2 Corinthians 11 1

2 Corinthians 11:1 kjv

Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.

2 Corinthians 11:1 nkjv

Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly?and indeed you do bear with me.

2 Corinthians 11:1 niv

I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me!

2 Corinthians 11:1 esv

I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!

2 Corinthians 11:1 nlt

I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. Please bear with me.

2 Corinthians 11 verses

2 Corinthians 11 1 Meaning

The Apostle Paul is expressing a fervent desire, a profound yearning to be able to persuade the Corinthians to accept his apostolic authority and message. He wishes that God had given him a way to make this universally true for them, suggesting that their continued wavering and opposition causes him distress. The implication is that their resistance is hindering the Gospel's progress among them, and Paul’s heart aches for their spiritual well-being and acceptance of the truth.

2 Corinthians 11 1 Context

This verse opens chapter 11 of 2 Corinthians. In the preceding chapters (8-10), Paul has been defending his apostolic authority against the criticisms and challenges posed by false apostles or intruders within the Corinthian church. He has used both stern admonition and a measure of boastfulness (about God's power through him) to counter their undermining tactics. Chapter 11 continues this theme, but with a shift in tone. Before delving into further strong rebukes and descriptions of his suffering for the Gospel (which highlight his genuine apostleship in contrast to the false ones), Paul expresses his underlying pastoral heartache and desire for their spiritual maturity. The immediate context is Paul's readiness to finally come to Corinth himself and his apprehension about how he will have to deal with them if they do not repent or if their false teachers continue their influence.

2 Corinthians 11 1 Word analysis

• ē (ē) - or

  • A common Greek conjunction introducing a disjunctive clause.

• blipsōn (blipsōn) - may sting/smite

  • From the verb bláptō (bláptō), meaning to hinder, hurt, damage, or injure. Here, it suggests a forceful or perhaps painful confrontation or discipline.

• grammātōn (grammatōn) - letters

  • The plural of grámma (grámma), meaning something written, a letter of the alphabet, or a written document. In this context, it refers to written communication.

• gráphō (graphō) - I write

  • The verb for "to write." Paul is talking about his written correspondence to them.

• dō (dō) - may I give

  • From the verb dídōmi (dídōmi), meaning to give. It's used here with the subjunctive mood to express a wish or a potential action.

• elthein (elthein) - to come

  • The aorist infinitive of érchomai (érchomai), meaning "to come" or "to arrive." Refers to Paul's eventual personal visit to Corinth.

• en (en) - in

  • A common preposition indicating location, manner, or means.

• hūmās (hūmās) - you (plural)

  • The plural accusative form of sú (sú), meaning "you." Referring to the Corinthian church collectively.

• ou (ou) - not

  • The Greek negative particle.

• thestomai (thestomai) - I may stand

  • From the verb hístēmi (hístēmi), meaning to stand, cause to stand, establish, or set. Here, in the passive or middle voice, implying his disposition or how he appears to them. It can also imply firmness or a standing of opinion/purpose.

• *all' hōsper (all' hōsper) - but rather as

  • Combines allá (allá - but) and hōsper (hōsper - just as, like as). It signifies a contrast and a preferred way of being or acting.

• words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Hōste ē blipsōn grammátōn gráphō hūmās..." - "So that I may not sting you with letters and write..." This phrase encapsulates Paul's aversion to being harsh in his letters if he were to visit them. He wishes he didn't have to "sting" or inflict painful rebuke through his writing.
  • "...alla hōsper ē thestomai hūmās..." - "...but rather as I stand before you..." Paul contrasts his written demeanor with his hoped-for personal demeanor. He wants his presence among them to be firm and in line with his true disposition, not one characterized by painful written corrections. The implication is that he wishes his pastoral approach would inherently lead them to be receptive, rendering the need for harsh writing unnecessary. He wants to appear before them in a way that reflects his sincere intentions, not as an imposing figure who must resort to biting words on paper.

2 Corinthians 11 1 Bonus Section

The phrasing "sting you with letters" could allude to the sharp and precise nature of written arguments. In contrast, "as I stand before you" implies a more direct, potentially relational, or even authoritative personal presence. The Greek word bláptō (sting/hurt) highlights the emotional and spiritual pain Paul would experience in having to issue such rebukes in writing, indicating that it's not his preferred method. This verse underscores the weight and emotional investment Paul had in his ministry and his genuine care for the spiritual health of the churches he pastored. It demonstrates a human element in his apostolic leadership, showing his wrestling with the best ways to guide and correct those under his care, preferring relational persuasion over punitive writing.

2 Corinthians 11 1 Commentary

Paul expresses a deeply pastoral desire. He wishes his interaction with the Corinthians, particularly through his letters, was not characterized by painful rebukes. He laments that the situation in Corinth might necessitate him appearing before them as one who needs to “sting” them with his writing, suggesting a regrettable but perhaps necessary form of discipline. His underlying wish is to present himself to them in a way that is more welcoming and affirming (“as I stand before you” – meaning, as I am in person, perhaps with a more gentle disposition, or firm but loving). He desires that the church would be so well-established and receptive that he wouldn’t need to employ harsh written admonishments. It’s a plea for their receptiveness and a lament that he might have to resort to painful communication.