2 Corinthians 4:5For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake;
The setting
Corinth, Greece, ~55 AD. Paul writes from Ephesus, defending his ministry to a church questioning his authority and motives...
The emotion here: defensive but determined to stay humble despite attacks
The original word
kēryssō (κηρύσσω) — to herald as a town crier, proclaiming another's message
Why it matters
Corinthian culture valued eloquent speakers and personal glory above all else
Read with care
What most readers miss in 2 Corinthians 4:5
Paul uses 'servants' (doulos) — the word for SLAVES, not hired help
Common misconceptionPeople think this means pastors shouldn't be paid or respected. Paul isn't rejecting leadership authority — he's rejecting self-promotion and ego-driven ministry.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 2 Corinthians 4:5
Bible Genome reading
2 Corinthians 4:5 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
2 Corinthians 4:5 comes from the book of 2 Corinthians, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Paul. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 50% and a tone that is reverent. It belongs to the dialogue genre of biblical literature. Key themes include humility, servanthood. Notable phrases: don't preach ourselves; Christ Jesus as Lord; your servants.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same worship
“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one:”
— Deuteronomy 6:4
“and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”
— Deuteronomy 6:5
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
— John 14:6
“Jesus said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM."”
— John 8:58
Your reflection
What does 2 Corinthians 4:5 mean to you, today?
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