2 Corinthians 10 11

2 Corinthians 10:11 kjv

Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

2 Corinthians 10:11 nkjv

Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

2 Corinthians 10:11 niv

Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.

2 Corinthians 10:11 esv

Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.

2 Corinthians 10:11 nlt

Those people should realize that our actions when we arrive in person will be as forceful as what we say in our letters from far away.

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 11 Meaning

2 Corinthians 10:11 serves as a definitive statement from Paul to his Corinthian critics, assuring them that the bold and authoritative tone of his letters written from afar will be consistently matched by equally strong and decisive actions when he is physically present among them. It’s a declaration that his "talk" will translate directly into his "walk," dismantling any accusation of timidity or inconsistency, and demonstrating that his apostolic power is genuine and effective in both absence and presence.

2 Corinthians 10 11 Context

This verse stands at the core of Paul's defense of his apostolic authority in 2 Corinthians chapter 10. The chapter initiates a stern segment of the letter where Paul confronts his critics in Corinth who were undermining his ministry. These detractors ridiculed his physical presence as unimpressive and weak (10:1), contrasting it with his letters which they conceded were "weighty and strong" (10:10). They essentially accused him of inconsistency – a brave writer but a timid speaker in person. Paul, employing military and spiritual warfare metaphors, rejects worldly standards of judgment, asserting that his power is from God, enabling him to demolish arguments and strongholds. Verse 11 directly addresses the charge, promising that his physical presence will indeed manifest the same decisive power that his letters conveyed, confronting their misjudgment and challenging them to reconsider their superficial evaluations. The Corinthian context included struggles with pride, rivalries, and an embrace of Hellenistic rhetoric, which valued outward display over spiritual substance, making Paul's less flamboyant style an easy target.

2 Corinthians 10 11 Word analysis

• Let such a person (ὁ τοιοῦτος - ho toioutos): This imperative phrase directly addresses the specific critics and opponents within the Corinthian church who were slandering Paul, particularly those mentioned in verse 10 for their dismissive remarks about his appearance. It points to a distinct group, calling them to serious reflection.
• understand (λογιζέσθω - logizestho): This verb is an imperative in the present tense, carrying a sense of ongoing or continuous reflection and reckoning. It's a strong command to calculate, consider, or soberly account for a truth, rather than a mere passive knowing. Paul is demanding a mental shift, urging them to accurately assess his consistent character.
• that just as we are (οἵους ἐσμὲν - hoious esmen): Refers to Paul and his associates (e.g., Timothy), indicating their true nature, authority, and intentions as apostles. It implies "the sort of people we truly are," not as they are perceived through distorted lenses.
• in word (τῷ λόγῳ - tō logō): This refers to the content and substance of Paul's communication—his teachings, instructions, warnings, and pronouncements as conveyed through his apostolic message. It signifies his verbal or written authority and doctrinal positions.
• by letters (διʼ ἐπιστολῶν - di' epistolōn): Specifies the means of transmission. This directly references the very criticism leveled against Paul (2 Cor 10:10), where his opponents acknowledged his letters were powerful, while contrasting them with his perceived weak bodily presence. It is the conduit for his "word."
• when absent (ἀπόντες - apontes): Refers to Paul's state of being physically away from Corinth, highlighting the perceived dichotomy between his distant communication and his physical presence.
• so also (τοιοῦτοι καὶ - toioutoi kai): Emphasizes a direct correspondence and consistency. "Such (persons) also," meaning in the same authoritative and powerful manner.
• we will be (ἔσόμεθα - esometha): This is the future tense, a definitive promise and a veiled warning. It speaks of a certain, unavoidable future reality and the demonstration of his authority when he eventually arrives.
• in deed (τῷ ἔργῳ - tō ergō): This is the crucial point of contrast. While his 'word' (λόγῳ) pertains to communication, his 'deed' (ἔργῳ) signifies concrete actions, effective power, disciplinary measures, and the tangible execution of his apostolic authority. It speaks to results and performance, not just proclamation.
• when present (παρόντες - parontes): Refers to Paul's physical presence among the Corinthians. This directly confronts the notion that his authority diminishes or disappears when he is with them in person.

• "Let such a person understand that just as we are in word by letters when absent, so also we will be in deed when present." This entire statement forms a direct rebuttal to the accusations of Paul's critics, using a chiastic-like structure (word/absent - deed/present) to highlight a powerful consistency. It underscores that Paul's "bark" (in his letters) is truly representative of his "bite" (in his actions). His written communication is not empty rhetoric but a pre-announcement of his demonstrable spiritual authority and willingness to act decisively, particularly in correction and discipline, when physically among them. It’s a firm assurance of ministerial integrity, driven by God's power rather than human oratorical skills.

2 Corinthians 10 11 Bonus section

Paul's consistency between word and deed reflects a divine attribute, as God's Word is always effective and accomplishes its purpose (Isa 55:11). Paul's ministry was never dependent on impressive worldly qualities (like rhetoric or imposing presence) but on the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:4). His authority, though challenged, derived from Christ, not from human commendation (2 Cor 10:7-8). This verse implicitly encourages all believers to strive for consistency in their walk, ensuring that their professed faith is genuinely lived out in their daily actions, thus demonstrating the power and reality of Christ working through them, not merely speaking about it.

2 Corinthians 10 11 Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:11 encapsulates Paul's unyielding resolve to demonstrate consistent apostolic authority, challenging the superficial judgments of his critics. He declares that the strength and conviction conveyed in his absent letters are not empty threats or mere rhetorical flourish, but a genuine reflection of the decisive action he will take when present. This is not about human bravado but about proving his Spirit-empowered ministry and ensuring the purity of the Corinthian church. Paul's commitment to matching his strong words with equally strong deeds serves as a potent warning against those who would exploit his perceived "weakness" in appearance, asserting that true spiritual authority is validated by its practical demonstration. It underscores the vital principle that a minister's message must be validated by their actions, leaving no room for hypocrisy or inconsistency in matters of truth and spiritual power.