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 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 9:15 | But I have used none of these things. Nor am I writing these things that it should be so done for me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. | Paul's assertion about his rights as an apostle and his choice not to exercise them. |
| 2 Cor 11:10 | As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. | Connects to Paul's ongoing boasting which is tied to the truth of Christ. |
| 2 Cor 11:22 | Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. | Paul listing his credentials to show equality with other apostles. |
| 1 Thess 2:9 | For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. | Paul's consistent practice of working to support himself. |
| Acts 18:3 | And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they worked; for by trade they were tentmakers. | Paul's known occupation. |
| Phil 4:11-13 | Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. | Paul's self-sufficiency learned through Christ. |
| Gal 1:10 | For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ. | Paul's focus on pleasing God, not men. |
| 2 Cor 12:13-15 | For what is it in which you were inferior to the other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong! Indeed the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you, for what I seek is not yours, but you; for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. | Paul reiterates his care for the Corinthians and his intention not to be a burden. |
| 1 Cor 9:12 | If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not still more? Yet we have not used this right, but endure all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. | Paul's prior explanation of why he abstains from certain rights. |
| 2 Cor 10:13-14 | But we will not boast of things beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God allotted to us, a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves as though we did not reach you, since we even reached you with the gospel of Christ. | Paul's focus on the boundaries of his apostolic ministry. |
| John 5:44 | "How can you believe, when you receive honor from one another, and you do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?" | Jesus on seeking honor from God, not men. |
| Rom 14:1 | Him who is weak in the faith receive, but not with a view to disputed matters. | Principle of not causing offense to weaker believers. |
| 1 Cor 8:9 | But beware lest somehow your liberty by used by those who are weak as an occasion to stumble. | Paul's concern for not causing others to stumble. |
| 2 Cor 10:7-8 | Do you look at things according to outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he belongs to Christ, let him also consider this within himself, that as he is Christ’s, so also are we Christ’s. For even if I boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed. | Paul addressing self-perception and his authority. |
| Matt 10:16 | "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." | Jesus' instruction on wise conduct in ministry. |
| 2 Cor 11:7 | Did I commit an offense in abasing myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? | Paul questions if his self-abasement was an offense. |
| 1 Cor 3:5 | Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? | Paul's humility regarding his role in ministry. |
| 1 Cor 10:33 | Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. | Paul's aim to please others for their salvation. |
| 2 Cor 5:13 | For if we have been beside ourselves, it was for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. | Paul explaining his motivations and state of mind. |
| 2 Cor 11:3 | But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. | Paul's concern about corruption of minds. |
2 Corinthians 11 verses
2 Corinthians 11 12 Meaning
This verse in 2 Corinthians 11:12 highlights the Apostle Paul's strategy in his ministry to the Corinthians. He intentionally continues to do what he is doing (in this case, supporting himself) so that he can cut off any occasion for those who want an opportunity to boast about being equal to him by using his own example of financial independence. His goal is to prevent anyone from finding fault or superiority in their ministry methods compared to his.
2 Corinthians 11 12 Context
In the latter part of 2 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul is engaged in a passionate defense of his apostolic ministry. He is compelled to do so because false apostles have infiltrated the Corinthian church and are actively undermining his authority and teaching. These individuals are likely emphasizing their own superior credentials, possibly their Jewish heritage, eloquence, or even their financial independence as a sign of God's favor.
Paul contrasts their boastful approach with his own humble yet effective ministry. He is responding to those who are finding fault with him, possibly suggesting he is inferior because he doesn't exploit the Corinthians financially (as other "super-apostles" apparently did). His decision to continue working as a tentmaker is not out of necessity but a deliberate strategy to prevent any potential ground for boasting by these critics. He doesn't want their genuine commitment and self-support to be twisted into a tool to devalue his ministry or to make others feel ashamed for not being able to do the same. The immediate context shows Paul grappling with opposition and needing to clarify his actions and motives.
2 Corinthians 11 12 Word Analysis
- “But”: (Greek: ἀλλά - alla) This is a strong adversative conjunction, signaling a contrast with what has just been said or implied, or what the false apostles are doing.
