2 Corinthians 10 10

2 Corinthians 10:10 kjv

For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

2 Corinthians 10:10 nkjv

"For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."

2 Corinthians 10:10 niv

For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."

2 Corinthians 10:10 esv

For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account."

2 Corinthians 10:10 nlt

For some say, "Paul's letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!"

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 10 Meaning

The verse speaks of a contrast between Paul's opponents and his own ministry. His opponents claim to be authoritative and powerful in person, but in written communication, their words are considered weighty and strong. Paul, conversely, describes himself as humble in person but powerful in his letters, suggesting a true spiritual strength that transcends physical presence.

2 Corinthians 10 10 Context

This verse is found within chapter 10 of 2 Corinthians, a chapter where Paul addresses "super apostles" or false apostles who were challenging his authority and ministry in Corinth. These individuals seem to have relied on impressive external appearances and eloquence. Paul, in contrast, defends his apostleship by highlighting the spiritual power of his ministry, which is not dependent on human standards of charisma or outward strength. He points to the transformative work of the Gospel as evidence of this power. The letters he wrote carried immense weight and authority because they conveyed God's truth and power, even if he presented himself as less imposing in person.

2 Corinthians 10 10 Word Analysis

• "For" (γάρ - gar): Indicates a reason or explanation for what was stated previously.
• "if" (εἴ τις - ei tis): A conditional particle, implying a hypothetical situation.
• "indeed" (καυχάσθω - kauchasthō): Imperative, a command to boast. It refers to taking pride or exulting.
• "they" (αὐτῶν - autōn): Refers back to the opponents mentioned earlier in the chapter.
• "boast" (καυχάομαι - kauchaomai): To glory in, to praise oneself, to be proud of. Here it highlights their self-commendation.
• "in" (ἐν - en): Indicates the sphere or basis of the boasting.
• "so" (οὕτως - houtōs): In this manner; according to this pattern.
• "we" (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Refers to Paul and his companions.
• "in" (ἐν - en): Again, indicating the sphere of action or identity.
• "deed" (ἔργῳ - ergō): Work, action, deed. This contrasts with "word" (logos).

Group of Words Analysis:

• "for if anyone boasts, let him boast in Christ." (Verse 9 contextually preceding): This is the immediate preceding thought, setting the stage for the contrast in verse 10. Paul directs genuine boasting to Christ.
• "that we may not appear to you...": This suggests that Paul is aware of how his ministry might be perceived by the Corinthians based on outward appearances.
• "...to be as it were instructing you by letters": This refers to the written messages, which were potent.
• "...when we are absent, and then at the same time to be as it were personally present with you and rebuke you.": This highlights the perceived inconsistency between Paul's letters and his personal presence, as judged by his opponents.
• "that they were weighty and strong": This describes the opponents' letters or claims as being impressive in content or argument.
• "but his letters": Paul directly contrasts his own correspondence with that of his rivals.
• "are weighty and strong": This refers to the perceived nature of Paul's own letters – possessing substantial content, authority, and effectiveness. This isn't a self-serving boast, but a description of the Gospel's power conveyed through his ministry. The word "strong" (δυνατά - dynata) can also imply powerful or mighty.

2 Corinthians 10 10 Bonus Section

The "weighty and strong" nature of Paul's letters (often interpreted as referring to his epistles) reflects the content's depth, theological rigor, and spiritual authority, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is contrasted with mere rhetorical skill. The power resides in the message itself, the divine truth conveyed. This understanding aligns with the concept of the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16) which is inherent in the Gospel. Paul’s argument is not about boastful self-promotion, but about redirecting the Corinthians’ focus from carnal credentials to the spiritual efficacy of his apostleship. He uses their potential perception of him being "weak in person" (2 Cor 10:1) not as an excuse, but as a point of departure to reveal where true strength lies – in God and His word.

2 Corinthians 10 10 Commentary

The verse acts as a summation of Paul's argument against his critics. While the opponents might have been impressive face-to-face and made grand claims in writing, their "weighty and strong" words lacked true spiritual substance. Paul's ministry, conversely, carried divine power. His letters were potent instruments of God's Spirit, capable of building up the church, challenging sin, and demonstrating God's truth, even if his physical presence was perceived as less intimidating than his opponents. The true measure of ministry lies not in fleshly wisdom or outward appearance but in the spiritual power God works through his servants, particularly through His Word.

Practical Usage:

• Recognizing that true spiritual impact comes from God, not human eloquence or appearance.
• Discerning between superficial arguments and the solid foundation of biblical truth.
• Trusting that God's Word, conveyed through His faithful messengers, is powerful and effective.