2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's anxiety that the Corinthians might be led astray 'as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning' — with 'thoughts corrupted from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ' — applies the Eden narrative typologically to the threat of false apostles (verses 13-15). The word 'cunning' (panourgia) also appears in 4:2, where Paul contrasts it with the open statement of truth; the serpent's method is manipulation rather than transparent proclamation. The concern for singleness of devotion ('sincere and pure') carries the marriage metaphor of verse 2 ('I betrothed you to one husband'), making theological fidelity inseparable from relational integrity. The verse has been foundational in Christian polemic against doctrinal deviation and in discussions of how theological error typically enters communities not by frontal attack but through subtle misrepresentation.
Other Translations
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.
and I fear, lest, as the serpent did beguile Eve in his subtilty, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that <FI>is<Fi> in the Christ;
But I have a fear, that in some way, as Eve was tricked by the deceit of the snake, your minds may be turned away from their simple and holy love for Christ.
Cross References
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The …
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it …
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer …
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and …
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; …
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and …
For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would …