What does the Greek word behind 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17 mean in the Septuagint?
In the Septuagint, the Greek term behind 'corrupt'—K-A-P-A-L-Y-O-U—meant a huckster, one who hawked his wares. From Isaiah 1:22, it described someone selling or hawking an adulterated product. The English word 'corrupt' suggests something spoiling, but the Greek picture is a merchant with diluted or adulterated goods.
Les explains that when you compare the Greek word K-A-P-A-L-Y-O-U from the Septuagint, it meant one who was a huckster, or one who would hawk his wares. From Isaiah 1:22, it meant someone who was selling or hawking an adulterated product. He notes that the English word 'corrupt' does not really show this, because we usually think of corruption as something that has begun to spoil. In Isaiah chapter 1, Isaiah is coming down on the nation of Israel because of their sin and wickedness. Jerusalem, the faithful city, had become a harlot; it was once full of judgment and righteousness, but now it had murderers. Isaiah 1:22 is where the word translated 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17 appears.
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
More Questions
Is the Greek word for 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17 the same as the word behind 'handling deceitfully' in 2 Corinthians 4:2?
Les distinguishes the Greek word for 'handling the word of God deceitfully' in 2 Corinthians 4:2 from the word 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17, saying it is not the same word but is very close.
What does the Greek word for 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17 also refer to?
The other part of the Greek word for 'corrupt' in verse 17 describes a street salesman or hawker peddling his goods, and such hawkers are usually a little suspect because their products are not the best quality since they too are adulterated.
What does 'corrupt' mean in 2 Corinthians 2:17?
The word 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17 is translated in the Septuagint (Isaiah 2:22) as water mixed with wine, meaning to adulterate or corrupt something good.