- “what”: (Greek: ὅ - ho) Relative pronoun referring to the action he is performing.
- “I do”: (Greek: ποιῶ - poio) This verb means "to do," "to make," or "to practice." It refers to his current activities, particularly his self-support.
- “I will continue to do”: (Greek: ποιήσω - poiesō) This is the future tense of the same verb. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of his actions.
- “so that”: (Greek: ἵνα - hina) This particle introduces a purpose clause, explaining the reason for his action.
- “that”: (Greek: εἰς τὸ - eis to) Prepositional phrase used idiomatically to introduce an infinitive phrase, often expressing purpose or result.
- “all”: (Greek: πᾶς - pas) Emphasizes the totality or entirety of the occasion he wants to prevent.
- “occasion”: (Greek: ἀφορμήν - aphormēn) This noun refers to an "opportunity," "ground," "starting point," or "lever." It’s what gives someone the leverage to act or boast.
- “those who”: (Greek: οἱ - hoi) The definite article used with a participle or adjective to refer to a class of people.
- “seek”: (Greek: ζητῶσιν - zētōsin) Present subjunctive, meaning "to seek," "to search for," or "to desire." It reflects the active intent of the opponents.
- “occasion to boast”: (Greek: καύχημα - kauchēma) Noun referring to "boasting," "glorying," or "that in which one boasts." It’s the basis for their boasting.
- “in that”: (Greek: ἐν ᾧ - en hō) A prepositional phrase indicating the specific condition or circumstance related to his action.
Word Group Analysis:
- “what I do, I will continue to do”: This repetition of the verb "do" (ποιῶ... ποιήσω) underscores a steadfast resolve. Paul is committed to his current course of action, particularly his self-support.
- “so that all who seek occasion to boast may have no occasion to boast in that”: This is a key rhetorical structure. Paul is proactively closing a door. The opponents want to find a point of superiority (occasion to boast), and Paul's continued self-sufficiency is the very thing that denies them that leverage. The repeated use of "occasion" (ἀφορμήν, ἀφορμὴν) emphasizes how crucial this is for him.
2 Corinthians 11 12 Bonus Section
Paul’s emphasis here is a practical demonstration of the principles he articulated elsewhere regarding his ministry. He chooses to endure hardship (working as a tentmaker) rather than use his apostolic rights (receiving financial support), following the example of Christ and for the ultimate purpose of "hindering the gospel of Christ" as he notes in 1 Corinthians 9:12. The phrase "for all things" (meaning that he is acting in this manner against all those who would seek occasion to boast) is particularly strong. It is a defensive measure to protect the integrity and spiritual health of the church at Corinth against insidious threats. This verse showcases Paul’s deep concern for truth, his selflessness, and his strategic approach to combating spiritual deception. His actions are not just about him, but about ensuring that the foundation laid by the Gospel remains unshaken.
2 Corinthians 11 12 Commentary
Paul is a master of paradox and self-sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel and the unity of the church. Here, he is strategically declining to accept financial support from the Corinthians. His purpose is not to appear weak or to deprive them of the blessing of giving. Rather, it is a deliberate tactic to silence those who would twist his actions or use any perceived privilege or lack thereof as a basis for their own boasting or to cause division. By remaining financially independent, he removes a potential plank from their platform of criticism and makes it harder for them to claim equality with him based on such grounds. This is an expression of his concern that the Corinthians should not be unequally yoked with false teachers and that the purity of the gospel message not be compromised by the boasting of men. His ultimate goal is the edification and protection of the church.
Practical Usage Examples:
- When facing criticism for how you do ministry, ask yourself if your actions are intentionally removing grounds for ungodly boasting by others, not out of pride but out of a desire for truth and unity.
- Consider if your self-sufficiency or sacrifices can, paradoxically, become a shield against those who seek to exploit or manipulate the ministry for personal gain.
- It demonstrates a practical application of "sober-mindedness" and strategic thinking in leadership for the advancement of God's kingdom without unnecessary personal claims.