To flash, gleam, shine forth, appear white, bright; but perhaps: I see, see clearly, discern. From auge; to beam forth.">they cannot see</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5462.htm" title="5462: phōtismon (N-AMS) -- Light, luster, illumination, enlightenment. From photizo; illumination.">light</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2098.htm" title="2098: euangeliou (N-GNS) -- From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.">gospel</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/1391.htm" title="1391: doxēs (N-GFS) -- From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.">glory</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/1504.htm" title="1504: eikōn (N-NFS) -- An image, likeness, bust. From eiko; a likeness, i.e. statue, profile, or representation, resemblance.">the image</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.</a> 5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/12-31.htm">John 12:31</a> Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out. <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Ephesians 2:2</a> in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a> He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, <a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a> You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. <a href="/1_john/5-19.htm">1 John 5:19</a> We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one. <a href="/matthew/13-19.htm">Matthew 13:19</a> When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:9-10</a> The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a> And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Acts 26:18</a> to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” <a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Matthew 4:8-9</a> Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. / “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.” <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. <a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5</a> The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. <a href="/isaiah/60-2.htm">Isaiah 60:2</a> For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine to them.the god.<a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Matthew 4:8,9</a> Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; … <a href="/john/12-31.htm">John 12:31,40</a> Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out… <a href="/john/14-30.htm">John 14:30</a> Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.blinded.<a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14</a> But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.<a href="/1_kings/22-22.htm">1 Kings 22:22</a> And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.<a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm">Isaiah 6:10</a> Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.test.<a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a> For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.<a href="/2_corinthians/3-8.htm">2 Corinthians 3:8,9,11,18</a> How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? … <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a> Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.the image.<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14,18</a> And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth… <a href="/john/12-45.htm">John 12:45</a> And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.<a href="/john/14-9.htm">John 14:9,10</a> Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? … shine.<a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a> For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.<a href="/psalms/50-2.htm">Psalm 50:2</a> Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.<a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1,2</a> Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">Age</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-11.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/romans/2-19.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">Blinded</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-13.htm">Enlightening</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-4.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-12.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-11.htm">Glorious</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">Image</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-25.htm">Light</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-15.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-13.htm">Present</a> <a href="/john/1-5.htm">Shine</a> <a href="/acts/26-13.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/romans/11-32.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-4.htm">Sunshine</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Unbelievers</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-24.htm">Unbelieving</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/9-9.htm">Age</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-13.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-9.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-6.htm">Blinded</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">Enlightening</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-13.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-10.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">Glorious</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-6.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-18.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/galatians/4-25.htm">Image</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">Light</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-18.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-18.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-14.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">Shine</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-4.htm">Sunshine</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">Unbelievers</a> <a href="/titus/1-15.htm">Unbelieving</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 4</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,</a> 7. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,</a> 12. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">to the benefit of the church,</a> 16. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">and to the apostle's own eternal glory.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The term "age" suggests a limited period, indicating that Satan's influence is temporary and subject to God's ultimate authority. In the cultural context of the time, many believed in various deities, but Paul emphasizes that there is one true God, contrasting with the false "god" who deceives.has blinded the minds of unbelievers The blinding of minds signifies a spiritual blindness, preventing people from understanding and accepting the truth of the gospel. This echoes <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>, where the prophet speaks of people who hear but do not understand. The historical context shows that many in Corinth were influenced by Greek philosophy and pagan religions, which could contribute to their spiritual blindness.so they cannot see the light of the gospel The "light" symbolizes truth and revelation, a common biblical metaphor (<a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4-5</a>, <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>). The gospel is portrayed as a light that dispels darkness, offering salvation and understanding. The inability to see this light indicates a lack of spiritual insight and acceptance, often due to the influence of sin and deception.of the glory of Christ The glory of Christ refers to His divine nature and the revelation of God's presence through Him. This connects to the transfiguration (<a href="/matthew/17.htm">Matthew 17:1-8</a>) and the resurrection, where Christ's glory was revealed. In Jewish tradition, glory is associated with God's presence, as seen in the Shekinah glory in the temple.who is the image of God Christ as the image of God highlights His divine nature and role as the perfect representation of God (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>, <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a>). This concept is rooted in <a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Genesis 1:27</a>, where humans are made in God's image, but Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this, being fully divine and fully human. This phrase underscores the Christian belief in the Trinity and the incarnation of God in Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, providing guidance and encouragement amidst challenges. