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

This verse powerfully asserts Paul's supposed "foolishness" in boasting about his apostleship, highlighting his willingness to be seen as lacking honor and distinction by comparison to the "super-apostles." He states that if he were to boast, he would be boasting in his weaknesses, a paradoxical act of pride in humility for Christ's sake.

2 Corinthians 11 21 Context

In 2 Corinthians 10-13, Paul defends his apostleship against a faction of "super-apostles" who were questioning his authority and credentials. They relied on outward appearances, human wisdom, and possibly miraculous powers to assert their superiority. Paul, conversely, was employing a strategy of apparent weakness, which he paradoxically uses as a means of authentic spiritual strength. This specific verse is part of an extended section where Paul acknowledges he might be perceived as boasting or acting like a fool. He argues that if boasting is necessary to contrast himself with his opponents and to exalt Christ, he would rather boast about his infirmities. This defense is not for self-aggrandizement but to protect the Corinthians from false apostles and to present Christ’s power in his apparent weakness. The historical context involves a deep personal struggle within the Corinthian church, marked by division and external pressures that undermined apostolic authority.

2 Corinthians 11 21 Word Analysis

• εἰ μὲν οὖν (ei men oun): "If indeed, therefore" or "For if therefore." This is a conjunction introducing a hypothetical condition with a conclusive tone, acknowledging a previous point and moving to a specific conclusion or statement of fact. It signals Paul's willingness to enter into a specific line of argument.

• ὑμῖν (hymin): "to you" (plural). Direct address to the Corinthian believers.

• δοκεῖν (dokein): "to seem," "to think," "to appear." Refers to what the Corinthians perceived or thought about Paul, emphasizing the subjective nature of their judgment and the disparity between their perception and his reality.

• εἶναι (einai): "to be." The infinitive of "to be," functioning here with "dokein" to mean "to seem to be" or "to be considered."

• ἄφρων (aphrōn): "foolish," "senseless," "unwise." A strong term of disparagement used by Paul in reference to how his actions (boasting in his weaknesses) might appear to them, contrasting it with the "wisdom" lauded by his opponents. It is the adjective form from which "foolishness" is derived.

• ἀλλά (alla): "but." A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a direct contrast or exception.

• καὶ (kai): "and," "even." Used here to intensify the statement, meaning "but even you" or "but also you," suggesting they would indeed bear with him even if he continued in this seemingly foolish manner.

• ὑμεῖς (hymeis): "you" (plural). Emphasizes the direct recipients of his words, highlighting their responsibility to tolerate his seemingly irrational stance for the sake of ministry.

• ἀνέχεσθέ (anechesthe): "bear with," "tolerate," "put up with" (imperative, middle voice). A crucial verb indicating a call for patience and forbearance from the Corinthians. It signifies a voluntary endurance of something unpleasant or difficult.

• μου (mou): "me" (genitive of possession or attribution). "Bear with me."

• ἐὰν (ean): "if" (concessive). Another conditional particle, similar to "ei," but often implying a stronger hypothetical or even a slight degree of skepticism.

• οὖν (oun): "therefore," "then." A connective particle that draws a logical inference or consequence from what has been stated or implied.

• κᾀν (kan): This is a contraction of καὶ ἐάν (kai ean), meaning "even if" or "and if." It intensifies the hypothetical situation being presented.

• καυχάομαι (kauchaomai): "to boast," "to glory," "to exult." The central verb related to the theme of boasting, which Paul handles with extreme caution, contrasting empty boasting with genuine grounds for glory.

• καυχάσῃ (kauchasai): "you should boast." The aorist subjunctive, second person singular, from kauchaomai. Here, it refers to what the Corinthians might do or acknowledge, that he could also boast.

• κᾀν (kan): "even if." Again, indicating the concession Paul makes.

• ἀφρονέστερον (aphronesteron): "more foolishly," "more like a fool" (comparative adverb). This comparative form highlights that while their perception might label his actions as "foolish," he would go even "more foolishly" by boasting in his weaknesses.

• ὑμῶν (hymōn): "your," "of you" (plural). Indicates possession or belonging. "Even more foolishly of me" could be implied in some interpretations, but the sense is more that his boasting would be more foolish than whatever they perceive.

Words-Group Analysis

• δοκεῖν εἶναι ἄφρων (dokein einaiaphrōn): "to seem to be foolish." This phrase encapsulates the external judgment the Corinthians might have passed on Paul. It highlights the disconnect between perception and reality that Paul often navigated. He acknowledges this perception but pivots to his actual stance.

• ἀλλὰ καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀνέχεσθέ μου (alla kai hymeis anechesthe mou): "but even you bear with me." This is a plea for understanding and tolerance. Paul asks them to continue bearing with him even in this potentially "foolish" line of defense, suggesting their tolerance is crucial for their spiritual welfare and his continued ministry.

• καὶ γὰρ κᾀν καυχάομαι (kai gar kan kauchaomai): "For even if I boast." This connects his potential boasting directly to the reasons why they should bear with him. He concedes the possibility and reiterates that if he does boast, it will be in specific ways.

• κᾀν ἀφρονέστερον (kan aphronesteron): "even more foolishly." This anticipates the Corinthians’ negative reaction but states his willingness to embrace that label if it means demonstrating the truth of Christ. It's a declaration of surrender to the apparent discredit, finding strength in it.

2 Corinthians 11 21 Bonus Section

This verse demonstrates a principle of theological humility. Paul understood that true spiritual authority is not derived from human accolades or worldly success, but from divine empowerment working through dependence on God. His willingness to embrace the label of "fool" for Christ's sake is a powerful polemic against the Corinthian preoccupation with worldly wisdom and prestige. He suggests that genuine faith recognizes God’s power where the world sees weakness, aligning with the Gospel message itself, which proclaimed a crucified Messiah, a concept that was foolishness to Greeks and a stumbling block to Jews. His defense here is not defensive; it is strategic, drawing attention to the source of his true strength—the resurrected Christ operating through his frailties.

2 Corinthians 11 21 Commentary

Paul masterfully navigates the accusation of foolishness. He concedes that his manner of ministry, focusing on weakness and suffering rather than outward showmanship, might appear foolish to them, especially in contrast to the glib confidence of the "super-apostles." However, he flips this by stating that if they think him foolish, they should tolerate him, because his foolishness is, in fact, for their sake. His boast would be in his weaknesses. This isn't a claim for personal superiority, but a testament to how God's power is made perfect in human frailty. He invites them to endure his "foolishness" because it ultimately serves to reveal Christ's power and authenticity in ministry, unlike the superficiality of his rivals.