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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 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/47_2Co_04_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 4:5 - The Light of the Gospel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." /><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/4-5.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/4-5.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 5</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="/ad5.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/4-4.htm" title="2 Corinthians 4:4">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 4:5 <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm" title="2 Corinthians 4:6">►</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> For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus&#8217 sake. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves as your servants for the sake of Jesus. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants on account of Jesus. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus&#8217 sake. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We are not preaching about ourselves. Our message is that Jesus Christ is Lord. He also sent us to be your servants. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for his sake. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> For it is not ourselves that we preach; we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> For we do not preach ourselves, but rather Jesus the Messiah as Lord, and ourselves as merely your servants for Jesus' sake. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus? sake. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> <a href="/web/2_corinthians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus—LORD, and [we are] ourselves your servants because of Jesus; <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves as your servants for the sake of Jesus. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for not ourselves do we preach, but Christ Jesus -- Lord, and ourselves your servants because of Jesus; <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For we proclaim not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves your servants through Jesus. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For we are not preaching about ourselves, but about Jesus Christ our Lord. We are merely your servants through Jesus. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For we do not preach about ourselves, but about Christ Jesus our LORD; and as to ourselves, we are your servants for Jesus’ sake. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For we have not been preaching ourselves, but The Messiah Yeshua, Our Lord; but we ourselves are your Servants for Yeshua's sake.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants, for Jesus sake. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus? sake. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for we preach not our selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, professing our selves your servants for his sake. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake; <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for the sake of Jesus. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/4-5.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=611" 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> …4The 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. 5<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2784.htm" title="2784: kēryssomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.">we do not proclaim</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">ourselves,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsoun (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christon (N-AMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrion (N-AMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">as Lord,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">ourselves</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">as your</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulous (N-AMP) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">servants</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsoun (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">for Jesus’</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">sake.</a> 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.…<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="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-7</a> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a> For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a> just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a> Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19</a> Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1-3</a> We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. / Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. / For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.” <a href="/john/13-13.htm">John 13:13-16</a> You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. ... <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-3</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28</a> We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. <a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Acts 20:19</a> I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:6-7</a> Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. / On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a> The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Luke 22:26-27</a> But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/john/3-30.htm">John 3:30</a> He must increase; I must decrease. <a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">Ephesians 3:8</a> Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.we.<a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Matthew 3:11</a> I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:<a href="/john/1-21.htm">John 1:21-23</a> And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No… <a href="/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27-31</a> John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven… Christ.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-19.htm">2 Corinthians 1:19</a> For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.<a href="/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8</a> But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.<a href="/acts/2-36.htm">Acts 2:36</a> Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.and.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-24.htm">2 Corinthians 1:24</a> Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-14.htm">2 Corinthians 5:14,15</a> For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: … <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-27</a> But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/12-13.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/acts/16-17.htm">Bond-Servants</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-19.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-12.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-14.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-10.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">Servants</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Bond-Servants</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-16.