2 Corinthians 11 21

2 Corinthians 11:21 kjv

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

2 Corinthians 11:21 nkjv

To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold?I speak foolishly?I am bold also.

2 Corinthians 11:21 niv

To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! Whatever anyone else dares to boast about?I am speaking as a fool?I also dare to boast about.

2 Corinthians 11:21 esv

To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of ? I am speaking as a fool ? I also dare to boast of that.

2 Corinthians 11:21 nlt

I'm ashamed to say that we've been too "weak" to do that! But whatever they dare to boast about ? I'm talking like a fool again ? I dare to boast about it, too.

2 Corinthians 11 verses

2 Corinthians 11 21 Meaning

In 2 Corinthians 11:21, Paul uses sharp irony to challenge the Corinthians' perception of strength and weakness, which has been distorted by false apostles. He sarcastically admits to being "too weak" for the domineering and financially exploitative methods of his opponents. By stating he speaks "as a fool," Paul prepares to engage in their style of "boasting" but intends to redefine what truly constitutes Christian strength and apostolic credibility, focusing on suffering and humility rather than worldly showmanship.

2 Corinthians 11 21 Context

2 Corinthians 11:21 is found within Paul's forceful defense of his apostleship against false apostles who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. Chapters 10-13 form a critical section where Paul addresses his authority, credentials, and relationship with the Corinthians. The false apostles likely boasted of their worldly wisdom, eloquence, connections, and perhaps even demanded financial support, creating a perceived superiority over Paul, whose gentle and non-demanding approach was misconstrued as weakness.

Specifically, verses 19-20 set the immediate stage: Paul notes that the Corinthians "gladly put up with fools" and even tolerate abuse, exploitation, and arrogance from these interlopers. Verse 21 then introduces Paul's biting sarcasm. He sarcastically contrasts his "weakness"—his refusal to exploit or dominate them—with the boldness of his opponents. This verse serves as a crucial transition point. Having established their willingness to endure genuine harm from others, Paul prepares to adopt the opponents' "foolish" method of self-commendation, not to genuinely boast, but to highlight the true marks of an apostle by contrasting them with the false ones, which he begins detailing from verse 23 onwards.

2 Corinthians 11 21 Word analysis

• πρὸς (pros) - "to" or "towards." Here it suggests the object or reason for his statement – it is "to our shame" that he must speak. It carries the nuance of directing the confession at their misguided perceptions.
• ἀτιμίαν (atimian) - "shame," "dishonor," "disgrace." This word conveys deep ignominy. Paul ironically takes on the shame attributed to him by those who considered his humility and lack of assertiveness as weakness or failure, thus making him "dishonorable" in their worldly eyes.
• ἐρῶ (erō) - "I will say," or "I speak." It is a deliberate, emphatic statement, signaling a specific and calculated address from Paul.
• ὡς (hōs) - "as," "as if," "that." In this context, combined with hoti, it strongly conveys irony, indicating that Paul's "admission" of weakness is a rhetorical pretense, not a literal belief.
• ὅτι (hoti) - "that" or "because." Often functions as a simple conjunction, but here intensifies the ironic tone set by hōs, making it "as if that."
• ἡμεῖς (hemeis) - "we ourselves," "we." Paul includes himself directly, personifying the perceived "weakness" he is about to explain, representing his apostolic band.
• ἠσθενήκαμεν (ēsthenēkamen) - "we have been weak." (From astheneō - to be weak, sick, feeble). This is a perfect active indicative verb, emphasizing a state of weakness that has continued from the past to the present. Paul's "weakness" refers to his non-exploitative, suffering-filled ministry style, perceived as a disadvantage by the Corinthian world and the "super-apostles."
• ἐν ᾧ δ' (en hō d') - "But in whatever," "However in that which." A strong adversative conjunction that signals a shift or contrast in Paul's statement.
• ἄν τις (an tis) - "anyone," "whosoever." It indicates a general, hypothetical person, particularly pointing to his opponents, the false apostles, without naming them explicitly yet.
• τολμᾷ (tolmā) - "dares," "is bold," "presumes." (From tolmaō). This word carries a connotation of presumptuous courage, often in a negative sense, bordering on arrogance or recklessness. It reflects the audacious boasting of his rivals.
• ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ (en aphrosynē) - "in foolishness," "in senselessness," "in irrationality." (From aphrosynē). Paul overtly declares his forthcoming words to be "foolish," identifying with the label applied to him and deliberately adopting the opponents' "foolish" mode of speech and comparison. He explicitly notes this departure from his usual rhetoric, signaling to the reader not to take his upcoming boast seriously on a worldly level.
• λαλῶ (lalō) - "I speak." (From laleō - to speak, to talk). It highlights the act of speech, clarifying that his "foolishness" is verbal and intentional.
• τολμῶ (tolmō) - "I dare," "I am bold." This is the same verb as earlier, mirroring the opponents' presumed "boldness." Paul asserts his own willingness to participate in their "daring," albeit with a radically different substance and purpose.
• κἀγώ (kagō) - "I also," "and I." The conjunction 'kai' joined with 'egō' emphasizes that Paul too is capable and willing to act in this manner, intensifying the rhetorical challenge.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "To our shame, I must say," - (πρὸς ἀτιμίαν ἐρῶ). Paul initiates his argument with profound irony. He casts himself in a negative light, adopting the judgment likely passed upon him by his rivals and potentially by some Corinthians. He's saying, in essence, "If being meek and not dominating you is considered shameful by the world, then I confess to that shame."
• "we are too weak for that!" - (ὡς ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἠσθενήκαμεν). This statement is the core of Paul's sarcasm. His perceived "weakness" lies in his refusal to engage in the abusive and self-aggrandizing behaviors of the false apostles (such as making the Corinthians "slaves," "devouring" them, "taking advantage," "putting on airs," or "striking them in the face," as listed in v. 20). He is sarcastically admitting to a weakness that is, in fact, his strength—his Christ-like humility and servant leadership.
• "But whatever anyone else dares to boast about—" - (ἐν ᾧ δ' ἄν τις τολμᾷ). This phrase transitions to the "super-apostles." It indicates that while Paul's perceived weakness prevented him from acting like them, he is now ready to match their level of audacity and "daring" in a different form. It highlights the comparison that is about to ensue.
• "I am speaking as a fool—" - (ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ λαλῶ). Paul explicitly frames his upcoming "boasting" as foolishness. This disarms potential critics who might accuse him of pride while also ironically adopting the very mode of discourse the false apostles embodied. It's a preemptive strike, allowing him to play their game on his terms.
• "I also dare to boast about." - (τολμῶ κἀγώ). This concludes the ironic setup. Paul affirms his equal willingness to engage in the audacious "boasting" contest. He accepts the challenge, but with the explicit understanding that his boasting will expose the vacuity of his opponents' claims and elevate the true meaning of apostolic suffering and service.

2 Corinthians 11 21 Bonus section

The concept of Paul's "weakness" is a recurring and central theological theme in his letters, especially 2 Corinthians. Here, it is first introduced sarcastically but leads into his genuine articulation of weakness as the locus of God's power (e.g., 2 Cor 12:9-10). The Corinthians, influenced by Greco-Roman values, equated strength with rhetoric, wealth, and powerful influence. Paul, however, redefines strength in Christ through humility, suffering, and dependence on God. His statement, "to our shame, I must say, we are too weak for that!" is a reductio ad absurdum – taking his opponents' and Corinthians' premise of his "weakness" and carrying it to its absurd conclusion that his weakness lies in not exploiting them. This sets up the grand ironic narrative that follows, culminating in the paradoxical truth that Christ's power is perfected in human weakness.

2 Corinthians 11 21 Commentary

2 Corinthians 11:21 marks a critical pivot in Paul's defense. Faced with "super-apostles" who boasted in worldly credentials and exploited the Corinthians, Paul employs intense sarcasm. His declaration of "weakness" is a cutting retort: he refuses to participate in their manipulative, domineering tactics which the Corinthians had foolishly tolerated (v. 20). This "weakness" is, in reality, his Christ-like character of self-sacrifice and humble service. By overtly stating "I am speaking as a fool," Paul intentionally sets the stage for a dramatic contrast. He agrees to "boast" like his opponents, but his subsequent list of sufferings (vv. 23-27), revelations (ch. 12), and thorn in the flesh will highlight an utterly counter-cultural and counter-intuitive "strength" found only in Christ, thereby exposing the superficiality of the false apostles' claims and the misguided judgments of the Corinthians. This verse encapsulates Paul's brilliant rhetorical strategy to defend his genuine apostleship by embracing the very labels (weak, foolish) that his opponents hurled at him.