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
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the …
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone …
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there …
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a …
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: …
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it …
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established …
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and …
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning …