Where does the word translated 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17 appear in Isaiah?
The Greek term behind 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17 is found in Isaiah chapter 1, verse 22. There it describes someone selling or hawking an adulterated product, like a huckster. The context in Isaiah 1 concerns Jerusalem's decline from righteousness into wickedness.
Les explains that when compared with the Greek word K-A-P-A-L-Y-O-U from the Septuagint, it meant a huckster, or one who would hawk his wares. From Isaiah chapter 1 verse 22, it meant someone selling or hawking an adulterated product. The English word 'corrupt' does not really show this, because people 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. Verse 21 asks how the faithful city has become a harlot; it had been full of judgment and righteousness, but now murderers. That city is Jerusalem. At one time it had been righteous, and the Jewish people were obedient to the Mosaic Law and the system, but they had become so wicked. So the city once full of righteousness was now full of murderers, and Isaiah chapter 1 verse 22 is where the word translated 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17 appears.
Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:
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
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.
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.