2 Corinthians 11:8 kjv
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
2 Corinthians 11:8 nkjv
I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.
2 Corinthians 11:8 niv
I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you.
2 Corinthians 11:8 esv
I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.
2 Corinthians 11:8 nlt
I "robbed" other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost.
2 Corinthians 11 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 11:9 | "And when I was present with you, and in need, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself." | Further elaborates on his financial self-sufficiency |
| Acts 18:3 | "And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their craft they were tentmakers." | Mentions Paul's tentmaking profession |
| Acts 20:34 | "Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me." | Paul refers to his own manual labor |
| 1 Thess 2:9 | "For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God." | Similar statement about working to not burden believers |
| 2 Thess 3:8 | "Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:" | Reinforces the principle of not being a financial burden |
| Phil 4:15 | "Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only." | Highlights the Philippian church's support |
| 1 Cor 9:12 | "If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Yet we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ." | Paul explains foregoing rights for the gospel's sake |
| 1 Cor 9:14 | "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." | Establishes the principle of financial support for ministers |
| 2 Cor 11:12 | "But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we." | Explains the strategic reason behind his actions |
| 1 Cor 4:12 | "And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer;" | Mentions working with their own hands |
| John 6:27 | "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed." | Contrasts earthly labor with spiritual labor |
| Prov 22:29 | "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." | Value of diligence and hard work |
| Gal 2:9 | "And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision." | Paul's recognition by other apostles |
| Rom 15:26 | "For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem." | Mentions contributions for needy believers |
| 1 Cor 4:1 | "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." | Emphasizes the role of ministers |
| Acts 18:18 | "And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and went thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; sailing into Asia: having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow." | Paul's continued ministry and travels |
| 1 Thess 4:11 | "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;" | Exhortation to work diligently |
| Eph 4:28 | "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his own hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." | Encourages honest labor and generosity |
| 2 Cor 10:12 | "For we dare not compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." | Contrasts Paul's self-assessment with others' |
| Titus 1:7 | "For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre;" | Qualities of good leadership include integrity |
| Heb 13:5 | "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." | Encouragement against covetousness |
2 Corinthians 11 verses
2 Corinthians 11 8 Meaning
The verse signifies Paul's dedication to supporting himself and his companions, Silas and Timothy, by working tirelessly. This was done so that his ministry to the Corinthians would not cost them financially, demonstrating a selfless approach to ministry and contrasting with the methods of "super-apostles" who exploited the churches. Paul establishes that his legitimate apostleship did not involve taking advantage of them for personal gain.
2 Corinthians 11 8 Context
In Second Corinthians, Paul is engaged in a rigorous defense of his apostleship against a faction of self-proclaimed "super-apostles" who were undermining his authority and distorting the gospel. These individuals likely operated with a different model of ministry, possibly exploiting the Corinthians financially for personal gain and prestige. Chapter 11, in particular, serves as a sustained polemic against these false apostles. Paul contrasts his own authentic ministry, characterized by suffering and selfless service, with their deceptive practices. He highlights his own needs being met by divine provision and the support of other churches (like the Philippians) so as not to be a burden to the Corinthian church. This specific verse serves as a concrete example of his commitment to not being a financial burden, underscoring his genuine concern for the Corinthians and his commitment to the purity of the gospel. The immediate preceding verses detail Paul's boasting not in his own accomplishments but in his weaknesses and tribulations, which are proof of Christ's power.
2 Corinthians 11 8 Word Analysis
"I have robbed":
- Transliteration: Oyk estin [Ouk estin]
- Meaning: "Is not," "It is not." The strong negation here is crucial.
"other churches":
- Transliteration: allas ekklisias [allas ekklēsias]
- Meaning: "other assemblies" or "other congregations." This refers to churches outside of Corinth.
"taking wages":
- Transliteration: misthoV apodidWnai [misthos apodidOnai]
- Meaning: "wages to be given" or "to pay a salary." The phrase indicates receiving payment for services rendered. The verb "apodidŌnai" means to pay back, give what is due, or reward. Paul states he did not receive wages from them.
Group analysis: The entire phrase "I have robbed other churches, taking wages" is a strong rhetorical statement of what Paul did not do. It's framed as a negation of theft or improper financial gain.
2 Corinthians 11 8 Bonus Section
This practice of Paul aligns with the Old Testament concept of the Levites supporting themselves through their ministry when land grants were not a factor, and the Nazirite vow often involved self-sufficiency. The emphasis on self-support also reflects a desire to present the gospel unhindered by any perception of financial self-interest, a principle Jesus Himself alluded to by instructing His disciples to take no money bag or extra tunic on their first mission (Matt 10:9-10), though later they were to take money for necessities. Paul's action here is a practical demonstration of love and respect for the Corinthians, ensuring their spiritual progress was not hampered by financial burdens or suspicion.
2 Corinthians 11 8 Commentary
Paul asserts that he acted differently from the false apostles by not accepting financial support from the Corinthian church, as it would have compromised his ministry or given the appearance of greed. Instead, he deliberately supported himself and his companions through manual labor, as they were tentmakers by trade (Acts 18:3). This allowed the gospel to be preached to the Corinthians freely. He did receive support from other churches, notably the Philippians (Phil 4:15), which demonstrates that he was not begging or a destitute wanderer, but was strategically self-sufficient to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of his ministry to Corinth. His point is to showcase the genuine nature of his apostleship, marked by sacrifice and a desire to avoid any form of exploitation, in stark contrast to the exploitative practices of his adversaries.