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 verse declares that the apostles' goal in their ministry was not to intimidate or overpower believers, but rather to be a source of strength and encouragement, especially regarding their concern for the spiritual well-being and building up of the church.

2 Corinthians 10 9 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 10 addresses the difficult situation Paul faced with detractors in Corinth. These individuals questioned his apostolic authority, claiming he was timid in person but bold in his letters. Paul defends his ministry, not with fleshly might, but with divine power and authority, asserting that his weapons are spiritual, capable of demolishing strongholds of false teaching and sinful reasoning. He warns them that he will not spare them if they continue in rebellion, drawing a contrast between his forceful action against disobedience and his gentle building up of the obedient.

2 Corinthians 10 9 Word Analysis

• εἰ (ei): "if" or "whether" - Introduces a conditional clause.

• ἐπιστολαῖς (epistolais): "in letters" - Refers to Paul's written communications, which his opponents likely perceived as more courageous than his presence.

• βαρύς (barus): "heavy," "weighty," "severe" - Describes the nature of his letters, possibly implying they contained strong rebukes or stern pronouncements.

• καὶ (kai): "and" - Connects two clauses or ideas.

• ἀσθενὴς (asthenes): "weak," "feeble," "lacking strength" - Contrasts with the perceived strength of his letters, possibly suggesting his physical presence was less imposing.

• ὀφθαλμοὺς (ophthalmous): "eyes" - Refers to his physical appearance or how he is perceived visually.

• ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou): "of man," "human" - Indicates a human standard of judgment or perception.

• ἀλλ’ (all'): "but," "rather" - Introduces a contrast or correction to the preceding statement.

• ἐὰν (ean): "if" - Another conditional conjunction.

• παρῇ (parē): "be present," "arrive" - Refers to his physical presence among them.

• καθαύμασι (katausiasi): "contemptible," "despicable," "of no account" - Implies his personal presence might be underestimated or looked down upon by his opponents.

• πολυπραγμονοῦσιν (polupragmoneousin): "meddle," "make demands," "overstep their bounds" - Accusation against his opponents who are stirring up trouble and questioning his authority excessively.

• Group Analysis: The verse establishes a dichotomy between Paul's correspondence and his presence, and his opponents' critical, possibly contemptuous, view of his personal demeanor versus the weight of his letters. Paul asserts that the perception of his "weakness" or insignificance in person would be nullified when they encounter his actual presence, especially in light of their contentious behavior. The contrast highlights the difference between fleshly judgment (how he appears) and spiritual reality (his authority and actions in Christ).

2 Corinthians 10 9 Bonus Section

This verse also touches upon the dangers of judging others based solely on outward appearance or the written word, a trap the Corinthian critics had fallen into. It underscores that true apostolic authority is recognized not by physical stature or vocal force, but by the power of God working through the message and the integrity of the messenger, ultimately aiming for the building up of the church in Christ. The word "kathisma" (often translated as contemptible or despicable) can also imply a lack of substance or dignity. Paul's assertion is that their judgment of him will be shown to be hollow when they face his actual, Christ-empowered presence.

2 Corinthians 10 9 Commentary

Paul refutes the criticism that he is formidable in writing but weak in person. He declares that this perception is not necessarily the case; when he is physically present, their disdain for him will be proven wrong. The crucial point is that he desires to build them up and exercise his apostolic authority constructively, not to terrify them with imposing speech or a formidable presence. His intent is always for their spiritual welfare, using God's power to demolish sin and strengthen faith, rather than to use human strength to intimidate. This verse reveals a mature understanding of spiritual leadership, focused on edification over intimidation, even when addressing opposition.