2 Corinthians 11:17 kjv
That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
2 Corinthians 11:17 nkjv
What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
2 Corinthians 11:17 niv
In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool.
2 Corinthians 11:17 esv
What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool.
2 Corinthians 11:17 nlt
Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool.
2 Corinthians 11 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 11:18 | Since many boast of worldly things, I will also boast. | Affirmation of the context of boasting. |
| 2 Cor 11:22 | Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. | Comparison of heritage and identity. |
| 2 Cor 11:23 | ...in labors more abundant, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. | Highlighting sacrifices for ministry. |
| 2 Cor 11:31 | The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ... knows that I am not lying. | Direct appeal to God as witness to truthfulness. |
| Rom 1:9 | For God is my witness... | Paul's reliance on God as a witness. |
| Phil 1:8 | For God is my witness, how greatly I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. | Another instance of invoking God as witness. |
| 1 Thes 2:10 | ...you are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved toward you who believe. | Appeal to both people and God as witnesses. |
| Acts 20:26 | Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all people. | Declaration of blamelessness in ministry. |
| John 1:47 | Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” | Jesus affirming true Israelite character without guile. |
| Matt 5:37 | But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. | Jesus' teaching on honest speech. |
| Heb 10:19-22 | ...having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near with a true heart. | Christians having access to God with boldness. |
| 1 John 3:19-21 | And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him... | Assurance of heart before God through obedience. |
| Ps 26:2 | Examine me, O LORD, and test me; try my heart and my mind. | David's appeal for God to examine his heart. |
| Ps 139:23-24 | Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. | David's prayer for God's searching knowledge. |
| Gal 1:20 | Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie. | Similar assertion of truthfulness before God. |
| Eph 4:25 | Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ | Exhortation to speak truth. |
| 1 Pet 3:15 | But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you... | Readiness to give a reason for hope. |
| Phil 4:6 | Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. | Trust and open communication with God. |
| Acts 5:3-5 | But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...?” Ananias... fell down and breathed his last. | Consequence of lying to the Holy Spirit. |
| Prov 10:9 | He who walks uprightly walks securely, But he who turns up his crooked ways will be known. | Security in uprightness. |
2 Corinthians 11 verses
2 Corinthians 11 17 Meaning
The verse expresses a statement of profound sincerity and conviction regarding the Apostle Paul's ministry. He is asserting that he speaks with the same genuine openness and lack of pretense as a believer who approaches God directly, without any fear of divine judgment or the need for intermediaries. His declaration is an earnest assurance of his authentic motives and unwavering commitment to the truth he proclaims.
2 Corinthians 11 17 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 11 finds Paul defending his apostleship against the insidious attacks of false apostles in Corinth. These interlopers were undermining Paul's authority, likely by questioning his credentials, his physical presence, or the content of his message, while promoting themselves. Paul, driven by his pastoral concern for the church at Corinth and a fervent desire to present them as a pure bride to Christ, begins a section of “foolish boasting” (11:1) where he contrasts his true apostolic suffering and dedication with the deceptive practices of his opponents. He elaborates on the hardships he has endured for the Gospel. This particular verse, 2 Corinthians 11:17, arises in the immediate aftermath of his detailed recounting of perilous journeys, imprisonments, beatings, and near-death experiences. He feels compelled to justify this self-disclosure, recognizing it might appear to others as boastful or proud.
2 Corinthians 11 17 Word Analysis
- εἰ: (ei) - A conditional particle, meaning "if". This introduces the hypothetical situation of his boasting being “after the flesh” (kata sarka), or in a worldly manner.
- νῦν: (nun) - An adverb of time, meaning "now" or "at present." It links the current statement to the preceding narrative of suffering and the following declaration.
- νῦν: (nun) - Repeated for emphasis, "now," or "I speak now."
- καυχάομαι: (kauchaomai) - From the root word kauxos (a helmet crest, indicating pride), meaning "to boast," "to exult," "to take pride in." In this context, it refers to boasting, which Paul often does cautiously, attributing glory to God, but here is forced to do to defend his position.
- οὐ: (ou) - The basic Greek word for "not," a strong negative particle.
- κατὰ: (kata) - A preposition that can mean "down," "against," "according to," "in proportion to." Here it signifies "according to" or "in the manner of."
- σάρκα: (sarka) - The genitive singular of sarx, meaning "flesh." Used here figuratively, it refers to human nature in its weakness and fallen state, as opposed to the Spirit. Boasting "according to the flesh" means boasting in human achievements, lineage, or worldly credentials, as the false apostles were doing.
- εἰ: (ei) - Again, the conditional particle "if." This second "if" further emphasizes the hypothetical nature of this potential type of boasting.
- λέγω: (legō) - The present active indicative of legō, meaning "to say," "to speak." Paul asserts that he is not speaking in the specified manner.
- ἐν: (en) - A preposition meaning "in."
- Χριστῷ: (Christō) - The dative singular of Christos, meaning "Christ" or "Anointed One." Referring to speaking "in Christ" signifies speaking as one who is united with and empowered by Christ.
- I: (autos) - While not explicitly a word in the Greek text as translated here in common English versions, the subject "I" is the implied speaker, Paul.
- Speak: (legō) - Referring back to the verb legō.
- foolishly: (mōraínō) - Although the word "foolishly" isn't directly translated from a single Greek word in 11:17, it encapsulates the nature of the boasting Paul feels he must engage in. The context from v. 1 states he must boast foolishly. However, the statement here is "I speak not as a consequence, but I speak according to the flesh." The intention of "foolishly" in 11:1 is that Paul must now boast in a way that appears unwise or out of character for him.
- In this confidence: This phrase from some translations captures the intent that Paul could boast in a worldly manner, but he is qualifying how he will do it in the preceding and succeeding verses. The core of v. 17 is "I speak not according to the flesh."
- But with the same plainness and sincerity that one might speak when addressing God. This English phrase accurately captures the Greek construction, "speaking according to Christ", which carries the implication of the uprightness and purity of speech expected when one is in fellowship with Christ and accountable to Him.
2 Corinthians 11 17 Bonus Section
The phrase "according to Christ" (kata Christon) is significant. It implies that Paul's actions and words are not merely influenced by Christ but are aligned with Christ's nature, His will, and the ministry He has established. This contrasts sharply with the false apostles who boasted in ways contrary to Christ's purposes, seeking their own glory. Paul's assurance is that his ministry is wholly in union and obedience to Christ, making his discourse on his sufferings, though unusual, entirely permissible and God-honoring. It highlights the ideal of every Christian utterance being characterized by integrity and truthfulness before God.
2 Corinthians 11 17 Commentary
Paul finds himself in a difficult position. He has detailed the extreme hardships he has endured, an act which could easily be construed as seeking human admiration or even vanity. He anticipates this criticism, so he makes a clear distinction. He declares that if he is speaking (or boasting, as in verse 16), he is not doing so in the manner of the flesh, meaning not out of worldly pride, human status, or carnal reasoning. Instead, he speaks “in Christ,” indicating his words are not his own personal agenda, but aligned with the Spirit and purpose of Christ, and spoken with the integrity and reverence due to one in direct communion with God. It's an assurance that his current discourse, though seemingly boastful, is carried out with genuine sincerity and accountability to God, the very posture one adopts when communicating directly with the Lord. His boldness stems not from personal ego, but from his identity and standing in Christ, which grants him access to God with transparency.