2 Corinthians 11:20 meaning, Cross Ref, ai commentary KJV NIV ESV NLT

2 Corinthians 11:20 kjv

For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

2 Corinthians 11:20 nkjv

For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face.

2 Corinthians 11:20 niv

In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face.

2 Corinthians 11:20 esv

For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.

2 Corinthians 11:20 nlt

You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.

2 Corinthians 11 20 Cross References

Verse	Text	Reference
2 Cor 11:21	“To their shame I say it, that we were weaker than such; but in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.”	This verse immediately follows, contrasting boldness with actual suffering.
Gal 1:6	“I marvel that you are so quickly moving away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,”	Paul confronts a departure from genuine teaching and practice.
Phil 3:18-19	“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their mind on earthly things.”	This describes those driven by selfish desires, echoing the exploitative nature mentioned.
1 Thess 2:3-4	“For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor of guile. But as we were approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.”	Paul emphasizes integrity and pleasing God, not man, unlike the exploitative figures.
1 Thess 4:11-12	“and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”	Contrasts the self-sufficiency Paul advocates for with the dependency created by false teachers.
Gal 6:6	“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who instructs.”	Paul's statement doesn't negate rightful support but emphasizes a reciprocal and honorable giving.
Matt 10:24	“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.”	Jesus’ teaching on the disciple’s relationship to the teacher sets a precedent of humble service.
1 Cor 4:11-13	“To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate. We have become as the refuse of the world, the dregs of humanity.”	This passage strongly parallels Paul’s own experiences of suffering and hardship, in contrast to exploiters.
Acts 18:3	“And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for by trade they were tentmakers.”	Paul’s personal example of supporting himself through his trade.
2 Cor 12:13	“For what is it that you were inferior to the others? Unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!”	A direct reference to Paul intentionally not burdening the Corinthian church.
2 Cor 3:1	“Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, letters of recommendation to you or from you?”	Paul questions the need for credentials or self-promotion often used by false teachers.
2 Cor 11:13-15	“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”	Establishes the character of those Paul is contrasting with.
Matt 23:25-26	“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside may also be clean.”	Jesus' condemnation of hypocrisy and inner corruption masked by outward appearance.
Luke 11:46	“And He said, 'Woe to you lawyers as well! For you burden men with anilegs they can hardly carry, and you yourselves do not lift one finger to lighten their burdens.'”	Jesus denounces those who burden others without contributing themselves.
Titus 1:10-11	“For there are many rebellious, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be rebuked, because they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.”	Addresses teachers driven by dishonest gain and disrupting communities.
1 Peter 5:2-3	“shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”	This defines ideal pastoral leadership in stark contrast to the behavior in 2 Corinthians 11:20.
Jer 6:13	“For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, every one is greedy for gain; and from prophet to priest, every one deals falsely.”	An Old Testament lament over pervasive greed and falsehood among religious leaders.
1 Sam 8:3	“But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside, took bribes, and perverted justice.”	Shows how even spiritual leaders can fall into exploitative practices.
John 10:12-13	“He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, and whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees. And the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He cares not for the sheep.”	Depicts a hireling who prioritizes self-interest over the well-being of the flock, unlike a true shepherd.
Acts 20:33-35	“I have not silver or gold or clothing. I know for yourselves that these hands ministered to my needs and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”	Paul reiterates his commitment to labor and self-sufficiency, highlighting generosity over taking.

2 Corinthians 11 verses

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

2 Corinthians 11 20 Meaning

This verse highlights the profound inequality in how followers are treated by those who claim spiritual authority, specifically contrasting Paul's sacrificial, humble approach with the exploitative behavior of false apostles. It exposes how those who dominate others often benefit from their labor and exert control, a stark opposite to the true spirit of servanthood in Christ.

2 Corinthians 11 20 Context

In Second Corinthians, Paul is addressing a deeply divided Corinthian church. A faction had emerged, composed of influential individuals who presented themselves as superior apostles. They questioned Paul’s apostolic authority, likely due to his lack of impressive rhetorical skills, his refusal to charge the Corinthians for his ministry, and his willingness to suffer for the gospel. These individuals, often referred to as "super-apostles," were characterized by their persuasive speech, pride, and a focus on elevating themselves. They gained status and support through manipulative tactics, creating a situation where they benefited financially and socially from the very people they claimed to serve.

Paul, in chapters 10-13, is forced into a position of "boasting" to defend his apostleship, not out of personal pride, but to expose the error of these false teachers and protect the Corinthians from their destructive influence. He uses "foolish" boasting to highlight his suffering, hardships, and genuine love for them, directly contrasting this with the self-serving agenda of his opponents. Verse 20 specifically points out how these intruders were essentially lording it over the Corinthians, controlling them, consuming their resources, and generally taking advantage of their devotion, all under the guise of spiritual leadership.