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_god_of_this_age.htm">The God of This Age</a> A reference to Satan, who is described as having influence over the present world system and blinding the minds of unbelievers. 3. <a href="/topical/u/unbelievers.htm">Unbelievers</a> Those who have not accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and are spiritually blinded. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_gospel.htm">The Gospel</a> The good news of Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection, which brings salvation to those who believe. 5. <a href="/topical/c/christ,_the_image_of_god.htm">Christ, the Image of God</a> Jesus Christ, who perfectly represents and reveals God to humanity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare_awareness.htm">Spiritual Warfare Awareness</a> Recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and the influence of Satan in blinding unbelievers. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prayer.htm">The Importance of Prayer</a> Pray for the spiritual eyes of unbelievers to be opened to the truth of the gospel. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_image.htm">Reflecting Christ's Image</a> As believers, strive to reflect the image of Christ in our daily lives, serving as a testimony to others. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_the_gospel.htm">The Power of the Gospel</a> Emphasize the transformative power of the gospel to bring light and understanding to those in spiritual darkness. <a href="/topical/e/evangelism_and_perseverance.htm">Evangelism and Perseverance</a> Be persistent in sharing the gospel, understanding that spiritual blindness can be overcome through God's power.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) In whom the god of this world . . .--The word sounds somewhat startling as a description of the devil, but it has parallels in "the prince of this world" (<a href="/john/14-30.htm" title="Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me.">John 14:30</a>), "the prince of the power of the air" (<a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm" title="Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:">Ephesians 2:2</a>). The world which "lieth in wickedness," perhaps in the evil one (<a href="/1_john/5-19.htm" title="And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness.">1John 5:19</a>), worships the spirit of hate and falsehood and selfishness, and in so doing it practically deifies the devil. And the work of that god of this world is directly in antagonism to that of God. He seeks to lead men back from light to darkness. "He blinded" (the Greek tense indicates an act in past time without necessarily including the idea of its continuance in the present) "the minds of the unbelievers." The noun is probably used, as in <a href="/1_corinthians/6-6.htm" title="But brother goes to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.">1Corinthians 6:6</a>; <a href="/context/1_corinthians/7-12.htm" title="But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother has a wife that believes not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.">1Corinthians 7:12-15</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/10-27.htm" title="If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and you be disposed to go; whatever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.">1Corinthians 10:27</a>; <a href="/context/1_corinthians/14-22.htm" title="Why tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serves not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.">1Corinthians 14:22-24</a>, with a special reference to the outside heathen world. Their spiritual state was, St. Paul seems to say, lower than that of Israel. The veil was over the heart of the one; the very organs of spiritual perception were blinded in the other. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - The god of this world; rather, the god of this age. It is, as Bengel says, "a great and horrible description of the devil." He is not, however, here called a god of the kosmos, but only of the olam hazzeh, the present dispensation of things as it exists among those who refuse to enter that kingdom in which the power of Satan is brought to nought. The melancholy attempt to get rid of Manichean arguments by rendering the verse "in whom God blinded the thoughts of the unbelievers of this world" is set aside by the fact that the terrible description of Satan as "another god" (El acheer) was common among the rabbis. They knew that his power was indeed a derivative power, trot still that it was permitted to be great (<a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Ephesians 2:2</a>; <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>). In <a href="/john/12-31.htm">John 12:31</a> (John 14:30) our Lord speaks of him as "the ruler of the kosmos." Hath blinded; rather, blinded. The verb here has no other meaning than "to blind," and is quite different from the verb "to harden," rendered by "to blind" in <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14</a> with the same substantive. They are blind from lack of faith, and so being "unbelieving" they are" perishing" (<a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Ephesians 5:6</a>), seeing that they "walk in darkness" (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>) and are in Satan's power (<a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Acts 26:18</a>). Blindness of heart," says St. Augustine, "is both a sin and a punishment of sin and a cause of sin." The light of the glorious gospel of Christ; rather, the illumination of the gospel of the glory of the Christ. The word photismos in later ecclesiastical Greek was used for "baptism." Who is the image of God (<a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">2 Corinthians 3:18</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>; <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a>). Should shine unto them; or, as in the Revised Version, should dawn upon them. The other rendering, "that they should not see the illumination," gives to the verb augazo, a rarer sense, only found in poetry, and not known to the LXX. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. god θεὸς (theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. of this τούτου (toutou) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. age αἰῶνος (aiōnos) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_165.htm">Strong's 165: </a> From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period. has blinded ἐτύφλωσεν (etyphlōsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> To make blind, physically or mentally. From tuphlos; to make blind, i.e. to obscure. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. minds νοήματα (noēmata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3540.htm">Strong's 3540: </a> From noieo; a perception, i.e. Purpose, or the intellect, disposition, itself. of τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. unbelievers ἀπίστων (apistōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_571.htm">Strong's 571: </a> (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing). so εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. they cannot see αὐγάσαι (augasai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_826.htm">Strong's 826: </a> To flash, gleam, shine forth, appear white, bright; but perhaps: I see, see clearly, discern. From auge; to beam forth. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. light φωτισμὸν (phōtismon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5462.htm">Strong's 5462: </a> Light, luster, illumination, enlightenment. From photizo; illumination. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. gospel εὐαγγελίου (euangeliou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2098.htm">Strong's 2098: </a> From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. glory δόξης (doxēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1391.htm">Strong's 1391: </a> From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application. of Christ, Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. who ὅς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] image εἰκὼν (eikōn) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1504.htm">Strong's 1504: </a> An image, likeness, bust. From eiko; a likeness, i.e. statue, profile, or representation, resemblance. of God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 4:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>