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">Servants</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For we do not proclaim ourselves This phrase emphasizes the humility and selflessness required in Christian ministry. Paul contrasts the true gospel message with false teachings that often glorify the messenger rather than the message. In the cultural context of Corinth, where eloquent speech and personal charisma were highly valued, Paul’s approach was countercultural. This aligns with <a href="/john/3-30.htm">John 3:30</a>, where John the Baptist says, "He must increase, but I must decrease," highlighting the focus on Christ rather than personal gain or recognition.but Jesus Christ as Lord The declaration of Jesus Christ as Lord is central to Christian doctrine, affirming His divinity and authority. This proclamation is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>, which speaks of a child born who will be called "Mighty God." In the Greco-Roman world, the term "Lord" (Kyrios) was often used for emperors, making this a bold statement of allegiance to Christ above all earthly powers. This also connects to <a href="/philippians/2-11.htm">Philippians 2:11</a>, where every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.and ourselves as your servants Paul identifies himself and his companions as servants, using the Greek word "doulos," which means bondservant or slave. This reflects the Christian call to servanthood, as exemplified by Jesus in <a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>, where He states that He came not to be served, but to serve. In the historical context, being a servant was a lowly position, yet Paul embraces this role to demonstrate the nature of true Christian leadership and community.for Jesus’ sake This phrase underscores the motivation behind Paul’s ministry: everything is done for the sake of Jesus. It reflects the sacrificial nature of Christian service, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-14.htm">2 Corinthians 5:14-15</a>, where Paul explains that Christ’s love compels believers to live not for themselves but for Him who died and was raised. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of living for God’s glory, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>, where believers are instructed to do everything for the glory of God.<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, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, emphasizing his role as a servant of Christ rather than promoting himself. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> Central to the message, Jesus is proclaimed as Lord, highlighting His divine authority and the focus of the Gospel message. 3. <a href="/topical/c/corinthian_church.htm">Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, the church in Corinth faced various challenges, including issues of leadership and understanding the true nature of the Gospel. 4. <a href="/topical/s/servants.htm">Servants</a> Paul and his companions, who see themselves as servants for the sake of Jesus, emphasizing humility and service in their ministry. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_gospel.htm">The Gospel</a> The good news of Jesus Christ, which Paul and his companions are dedicated to proclaiming, not for personal gain but for the glory of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/proclaiming_christ,_not_ourselves.htm">Proclaiming Christ, Not Ourselves</a> Our message should always center on Jesus Christ as Lord. Personal agendas or self-promotion have no place in the proclamation of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/s/servanthood_as_a_model_for_ministry.htm">Servanthood as a Model for Ministry</a> Like Paul, we are called to be servants for Jesus' sake. This means prioritizing the needs of others and the mission of the Gospel over our own desires. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a> True Christian leadership is marked by humility and a focus on serving others, following the example of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_lordship_of_christ.htm">The Lordship of Christ</a> Recognizing Jesus as Lord means submitting to His authority in every aspect of our lives and ministries. <a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_our_service.htm">The Purpose of Our Service</a> Our service is for Jesus' sake, meaning it is motivated by love for Him and a desire to see His kingdom advanced.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 4</a> <a href="/q/what's_st._patrick's_day_history.htm">What is the history behind St. Patrick's Day?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_comfort_and_support_in_grief.htm">How can you offer comfort and support in grief?</a> <a href="/q/when_was_nehemiah_written.htm">What does it mean Jesus became sin for us?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_second_blessing.htm">What is the second blessing?</a><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>(5) For we preach not ourselves.--The words, like those about "commending ourselves," imply a reference to something that had been said. He was charged with being egotistic in his preaching, perhaps with special reference to passages like <a href="/context/1_corinthians/2-1.htm" title="And I, brothers, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.">1Corinthians 2:1-4</a>; <a href="/context/1_corinthians/3-1.htm" title="And I, brothers, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ.">1Corinthians 3:1-10</a>; <a href="/context/1_corinthians/4-11.htm" title="Even to this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place;">1Corinthians 4:11-13</a>. He indignantly repudiates that charge. "Christ Jesus" had been all along the subject of his preaching. (Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-2.htm" title="For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.">1Corinthians 2:2</a>.) So far as he had spoken of himself at all, it had been as a minister and servant for their sake (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/3-22.htm" title="Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;">1Corinthians 3:22-23</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm" title="For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might gain the more.">1Corinthians 9:19</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - For we preach not ourselves. There is no glory or illumination on our faces, and we have no personal ends to gain, nor are we "lords" over your faith. This is, perhaps, meant as an answer to some charge of egotism. The Lord; rather, as Lord (<a href="/philippians/2-11.htm">Philippians 2:11</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/12-3.htm">1 Corinthians 12:3</a>). Your servants; literally, your slaves (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19</a>). For Jesus' sake. So Christ had himself desired (<a href="/matthew/20-27.htm">Matthew 20:27</a>). <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. we do not proclaim κηρύσσομεν (kēryssomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2784.htm">Strong's 2784: </a> To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth. ourselves, ἑαυτοὺς (heautous) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. Jesus Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. Christ Χριστὸν (Christon) Noun - Accusative 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. [as] Lord, Κύριον (Kyrion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. ourselves ἑαυτοὺς (heautous) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. [as] your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. servants δούλους (doulous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. for Jesus’ Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. sake. διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:5 For we don't preach ourselves but Christ (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 4:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 4:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 4:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 4:6" /></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>