A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Corinthians 4

We faint not (ουκ εγκακουμεν). Present active indicative of εγκακεω, late verb (εν, κακος) to behave badly in, to give in to evil, to lose courage. In Symmachus (LXX), Polybius, and papyri. It is the faint-hearted coward. Paul speaks of himself (literary plural). Can he not speak for all of us?

But we have renounced (αλλα απειπαμεθα). Indirect middle second aorist (timeless aorist) indicative of απειπον (defective verb) with α of first aorist ending, to speak forth, to speak off or away from. Common verb in the active, but rare in middle and only here in N.T.

The hidden things of shame (τα κρυπτα της αισχυνης). They do attack the minister. His only safety is in instant and courageous defiance to all the powers of darkness. It is a terrible thing to see a preacher caught in the toils of the tempter.

In craftiness (εν πανουργια). Old word from πανουργος (παν, εργον), a doer of any deed (good or bad), clever, cunning, deceitful. See on Lu 20:23.

Handling deceitfully (δολουντες). Present active participle of δολοω, from δολος, deceit (from δελω, to catch with bait), old and common verb, in papyri and inscriptions, to ensnare, to corrupt with error. Only here in N.T. Used of adulterating gold or wine.

To every conscience of men (προς πασαν συνειδησιν ανθρωπων). Not to whim, foible, prejudice. See 3:1-6 for "commending" (συνιστανοντες).

It is veiled in them that are perishing (εν τοις απολλυμενοις εστιν κεκαλυμμενον). Periphrastic perfect passive of καλυπτω, to veil in both condition (first class) and conclusion. See on 2:15f. for "the perishing."

The god of this world (ο θεος του αιωνος τουτου). "Age," more exactly, as in 1 Corinthians 1:20. Satan is "the god of this age," a phrase nowhere else in the N.T., but Jesus uses the same idea in Joh 12:31; 14:30 and Paul in Eph 2:2; 6:12 and John in 1 John 5:19. Satan claimed the rule over the world in the temptations with Jesus.

Blinded (ετυφλωσεν). First aorist active of τυφλοω, old verb to blind (τυφλος, blind). They refused to believe (απιστων) and so Satan got the power to blind their thoughts. That happens with wilful disbelievers.

The light (τον φωτισμον). The illumination, the enlightening. Late word from φοτιζω, to give light, in Plutarch and LXX. In N.T. only in 2 Corinthians 4:4,6. Accusative case of general reference here with the articular infinitive (εις το μη αυγασα that should not dawn). That is, if αυγασα is intransitive as is likely, though it is transitive in the old poets (from αυγη, radiance. Cf. German Auge=eye). If it is transitive, the idea would be "that they should not see clearly the illumination, etc."

For we preach not ourselves (ου γαρ εαυτους κηρυσσομεν). Surely as poor and disgusting a topic as a preacher can find.

But Christ Jesus as Lord (αλλα Χριστον Ιησουν Κυριον). Κυριον is predicate accusative in apposition.

As your servants for Jesus' sake (δουλους υμων δια Ιησουν). Your bond-slave for the sake of Jesus. This is the sufficient reason for any preacher's sacrifice, "for Jesus' sake."