2 Corinthians 11 12

2 Corinthians 11:12 kjv

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

2 Corinthians 11:12 nkjv

But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.

2 Corinthians 11:12 niv

And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.

2 Corinthians 11:12 esv

And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.

2 Corinthians 11:12 nlt

But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours.

2 Corinthians 11 verses

2 Corinthians 11 12 Meaning

The Apostle Paul expresses his firm resolve to continue his established practice, specifically concerning his refusal to accept financial support from the Corinthians. His deliberate and consistent self-sufficiency served a crucial strategic purpose: to eliminate any pretext or 'opportunity' for the false apostles and deceptive workers in Corinth to claim equality with him. They desired a common ground for boasting, implying that if Paul also took support, their own financially driven ministry would appear legitimate and on par with a true apostle's. By maintaining his independence, Paul starkly differentiated himself, exposing their mercenary motives and discrediting their boasts about their own ministry and status.

2 Corinthians 11 12 Context

2 Corinthians 11, often called Paul’s "Fool's Speech," sees Paul reluctantly engaging in the kind of boasting favored by his adversaries, the "false apostles" (v. 13) and "deceitful workers." These individuals, likely Judean Christians asserting superior apostolic authority or a more profound spirituality, challenged Paul's legitimacy in Corinth. They likely accepted financial support from the Corinthian church, a practice Paul had deliberately abstained from in Corinth, not because he lacked the right (as he argues in 1 Cor 9), but to avoid burdening the believers and to underscore his gospel's freeness (2 Cor 11:7-9). Verse 12 serves as Paul's declaration of firm resolve to continue this practice of self-sufficiency. The false apostles coveted the same recognition and authority as Paul and likely viewed the acceptance of support as a mark of a true, respectable apostle. Paul's refusal therefore undercut their attempts to demonstrate equivalence based on external actions, specifically those relating to material gain. He sought to deny them any leverage or comparison point for their own self-aggrandizement, forcing the distinction between genuine service and mercenary motivation.

2 Corinthians 11 12 Word analysis

• But (δέ - de): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a contrast with previous statements. Here, it contrasts with their false boasting, asserting Paul's steadfast, distinct course of action.
• what I do (ὅ δὲ ποιῶ - ho de poiō): Refers to Paul's consistent conduct, specifically his refusal to take financial support from the Corinthians (alluded to in v. 7-10) and his practice of working with his own hands. Poiō (to do, to make) is in the present tense, emphasizing ongoing action.
• that I will do (καὶ ποιήσω - kai poiēsō): Poiēsō is in the future tense, signaling Paul’s unwavering commitment and resolve to continue this practice. This isn't a temporary tactic but a fixed principle in this context.
• that I may cut off (ἵνα ἐκκόψω - hina ekkopsō): Hina introduces a purpose clause. Ekkopsō (to cut off, cut away, chop off, suppress) is a strong verb, indicating a decisive, deliberate action to sever or eliminate. It implies a thorough and unyielding removal.
• occasion (ἀφορμήν - aphormēn): A key term meaning a "base of operations," "starting point," "opportunity," "pretext," or "excuse." Paul aims to remove any possible foundation or justification upon which his rivals could build their false claims. It’s not just a chance, but a deliberate tactical advantage they seek.
• from them which desire occasion (τοῖς θέλουσιν ἀφορμήν - tois thelousin aphormēn): Refers directly to the false apostles who are actively seeking or longing for a pretext. Thelousin (desiring, wishing) indicates their keen intent and motive.
• that wherein they glory (ἵνα ἐν ᾧ καυχῶνται - hina en hō kauchōntai): Hina again denotes purpose. Kauchōntai (to boast, glory, pride oneself) refers to their specific area of self-praise. The false apostles likely boasted in their spiritual credentials, wisdom, or external displays, perhaps even their ability to secure support, viewing it as a sign of their elevated status compared to Paul's humility.
• they may be found even as we (εὑρεθῶσιν καθὼς καὶ ἡμεῖς - heurethōsin kathōs kai hēmeis): Heurethōsin (that they might be found) indicates their intended perception or assessment. Kathōs kai hēmeis (just as we also) highlights their ambition to appear equal or identical to Paul and his true companions in apostleship, particularly concerning those boasts. Paul intends that in the very thing they boast about, their disingenuousness will be exposed, rather than their being recognized as equals to him.

• "what I do, that I will do" (ὅ δὲ ποιῶ, τοῦτο ποιήσω): This emphatic parallelism underscores Paul's unyielding determination. His actions are not a temporary maneuver but a settled resolve against the specific challenges presented by the false teachers. It showcases consistency and unwavering principle.
• "cut off occasion from them which desire occasion" (ἐκκόψω ἀφορμὴν τοῖς θέλουσιν ἀφορμήν): This phrase reveals Paul's strategic foresight. By eliminating the 'aphormē' (pretext/opportunity), Paul prevents the false apostles from using his practices (or perceived inconsistencies) as a 'base of operations' for their attacks or claims of equality. They desire a specific "opening" to discredit him or elevate themselves.
• "that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we": This is deeply ironic. The false apostles seek to "be found" equal to Paul in their boasting. Paul's strategy is to show that in their chosen area of boast, their actions (e.g., mercenary motives) are so fundamentally different from his (selfless service) that no legitimate comparison can be made. This ensures their boasts reveal their disparity, not their equivalence.

2 Corinthians 11 12 Bonus section

Paul's unwavering commitment to financially supporting himself, specifically in Corinth, went against the accepted Greco-Roman social norm where significant figures, like public speakers or philosophers, would typically receive patronage. By waiving his apostolic right to support, Paul dramatically broke cultural expectations. This act was initially seen by some Corinthians as a sign of weakness or lesser authority (a point he defends repeatedly). However, for Paul, it was a crucial demonstration of his sincerity and an act of protective love for the Corinthian church, shielding them from potential exploitation and setting himself apart from those whose motives were suspect. His approach showcased an exemplary pattern of leadership: self-sacrifice to maintain gospel integrity and prevent stumbling blocks for new believers. This deliberate counter-cultural action served as a potent ethical marker against the worldly standards of his opponents.

2 Corinthians 11 12 Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 11:12, Paul asserts his unshakeable commitment to maintain his distinct apostolic practice, primarily his financial independence from the Corinthian church. This decision was a strategic act of self-defense, designed to neutralize the accusations and undermine the authority of false apostles. These deceivers sought any "occasion" (ἀφορμήν) or pretext to establish parity with Paul, likely pointing to their own acceptance of support as a mark of apostolic legitimacy or claiming that Paul's self-support somehow diminished his status. By continuously refusing remuneration, Paul stripped them of this basis for comparison. He aimed to expose the mercenary nature of their ministry versus his selfless commitment to the gospel. Consequently, in the very acts they gloried or boasted about, their true motives would be revealed as incongruent with genuine apostleship, rendering them unable to genuinely "be found even as" Paul in integrity and sacrificial service. This verse highlights Paul's profound integrity, his pastoral shrewdness, and his fierce protection of the Corinthians from those who would exploit them.