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 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 11:7 | Did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted...? | Paul's sacrificial service |
| Acts 18:3 | Paul worked as a tentmaker. | Paul's occupation |
| 1 Cor 9:12 | Paul did not claim his right to financial support from the Corinthians. | Paul's refusal of support |
| 1 Cor 9:14 | The Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel. | Lord's ordinance concerning support |
| Phil 4:15 | The Philippians supported Paul financially in the past. | Corinthian support vs. Philippian |
| 1 Thes 2:9 | Paul worked night and day to avoid being a burden. | Paul's diligent labor |
| 2 Thes 3:8 | Paul sets an example of working for a living. | Apostolic example of work |
| Gal 4:12 | Paul pleaded with the Galatians to be as he was. | Paul's plea for conformity |
| Eph 4:28 | Believers should labor honestly for their needs and to give to the needy. | Principle of honest labor |
| John 6:27 | Jesus encourages working for food that endures to eternal life. | Spiritual labor for eternal reward |
| Acts 20:34 | Paul supported himself and his companions with his own hands. | Paul's provision for his team |
| 1 Tim 5:17 | Elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially those laboring in word and doctrine. | Honoring elders in ministry |
| Heb 13:5 | Be content with your own things, for He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." | Contentment and God's provision |
| Rom 15:1 | We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak. | Bearing infirmities |
| 2 Cor 12:13 | Paul asked if he had wronged the Corinthians in any way, then stated he had not been a burden. | Paul's self-assessment |
| 2 Cor 13:5 | Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. | Self-examination of faith |
| Gal 1:10 | Paul seeks to please God, not men. | Paul's motivation |
| 1 Cor 10:33 | Paul pleased everyone in everything, not seeking his own profit but the profit of many. | Paul's goal of pleasing others for good |
| Prov 14:31 | Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker. | Respect for the poor |
| 2 Cor 11:20 | Paul allowed others to exercise dominion over them, devour them, take from them. | Contrasting behavior with others |
2 Corinthians 11 verses
2 Corinthians 11 7 Meaning
The Apostle Paul, addressing the church at Corinth, asserts that he has not committed an injustice or acted dishonestly by proclaiming the gospel of God freely, even though he labored diligently for his own support and that of his companions. He emphasizes his self-sufficiency through manual labor, a practice that set him apart from others who might seek to exploit the Corinthian believers for financial gain.
2 Corinthians 11 7 Context
This verse is situated in the latter part of 2 Corinthians chapter 11, where Paul is passionately defending his apostolic authority and integrity. He is contrasting himself with "super-apostles" who were deceiving the Corinthian church with eloquent speech and spiritual claims. Paul, by recounting his sufferings, weaknesses, and his commitment to proclaiming the gospel without financial burden, sought to reveal God's power working through him and to expose the false apostles' self-serving motives. He is essentially saying he deliberately made himself less esteemed in their eyes, humbling himself by working with his hands, so that his ministry to them spiritually would be more highly valued and they would be spiritually uplifted.
2 Corinthians 11 7 Word Analysis
"But" (ἀλλὰ - alla): A conjunction signifying a strong contrast. It highlights the difference between his action and what others might expect or accuse him of.
"I" (ἐγώ - ego): Emphasizes the personal nature of his defense. He is speaking about his own conduct.
"have you" (ὑμᾶς - hymas): The plural "you," referring to the church at Corinth as a community.
"lowered" (ἐλάττωσα - elatosa): Derived from ἐλαττόω (elattoo), meaning to make less, diminish, or humble. Paul chose to make himself "lesser" in their eyes.
"myself" (ἐμαυτόν - emauton): The reflexive pronoun, indicating the action is directed back at himself.
"that" (ἵνα - hina): A conjunction of purpose, introducing the reason for his self-abasement.
"you" (ὑμεῖς - humeis): Again, the plural "you," emphasizing the Corinthian believers.
"might" (ᾖτε - ete): The subjunctive mood of εἰμί (eimi), "to be." It expresses a potential outcome.
"exalted" (ὑψωθῇτε - hypsothete): Derived from ὑψόω (hypsóo), meaning to lift up, exalt, raise high. The passive voice indicates they were to be made exalted.
Grouped analysis:
- "lowered myself, that you might be exalted": This encapsulates Paul's central argument – his humility was for their spiritual elevation. He intentionally adopted a less impressive, even lowly, status (by working manually) so that their spiritual reception of the gospel and their spiritual growth would be paramount. This contrasts with the false apostles who sought personal exaltation and gain.
2 Corinthians 11 7 Bonus Section
Paul’s self-support through manual labor, as mentioned here and in other epistles, was a cornerstone of his ministry. It served multiple purposes: it prevented accusations of covetousness or seeking personal gain from the gospel message, it provided an example of diligence and integrity for believers, and it safeguarded the purity of the gospel by removing potential financial entanglements that could compromise its proclamation. This was a stark contrast to the mercenary approach of some "super-apostles" who preyed on churches for personal enrichment and prestige. Paul’s humility and sacrifice were expressions of love for the Corinthian believers, aiming for their true spiritual exaltation in Christ.
2 Corinthians 11 7 Commentary
Paul argues that his personal humility, particularly in earning his own livelihood, was a deliberate act for the spiritual benefit of the Corinthians. He humbled himself by not availing himself of financial support from them, which could have been perceived as a right according to Scripture. This selfless act was intended to "exalt" them, meaning to spiritually uplift them and establish them firmly in the truth of the gospel, free from any strings attached to financial obligations. His work as a tentmaker was not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of his unwavering commitment and a deliberate choice to place their spiritual well-being above his own comfort or claim. He is essentially saying, "By my humbling myself to work, I made sure my spiritual ministry to you was not compromised by financial dependency, and this allowed you to be more truly exalted in Christ."