2 Corinthians 11:14

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And no marvel, etc..] This need not be wondered at, nor is it any new or strange thing; nor should it be thought to be incredible that there are such persons in being: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light; a good angel, one that has his abode in the regions of light; and is possessed of divine and spiritual light and understanding; who is clothed and arrayed with light, this is his form and essence. The apostle speaks agreeably to the notion, of the Jews, who say f91, “rwa µh µlk µykalmhç, “that all the angels are light”, the clothing of God himself;” and they have a distinction between µwyd ˆykalm, “angels of the day”, and angels of the night f92: now Satan, the enemy of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“is transformed--rather, "transforms himself" (compare Job 1:6); habitually; the first occasion of his doing so was in tempting Eve. "Himself" is emphatical: If their master himself, who is the "prince of darkness," the most alien to light, does so, it is less marvellous in the case of them who are his servants (Luk 22:54; Eph 6:12).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And no marvel - And it is not wonderful, 2 Corinthians 11:15. Since Satan himself is capable of appearing to be an angel of light, it is not to be deemed strange that those who are in his service also should resemble him. For Satan himself is transformed ... - That is, he who is an apostate angel; who is malignant and wicked; who is the prince of evil, assumes the appearance of a holy angel. Paul assumes this as an indisputable and admitted truth, without attempting to prove it, and without referring to any particular instances. Probably he had in his eye cases where Satan put on false and delusive appearances for the purpose of deceiving, or where he assumed the appearance of great sanctity…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Satan himself is transformed - Uses to transform himself; to put on the fairest appearances. 2 Corinthians 11:15”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“for: Co2 11:3, Co2 2:11; Gen 3:1-5; Mat 4:1-10; Gal 1:8; Rev 12:9 2 Corinthians 11:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification