2 Corinthians 11:9 kjv
And when I was present with you, and wanted, 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.
2 Corinthians 11:9 nkjv
And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.
2 Corinthians 11:9 niv
And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.
2 Corinthians 11:9 esv
And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
2 Corinthians 11:9 nlt
And when I was with you and didn't have enough to live on, I did not become a financial burden to anyone. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me all that I needed. I have never been a burden to you, and I never will be.
2 Corinthians 11 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 11:9 | ...and when I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone... | Paul's self-sacrificing ministry |
| 1 Cor 9:12 | If others share this right over you, do not we have more? But we did not use this right, but we endure all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. | Paul prioritizes the Gospel over rights |
| 1 Thess 2:9 | For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. | Paul worked to not be a burden |
| Acts 18:3 | and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. | Paul's practical provision |
| Acts 20:33 | I have not silver or gold or apparel of anyone. | Paul's material detachment |
| 2 Cor 11:10 | as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. | Paul's unwavering conviction |
| Phil 4:15 | And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. | Philippians supported Paul |
| 2 Thess 3:8 | nor did we eat anyones bread without paying for it, but with labor and toil we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. | Paul's diligent work |
| Rom 15:26 | For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. | Corinth was in Achaia, which contributed |
| 1 Cor 9:18 | What then is my reward? That when I proclaim the gospel, I may give the gospel without charge, making full use of my right in the gospel. | Paul's goal for free ministry |
| Gal 2:6 | And from those who seemed to be of influence (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) – those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. | Paul's independence of spirit |
| 1 Cor 1:17 | For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. | Paul's primary mission |
| Matt 10:8 | Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without paying. | Jesus' directive to His disciples |
| Luke 10:7 | And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not move from house to house. | Jesus' instruction on support |
| 1 Tim 5:17 | Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and doctrine. | Support for church leaders |
| Acts 20:24 | But I do not account my life of any consequence to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. | Paul's devotion to ministry |
| 2 Cor 12:15 | I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? | Paul's sacrificial love |
| Phil 2:30 | because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. | Epaphroditus' sacrificial service |
| 2 Cor 5:15 | and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. | Motivation for selfless living |
| John 6:27 | Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. | Focus on spiritual sustenance |
2 Corinthians 11 verses
2 Corinthians 11 9 Meaning
Paul expresses his ongoing commitment to the Corinthians, assuring them he will continue to not burden them financially. He stands firm on this principle because he desires to demonstrate his genuine apostleship, especially in light of the criticisms he faced. His aim is not to be financially supported by them, but rather to freely give the gospel.
2 Corinthians 11 9 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 11 finds Paul defending his apostolic authority against false apostles who were undermining his ministry in Corinth. These opponents were likely promoting a different version of the gospel and perhaps emphasizing their own credentials or financial dealings with the church. Paul recounts his sufferings and weaknesses for Christ, turning them into grounds for boasting. In this particular verse, he reinforces his consistent practice of self-sufficiency, particularly financial self-sufficiency, when he was with them in need. This was a deliberate choice to ensure his motives were pure and his gospel untainted by any suspicion of financial exploitation. He was determined to demonstrate his genuine apostleship not by demanding support, but by freely offering the priceless gift of the gospel. This action contrasted sharply with the practices of his adversaries, who likely sought to profit from their ministry.
2 Corinthians 11 9 Word analysis
και (kai): "and". A common conjunction linking clauses, indicating sequence or addition.
όταν (hotan): "when". Temporal conjunction introducing a condition or circumstance.
παρην (paren): "I was present". Imperfect tense of
parēmi, meaning to be present, to be near. It describes a continuous state in the past.εμου (emou): "of me", "my". Genitive case pronoun.
υμιν (hymin): "to you", "you". Dative case plural pronoun.
υστερημα (husterēma): "a lack", "a deficiency", "need". Refers to a state of not having enough, poverty, or want.
είχον (eichon): "I had", "I held". Imperfect tense of
echō, indicating possession or state in the past. It implies his ongoing condition of need.ουδεν (ouden): "not one", "nothing", "no one". A strong negation.
εβαρησα (ebarēsa): "I burdened". Aorist tense of
barēo, meaning to weigh down, to burden, to trouble. Refers to a completed action.ουδενα (oudena): "no one". Accusative masculine singular of
oudeis, "not one, no one." Emphasizes the completeness of his lack of burdening."and when I was present with you and in need": Highlights Paul's proximity and personal experience of hardship while ministering. The imperfect tense of "was present" and "had" underscores the ongoing nature of his stay and his condition.
"I did not burden anyone": This phrase encapsulates Paul's intentional act of foregoing financial support. The aorist tense of "burdened" signifies a specific decision and action (or rather, non-action) to refrain from imposing himself financially. "No one" is emphasized by
oudena.
2 Corinthians 11 9 Bonus Section
Paul's principle here aligns with the broader biblical concept that ministry should be about serving, not enriching oneself. This reflects a consistent theme of sacrificial leadership found throughout scripture, from the Old Testament prophets to Jesus Himself and the apostles. It's a challenging model, demanding that believers in positions of spiritual authority prioritize the spiritual well-being of their flock above their own material comfort, ensuring that the Gospel’s free offer is not compromised by personal gain.
2 Corinthians 11 9 Commentary
Paul's declaration here is a potent defense of his apostolic integrity. By serving the Corinthians in their time of need without becoming a financial burden, he removed any potential accusation of self-interest or manipulation. This was a deliberate strategy, mirroring the self-emptying nature of Christ and contrasting with the worldly methods of his opponents. His lack of financial demand was not due to poverty alone, but a principle rooted in ensuring the pure proclamation of the gospel. He could boast about his weakness and suffering precisely because these made his message and motives transparently God-centered, not self-serving. This principle of financial independence allowed his spiritual message to be received on its own merits.