2 Corinthians 11 20 Word Analysis

εἰ (ei): If. A conditional particle.
γὰρ (gar): for, because. Connects this statement as a reason for previous sentiments.
εἰσπορεύεσθε (eisporeuesthe): you enter in. A present indicative active verb from εἰσπορεύομαι (eisporeuomai). It signifies a deliberate coming in, or admission into a sphere of authority or influence.
ἐὰν (ean): if, whenever. Another conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical situation.
τις (tis): someone, anyone. An indefinite pronoun.
καταδουλῶ (katadoulō): enslaves, brings into bondage. A present indicative active verb from καταδουλῶ (katadoulō). It denotes subjugating someone, often with oppressive force, bringing them under severe bondage. This is a strong word indicating loss of freedom and control.
ὑμῖν (hymin): to you. Dative plural pronoun, referring to the Corinthian believers.
ἤ (ē): or. Conjunction connecting alternatives.
κατεσθίει (katesthiei): devours, consumes. A present indicative active verb from κατεσθίω (katesthiō). This implies not just eating, but consuming completely and wastefully, suggesting exploitation.
εἴ (ei): if. Another conditional particle.
τις (tis): someone, anyone.
ἀφείλεν (apheilen): has taken away, has removed. An aorist indicative active verb from ἀφέω (apheō). It signifies a completed action of taking something by force or wrongfully removing it.
ὑμᾶς (hymas): you. Accusative plural pronoun, the direct object.
ἢ (ē): or.
ὑπερεῖδεν (hypereiden): overlooks, holds in contempt, regards lightly. An aorist indicative active verb from ὑπερείδω (hypereidō). This verb implies looking over or beyond something, often with a dismissive or arrogant attitude, implying a disregard for their worth or feelings.
πῶς (pōs): how. An interrogative adverb.
πῶς (pōs): how.
ψυχικόν (psychikon): sensual, of the soul, belonging to the lower mind. Adjective derived from ψυχή (psychē - soul, mind). Here it can imply operating from worldly wisdom or affections rather than spiritual.

Words-Group Analysis:

εἰ γὰρ εἰσπορεύεσθε... ἐὰν τις καταδουλῶ ὑμῖν ἤ κατεσθίει...: This complex conditional structure vividly describes the manipulative actions of the false teachers. "If someone is entering in" implies their unwelcome, intrusive presence, "if anyone enslaves you" points to their attempt to control and subjugate, and "or devours you" highlights their exploitative consumption of resources and their very being.
ἢ ὑπερεῖδεν πῶς: The structure here implies a continuation of exploitative action, specifically showing how "he overlooks how..." suggesting a disdainful or indifferent posture toward their suffering or the abuse being inflicted. The double "πῶς" might emphasize the manner or extent of this disregard.
ψυχικόν: This adjective applied to those enslaving and devouring suggests their motives are driven by a natural, earthly wisdom, not divine. It points to self-interest and earthly gain as the root of their exploitative behavior.

2 Corinthians 11 20 Bonus Section

The verb "καταδουλῶ" (katadoulō - enslave) is a powerful indictment. It suggests not a voluntary submission but an imposed state of bondage, highlighting the oppressive nature of these teachers. Similarly, "κατεσθίει" (katesthiei - devours) is a strong image of consumption, painting a picture of individuals who drain the resources and lives of others for their own selfish sustenance. The contrast with Paul’s own "foolish" boasting about his weaknesses and suffering underscores his argument that true spiritual leadership is marked by self-sacrifice, not self-enrichment or domination. This verse serves as a timeless warning against leaders who prey on the devotion of their followers, reminding believers to discern the true heart of their shepherds.

2 Corinthians 11 20 Commentary

Paul confronts the Corinthian believers with the stark reality of their treatment by the false apostles. He argues that these individuals impose their will and exert control over the believers, treating them not as fellow children of God but as subordinates to be exploited. The phrase "devours you" speaks of their consuming greed, not just financially but also emotionally and spiritually, taking from the Corinthians what they did not legitimately earn or deserve. Paul’s mention of being "overlooked" in a particular way (likely regarding the believers' own regard for themselves or their well-being) points to a haughty contempt for their rights and feelings. This behavior stands in sharp contrast to the selfless love and service Paul demonstrated, emphasizing the deceitful nature of those who exploit the vulnerable under the guise of spiritual leadership.