2 Corinthians 11 7

2 Corinthians 11:7 kjv

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

2 Corinthians 11:7 nkjv

Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?

2 Corinthians 11:7 niv

Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge?

2 Corinthians 11:7 esv

Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?

2 Corinthians 11:7 nlt

Was I wrong when I humbled myself and honored you by preaching God's Good News to you without expecting anything in return?

2 Corinthians 11 verses

2 Corinthians 11 7 Meaning

Paul rhetorically asks whether his voluntary decision to humble himself by financially supporting his own ministry was a sin. His aim was to allow the Corinthian believers to be spiritually exalted and receive God's Gospel without any financial burden. This question subtly challenges his critics who might have used his self-sufficiency against him, asserting his pure motives and integrity in delivering the good news as a free gift.

2 Corinthians 11 7 Context

This verse is situated in 2 Corinthians chapter 11, where Paul is reluctantly forced into "boasting like a fool" to defend his apostolic authority and genuine ministry against infiltrating "false apostles" or "super-apostles." These opponents were likely charging the Corinthian church for their teaching, possibly mocking Paul's refusal of payment as a sign of weakness or inferior standing. The historical and cultural context is important: in Greco-Roman society, many traveling rhetoricians and philosophers (sophists) charged fees. Paul's act of self-sufficiency was counter-cultural; while it could signify dedication, the Corinthians might have seen it as implying a lack of value in his teaching, prompting this sarcastic defense. Paul emphasizes his voluntary sacrifice was to remove any potential barrier for the Corinthians to receive the pure Gospel, which his rivals corrupted with burdensome demands.

2 Corinthians 11 7 Word analysis

• Did I commit sin (ἢ ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησα): This is a rhetorical question, carrying a tone of sarcasm or indignation. Paul is effectively saying, "Surely, it wasn't a sin, was it?" The Greek hamartian signifies "sin," "missing the mark," or moral transgression, implying his accusers might have suggested his unpaid service was some form of moral failure.

• in abasing myself (ἐμαυτὸν ταπεινῶν): Emauton is "myself," a reflexive pronoun indicating a deliberate, self-initiated action. Tapeinōn (from tapeinoō) means "to humble, to make low, to abase." It denotes a voluntary lowering of status or privilege, as opposed to being externally humiliated. Paul's act was purposeful and chosen.

• that ye might be exalted (ἵνα ὑμεῖς ὑψωθῆτε): Hina expresses purpose. Hymeis is "you" (plural, referring to the Corinthians). Hypsōthēte (from hypsoo) means "to be lifted up," "to be elevated," "to be exalted." Here, it refers to spiritual elevation—growth in faith, understanding, and closeness to God—achieved without the burden of financial obligation to Paul.

• because I preached (ὅτι εὐηγγελισάμην): Hoti means "because" or "since," linking his self-abasement directly to the method and outcome of his ministry. Euangelisamen is the verb form of "to preach the good news" or "to proclaim the gospel."

• to you (ὑμῖν): "to you" (plural), again, specifying the Corinthian audience.

• the gospel (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον): "the good news." This refers to the core message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

• of God (τοῦ θεοῦ): This possessive phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message, contrasting it with human teachings or the self-serving doctrines of his opponents. It's God's message, not Paul's.

• freely (δωρεὰν): Dōrean means "gratuitously," "without payment," "as a gift." This adverb is crucial; it underscores Paul's distinct mode of operation. It removed any financial barrier or hint of mercenary motivation, ensuring the Gospel's pure reception and reflecting the gratuitous nature of God's grace itself.

• "Did I commit sin in abasing myself that ye might be exalted?": This phrase presents a profound paradox, typical of Paul's theology. His chosen self-lowering ("abasing myself") directly serves the spiritual upliftment ("might be exalted") of others. This echoes Christ's example (Phil 2:5-8), where His profound humility led to humanity's redemption and His own ultimate exaltation.

• "because I preached to you the gospel of God freely?": This group of words provides the rationale and the means for the "exaltation." Preaching "the gospel of God" (a divine, not human, message) and doing it "freely" (without charge) eliminated potential financial exploitation, ensured accessibility, and highlighted God's grace as a free gift, thereby facilitating genuine spiritual growth and exaltation.

2 Corinthians 11 7 Bonus section

Paul’s choice to work with his hands, especially in a trade considered common, could have been viewed as undignified by some of the more status-conscious Corinthians, particularly in comparison to the "super-apostles" who likely presented themselves with impressive rhetoric and demanded support. However, for Paul, this was a conscious embodiment of Christ's servanthood and a tangible demonstration of his unblemished motives. This verse also implicitly contrasts the true nature of God's grace—freely given—with any teaching that would demand payment or impose financial burdens, exposing the mercenary spirit of his opponents and upholding the spiritual value over worldly gain. It's a testament to the powerful counter-cultural ethics of the Kingdom of God.

2 Corinthians 11 7 Commentary

Paul's poignant, rhetorical question in 2 Corinthians 11:7 brilliantly defends his integrity and the authenticity of his apostleship. He challenged his critics by highlighting that his intentional act of humbling himself, refusing financial support from the Corinthians, was not a deficiency but a strategic and loving choice. This sacrifice allowed the priceless "gospel of God" to be freely received, removing any material obstacle or potential accusation of self-gain. His aim was the Corinthians' spiritual exaltation, providing an unmistakable contrast to the false apostles who likely demanded payment. This choice amplified the message that God's salvation is an unmerited gift, underscoring the selfless nature of true ministry.

• Practical Examples: A minister foregoing a salary in a nascent church to prevent financial strain on new converts, or a church leadership team deciding against lavish building projects to ensure funds are always available for outreach and social welfare programs, echoing Paul’s principle of removing burdens for the sake of the Gospel's reception.