2 Corinthians 11 6

2 Corinthians 11:6 kjv

But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

2 Corinthians 11:6 nkjv

Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

2 Corinthians 11:6 niv

I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

2 Corinthians 11:6 esv

Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

2 Corinthians 11:6 nlt

I may be unskilled as a speaker, but I'm not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every possible way.

2 Corinthians 11 verses

2 Corinthians 11 6 Meaning

Paul contends that while his rhetorical abilities might be perceived as lacking sophistication compared to eloquent orators, his depth of understanding in divine truth is not deficient. He firmly asserts that his apostolic ministry, marked by this profound knowledge, has been undeniably and fully demonstrated and recognized by the Corinthians in all aspects of his service among them. The message's power stems from God's revealed truth, not human persuasive speech.

2 Corinthians 11 6 Context

This verse is part of Paul's impassioned defense of his apostleship and his Gospel message against the influence of "false apostles" in Corinth. Throughout 2 Corinthians 10-13, Paul responds to accusations from these teachers, who likely criticized his unimpressive physical presence and perceived lack of rhetorical flair (as noted in 2 Cor 10:10) in comparison to their eloquent and self-aggrandizing style. The Corinthians, being accustomed to Greek rhetorical culture, might have been swayed by such persuasive but hollow speeches. Paul's emphasis in chapter 11 is on highlighting the true marks of an apostle, contrasting his sacrificial, Spirit-led ministry with the self-serving motives of his rivals, who he describes as ministering for personal gain. This specific verse counters the charge of oratorical inadequacy by asserting superior spiritual knowledge and undeniable evidence of divine authorization through his demonstrated life and ministry.

2 Corinthians 11 6 Word analysis

• But though I be rude: Paul begins with εἰ δὲ καὶ ἰδιώτης (ei de kai idiōtēs), literally "Even if I am an idiōtēs".
  • ἰδιώτης (idiōtēs): This Greek term refers to a private person, an amateur, or someone lacking professional skill, particularly rhetorical training or formal education in oratory. It doesn't mean ignorant in general, but rather untrained in the highly prized persuasive techniques of the day. Paul acknowledges how he might be perceived by those who valued eloquent speakers, but does not admit to being genuinely deficient. This humble admission disarms critics.
• in speech: τῷ λόγῳ (tō logō): refers to rhetorical speech, eloquence, or sophisticated speaking ability. Paul deliberately avoided relying on "lofty speech or wisdom" (1 Cor 2:1) because the Gospel's power rests not on human rhetoric but on the Holy Spirit.
• yet not in knowledge: ἀλλ' οὐ τῇ γνώσει (all' ou tē gnōsei): A strong adversative "but," emphasizing a clear contrast.
  • γνώσει (gnōsei): signifies profound, divinely-given understanding, spiritual insight, and familiarity with God's truth, as opposed to worldly wisdom or superficial information. Paul confidently asserts his preeminence in this true knowledge, stemming from divine revelation (Eph 3:3-5).
• but we have been thoroughly made manifest: ἀλλ' ἐν παντὶ φανερώσαντες (all' en panti phanerōthentes), with an emphasis on "but" (ἀλλ').
  • φανερωθέντες (phanerōthentes): aorist passive participle, "having been made manifest/plain." It suggests a clear and public demonstration. The passive voice hints at divine enablement in this manifestation. Paul and his ministry were not merely seen but revealed for what they truly were, without concealment.
• among you in all things: ἐν πᾶσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς (en pasin eis hymas): The repetition of "all" (implied "every way" / "all things") serves as a powerful emphasis.
  • ἐν πᾶσιν (en pasin): "in every way" or "in all circumstances/respects." This is a comprehensive claim, covering every facet of Paul's ministry, teaching, conduct, and interactions in Corinth.
  • εἰς ὑμᾶς (eis hymas): "unto you" or "to you." Directly applies the manifestation to the Corinthians themselves, who were eyewitnesses to his life and work among them.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge": This phrase establishes a crucial contrast. Paul willingly concedes perceived weakness in rhetorical presentation (a human skill highly valued by many in Corinth) to forcefully assert his undisputed strength in divine knowledge and truth. He reframes what others saw as a disadvantage into a non-issue compared to the essential quality of an apostle.
• "Indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things": This declaration serves as concrete evidence to back Paul's claim. His deep knowledge was not theoretical but practically manifested. The double emphasis on "every way" and "all things" stresses the comprehensive nature of this revelation; nothing was hidden or left unclear during his time with them. This 'plain-making' encompassed his preaching, character, miracles, sufferings, and lifestyle, demonstrating his authentic divine commission.

2 Corinthians 11 6 Bonus section

Paul's concession about being "rude in speech" (KJV) or "unskilled in speaking" is not an admission of genuine ignorance, but rather a strategic rhetorical move called prolepsis where he anticipates and briefly grants a point to his opponents only to turn around and powerfully refute its implications. This tactic highlights his commitment to the content of the Gospel, not its package. His letters, after all, show profound theological depth and complex rhetorical arguments when he chooses to employ them, proving he was intellectually capable. His "weakness" in speech, therefore, was likely an intentional choice to ensure that "your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (1 Cor 2:5), contrasting with the self-aggrandizing manner of the false apostles. The manifestation was evident not just in his words but in his conduct and the accompanying signs of an apostle, as attested throughout his ministry.

2 Corinthians 11 6 Commentary

2 Corinthians 11:6 is a potent statement of apostolic integrity. Paul skillfully handles a criticism—his perceived lack of oratorical prowess—by admitting it if true, then immediately and emphatically redirecting to what truly matters: his superior, God-given knowledge and the undeniable proof of his authentic ministry. This verse underscores that the effectiveness of the Gospel and its true messengers does not rely on human eloquence or persuasive techniques but on divine revelation, spiritual insight, and a transparent life that demonstrates God's power. Paul is not advocating for poor communication, but for prioritizing content over superficial style. He challenges the Corinthians to discern based on substance (knowledge, truth, character, divine manifestation) rather than superficial showmanship, a common trap in their culture. His mission was about truth proclaimed and lives transformed, which had been thoroughly demonstrated through every aspect of his conduct among them.