2 Corinthians 12 13

2 Corinthians 12:13 kjv

For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

2 Corinthians 12:13 nkjv

For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!

2 Corinthians 12:13 niv

How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

2 Corinthians 12:13 esv

For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!

2 Corinthians 12:13 nlt

The only thing I failed to do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a financial burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!

2 Corinthians 12 verses

2 Corinthians 12 13 Meaning

In 2 Corinthians 12:13, Paul uses heavy irony to confront the Corinthians regarding their perception of his ministry. He rhetorically asks what makes them inferior to other churches, concluding that their only 'disadvantage' is that he, unlike some other apostles or teachers, chose not to financially burden them. He then sarcastically asks for their forgiveness for this "wrong," exposing the absurdity of such a criticism and underscoring his selfless motivation for serving them freely.

2 Corinthians 12 13 Context

2 Corinthians 12:13 is embedded within chapters 10-13, a highly polemical and defensive section where Paul defends his apostolic authority and genuineness against challenges from "super-apostles" and rival teachers in Corinth. These rivals likely boasted of their spiritual prowess, charismatic gifts, and perhaps their ability to demand financial support, implicitly or explicitly critiquing Paul's self-sufficiency as a sign of weakness or inferiority. Paul is reluctantly "boasting" in his weaknesses, suffering, and indeed, his genuine commitment to the Corinthians by not burdening them financially. The historical context shows that itinerant philosophers and religious teachers often relied on their followers for sustenance, making Paul's consistent practice of self-support, especially when establishing new churches, unusual. His refusal to accept money was a deliberate strategy to demonstrate his pure motives, prevent accusations of greed, and remove any barrier to the gospel message. The verse highlights Paul's ironic use of language to shame his detractors and reinforce his integrity.

2 Corinthians 12 13 Word analysis

• For what is it wherein ye were inferior (ἥσσων - hēssōn): The Greek word means "weaker," "worse," or "less favored." Paul employs a rhetorical question here, suggesting the answer is "nothing." He is challenging any notion that the Corinthians, by not financially supporting him, were somehow less privileged or receiving a substandard ministry compared to other churches who did support their apostles. This is a subtle polemic against any implied criticism that Paul's non-reliance was a defect.
• to other churches: This phrase indicates that the comparison likely came from the Corinthians themselves or was fueled by the "super-apostles" who contrasted their own practice of accepting financial support with Paul's. Paul flips the comparison on its head.
• except it be that I myself was not a burden (κατενάρκησα - katenarkēsa) to you?: Katenarkēsa literally means "to be a numbing burden," to render sluggish, or to be a heavy weight. Here, it refers specifically to financial dependence. Paul, through consistent practice (Acts 18:3; 1 Cor 9:1-18), generally supported himself when first establishing churches like Corinth, ensuring he didn't exploit them or create an impression of mercenary motives. This self-sufficiency, far from being a deficit, was a sign of his sacrificial love and integrity, differentiating him from false teachers who might preach for "shameful gain" (Titus 1:11).
• forgive me this wrong (ἀδικίαν - adikian).: This is the culmination of Paul's profound irony. Adikia means "injustice," "unrighteousness," or "wrong." For Paul to not be a financial burden was an act of grace and sacrificial love, not an injustice. By sarcastically asking forgiveness for what he considers an act of virtue, Paul sharply highlights the distorted values and misperceptions circulating within the Corinthian church, likely stoked by his rivals. He forces them to confront the absurdity of viewing his self-support as a failing.
• "I myself was not a burden": Paul emphasizes his personal choice and deliberate action. He had the apostolic right to be supported (1 Cor 9:4-14), but chose not to exercise it for the Corinthians' sake and the gospel's unimpeded progress (1 Cor 9:18).

2 Corinthians 12 13 Bonus section

Paul's practice of self-sufficiency was a significant polemic against the Sophist traditions of his day, where popular orators and philosophers often charged substantial fees for their teachings. By working with his hands, Paul embodied a counter-cultural ethos, aligning himself with the common laborer rather than the esteemed intellectual, further highlighting his distinctive approach to ministry (1 Cor 1:26-29). Moreover, Paul's specific statement about robbing other churches (2 Cor 11:8) to fund his ministry in Corinth reveals that he did accept support, just not directly from the Corinthians. This was a strategic decision to remove any perception of mercenary motives where the Gospel was new and susceptible to misinterpretation.

2 Corinthians 12 13 Commentary

2 Corinthians 12:13 is a powerful display of Paul's pastoral heart intertwined with sharp, defensive rhetoric. It exposes the distorted criteria by which some Corinthians, perhaps swayed by "super-apostles," judged spiritual leadership. Paul's commitment to a ministry "free of charge" was not a sign of inferiority but a deliberate act of love and integrity, safeguarding the gospel from accusations of venality. His masterful use of irony in asking "forgiveness" for this "wrong" serves to shame his critics and prompt self-reflection in the Corinthian church. It underscored his authentic apostleship—marked by self-sacrifice and clear conscience—in stark contrast to those motivated by personal gain. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true spiritual leadership often involves foregoing legitimate rights for the greater good of the church and the clear witness of the Gospel, always prioritizing the hearers' well-being and the unhindered proclamation of Christ.