2 Corinthians 10 9

2 Corinthians 10:9 kjv

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

2 Corinthians 10:9 nkjv

lest I seem to terrify you by letters.

2 Corinthians 10:9 niv

I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.

2 Corinthians 10:9 esv

I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.

2 Corinthians 10:9 nlt

I'm not trying to frighten you by my letters.

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 9 Meaning

The Apostle Paul clarifies his intent in 2 Corinthians 10:9, asserting that his purpose in writing stern letters to the Corinthians is not to manipulate or intimidate them by creating fear from a distance. He aims to disassociate his firm communication from the appearance of mere scare tactics. This statement prepares for his subsequent explanation that his "boldness" and authority are consistent whether he is absent or present, rooted in Christ's power, not human bluster or psychological coercion.

2 Corinthians 10 9 Context

This verse sits within 2 Corinthians 10, a chapter where Paul vigorously defends his apostolic authority and ministry against severe criticisms from false apostles or influential members within the Corinthian church. These opponents characterized Paul as "weak in bodily presence, but strong in letters" (v. 10), implying his written words were intimidating precisely because he lacked the courage or presence to confront them effectively in person. In the preceding verse (v. 8), Paul asserted that his God-given authority was "for building up and not for tearing down," establishing the foundational purpose of his ministry. Verse 9 then acts as a crucial clarification, directly refuting the charge that his firm letters were mere threats. He is concerned that the Corinthians understand his strong language not as an attempt to terrify them into submission, but as an expression of his legitimate, spiritual authority intended for their welfare and restoration, especially regarding moral and theological purity within the church. The historical context shows Paul interacting with a church that was influenced by Greco-Roman rhetoric, where skilled orators could use intimidation; Paul denies employing such carnal tactics.

2 Corinthians 10 9 Word analysis

• I do not want: In Greek, hina mē doxō (ἵνα μὴ δόξω). Hina expresses purpose, "in order that," and mē doxō means "I may not seem" or "I may not be thought." This reveals Paul's awareness of their perception and his deliberate intention to shape that understanding. He is not trying to avoid being stern, but avoid the perception that his sternness is merely a bullying tactic without genuine spiritual intent.

• to seem: Greek doxō (δόξω). This verb is crucial. It highlights the focus on how Paul's actions (his letters) are perceived rather than necessarily on the absolute nature of his words. His words might indeed be strong, but he is concerned with the interpretation of his motivation.

• as if I would terrify: Greek hōs an ekphobein (ὡς ἂν ἐκφοβεῖν). Ekphobein (ἐκφοβεῖν) is an intensified verb meaning "to frighten thoroughly," "to terrify," or "to scare out of one's wits." The prefix ek- intensifies the root phobeō (to fear/frighten). It's not just a gentle warning but suggests an attempt at profound intimidation or creating outright panic. Hōs an here denotes a hypothetical or merely apparent intention. Paul vehemently denies this intensified, manipulative intent.

• you: Greek humas (ὑμᾶς). The plural pronoun refers to the Corinthian believers, the recipients of his strong letters.

• with my letters: Greek dia tōn epistolōn (διὰ τῶν ἐπιστολῶν). Dia (διὰ) means "through" or "by means of." Epistolōn (ἐπιστολῶν) refers to letters, plural. This specifically points to his written communications, possibly including his previous "severe letter" (which may have been 1 Corinthians or another letter no longer extant). This emphasizes the method by which the supposed intimidation was believed to be carried out by his opponents.

• Words-group analysis:

  • I do not want to seem: Paul emphasizes his concern with his perceived motives. He is aware of how his authority and sternness could be misinterpreted as purely human, manipulative power plays, a common critique against him by his adversaries in Corinth. His desire is for the church to grasp the true spiritual purpose behind his apostolic actions.
  • to frighten you with my letters: This phrase addresses the specific accusation against him. His strong warnings were not designed to inflict irrational fear or panic, but to call for repentance and restoration. The spiritual authority granted by Christ aims at correction and upbuilding, not demoralization or intimidation.

2 Corinthians 10 9 Bonus section

Paul’s use of the verb ekphobein is rare in the New Testament, emphasizing a strong sense of thoroughly frightening. This choice of word highlights the gravity of the accusation Paul faced; it wasn't just that he seemed stern, but that he was accused of outright terrorizing. His refutation here sets the stage for a deeper discussion about the nature of true spiritual authority versus carnal methods of influence. His commitment to demonstrating the same power in person as he conveys in writing, affirmed in verse 11, undercuts his opponents' claim that he was a hypocrite—bold on paper but timid in reality. This verse is key in understanding Paul's consistent stance that his authority, though formidable, operates always in love and for the spiritual good of the believers.

2 Corinthians 10 9 Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 10:9, Paul directly counters a serious charge leveled against him: that he was a distant bully who used strong language in letters to terrify the Corinthians, an accusation explicitly mentioned in the subsequent verse (v. 10). By stating, "I do not want to seem as if I would terrify you by letters," Paul emphatically denies this manipulative motive. His purpose is not to wield a carnal power designed to induce fear for his own ends, but rather to exercise the spiritual authority granted by Christ for the edification and restoration of the church. The severe tone of his letters was never meant to create ungodly fear, but to instigate a godly grief that leads to repentance and genuine spiritual growth (as elaborated in 2 Cor 7:8-10). He seeks to ensure that his bold written word is understood within the context of his broader pastoral care and love for them, aligning with the authority for "building up, not tearing down" (v. 8).