2 Corinthians 11:11 kjv
Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
2 Corinthians 11:11 nkjv
Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!
2 Corinthians 11:11 niv
Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
2 Corinthians 11:11 esv
And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
2 Corinthians 11:11 nlt
Why? Because I don't love you? God knows that I do.
2 Corinthians 11 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Corinthians 1:12 | For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that... | Conduct in sincerity |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:5 | For we never came with flattering speech, nor with a pretense for... | Purity of motive |
| Philippians 1:8 | For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of... | Genuine affection |
| Romans 1:9 | For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, is my... | Witness of God |
| Acts 20:33-34 | I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. But my own hands... | Integrity in ministry |
| 1 Peter 5:2 | shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight... | Caring for the flock |
| John 13:34-35 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: as I have... | Command to love |
| 1 John 3:16 | By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to... | sacrificial love |
| Ephesians 5:2 | And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us... | Christlike love |
| Colossians 1:24 | Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I... | Suffering for others |
| Galatians 4:19 | My little children, for whom I am again in anguish of childbirth... | Parental affection |
| 2 Corinthians 10:15 | nor are we glorying beyond our proper measure, but within the limits... | Proper boasting |
| 2 Corinthians 12:15 | I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you... | Self-giving love |
| 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 | And when I came to you, brothers, did not come with superiority of... | Simplicity of message |
| Hebrews 13:7 | Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider... | Remembering leaders |
| Romans 12:10 | Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing... | Brotherly affection |
| 1 Corinthians 4:15 | For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many... | Spiritual fathers |
| 1 John 4:7-8 | Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and everyone who... | Love originates from God |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:14 | And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, | Pastoral care |
| Jude 1:22 | And have mercy on those who doubt; | Mercy on doubters |
2 Corinthians 11 verses
2 Corinthians 11 11 Meaning
This verse declares Paul's genuine affection and unwavering care for the Corinthian believers. He states that God knows his love for them, emphasizing a pure and sincere motive behind his ministry, distinct from the deceptive actions of the "super-apostles."
2 Corinthians 11 11 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 11 finds Paul defending his apostleship against accusations from rival "super-apostles." These individuals were likely promoting a different gospel and demanding acceptance of their credentials and teachings. Paul, despite recognizing their false claims, chooses to exalt Christ. He continues his rhetorical strategy of seeming foolish by boasting about his weaknesses and suffering, thereby contrasting his genuine ministry with the deceptive practices of his opponents. This verse serves as a pivotal statement, anchoring his defense in the truth that God Himself is his witness to his sincere love for the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 11 11 Word Analysis
- Because (Greek: dia): A preposition indicating cause or reason. It connects the preceding statement about not being ashamed (in relation to his boasting) to the statement about his love being known by God.
- God (Greek: Theos): The supreme being, the creator and sustainer of all things.
- knows (Greek: oida): To know intuitively or inherently; an absolute, certain knowledge.
- that (Greek: hoti): A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause stating the content of the knowledge.
- I (Greek: ego): The first-person singular pronoun, emphasizing Paul’s personal testimony.
- love (Greek: agape): The highest form of love; a selfless, unconditional, volitional love. This is the same love Christ demonstrated.
- you (Greek: humas): The plural form, referring to the church community in Corinth.
- all (Greek: pas): Denotes the totality, emphasizing that his love extends to every member of the Corinthian church.
Word-Group Analysis:
- "God knows that I love you all": This phrase represents a divine endorsement of Paul’s emotional and spiritual connection to the Corinthians. It’s a testament to the purity of his affection, placed under God's scrutiny. It underscores the trustworthiness of his ministry, in contrast to the self-serving claims of others.
2 Corinthians 11 11 Bonus Section
The verb "knows" (oida) implies a deep, intrinsic knowledge, not simply an awareness of facts. This suggests God’s intimate understanding of the very disposition and essence of Paul’s love. Paul’s emphasis on God’s knowledge is a powerful appeal to ultimate truth, surpassing human judgment or interpretation. His "boasting" is not self-aggrandizement but a truthful affirmation of God’s work in and through him, specifically His love for the church. This echoes Jesus' prayer in John 17 where He mentions that the world may know that the Father sent Him and that He loved them even as He loved His disciples.
2 Corinthians 11 11 Commentary
Paul reassures the Corinthian believers of his genuine, God-acknowledged love for them. This statement acts as a shield against those who questioned his apostleship and motive. His love for them was not mere sentimentality but a deep, Christ-like affection demonstrated through his self-sacrifice and pastoral care. This divine assurance validates his ministry and stands in stark contrast to the false claims of the divisive individuals within Corinth. His focus remains on the sincerity of his heart, a purity that only God can truly bear witness to.
Practical Usage Example: When facing doubt about our intentions in ministry or relationships, remembering that God sees and knows the heart encourages perseverance in genuine love and service, even amidst criticism.