2 Corinthians 12 17

2 Corinthians 12:17 kjv

Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

2 Corinthians 12:17 nkjv

Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?

2 Corinthians 12:17 niv

Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you?

2 Corinthians 12:17 esv

Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?

2 Corinthians 12:17 nlt

But how? Did any of the men I sent to you take advantage of you?

2 Corinthians 12 verses

2 Corinthians 12 17 Meaning

This rhetorical question from Paul vehemently denies any form of financial exploitation of the Corinthians, either directly by himself or indirectly through any of his delegated messengers. It affirms his consistent pattern of not burdening them financially, contrasting sharply with those who might have sought personal gain from the church.

2 Corinthians 12 17 Context

This verse is embedded in Paul’s "third letter" or severe defense against accusers in Corinth, often referred to as his "fool's speech" or "apologia." Chapters 10-12 are intensely personal. Paul is rebutting charges that he is weak, inconstant, and exploitative. Specifically, 2 Corinthians 12 focuses on Paul’s apostleship, his boasting (ironically), his thorn in the flesh, and his future visit to Corinth. His denial in verse 17 directly follows his assurance that he is prepared to visit them again without being a burden (2 Cor 12:14-16) and precedes his reiteration that he has done everything for their upbuilding. The broader historical context includes the presence of "super-apostles" in Corinth who likely charged fees for their ministry, making Paul's refusal to do so a point of contention or even suspicion for some, necessitating this strong defense of his integrity and that of his team.

2 Corinthians 12 17 Word analysis

• Did I take advantage: This phrase translates the single Greek verb epleonektēsa (ἐπλεονέκτησα), the aorist active indicative of pleonekteō (πλεονεκτέω).
  • Pleonekteō means to seek or get more, to overreach, defraud, or exploit someone for personal gain. It carries a strong connotation of unjust gain, covetousness, or selfish advantage-taking. Paul uses a rhetorical question to challenge his accusers directly, implicitly affirming his innocence. It's a loaded term, accusing one of financial abuse or exploitation, directly targeting a likely accusation against him or his associates.
• of you: Refers to the Corinthians, the intended recipients of the ministry and Paul's specific audience. It emphasizes that they were the potential victims of this alleged exploitation.
• through any of those: Translated from di’ oudenos hōn (δι᾽ οὐδενὸς ὧν).
  • Di' (διά) is a preposition meaning "through" or "by means of." It points to the agent or instrument.
  • Oudenos (οὐδενὸς) is "no one" or "none." This negates the possibility of anyone serving as a channel for exploitation.
  • Paul extends his denial beyond himself, assuring the Corinthians that even his messengers, his chosen delegates, did not engage in such practices. This shows Paul's commitment to ensuring the integrity of his entire ministry and his care in choosing co-workers.
• whom I sent: Translated from apestalka (ἀπέσταλκα), the perfect active indicative of apostellō (ἀποστέλλω).
  • Apostellō means "to send off, send forth, commission." It implies sending with authority and a specific purpose or mission. This highlights the close connection and accountability between Paul and his messengers. It often has the connotation of an 'apostle' or one sent on behalf of another, with authority. Paul is vouching for those he sent (e.g., Titus, who is explicitly mentioned in the following verse as not having taken advantage of them, 2 Cor 12:18).

• "Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?" This full rhetorical question serves as a direct and emphatic refutation of any suspicion or accusation of financial misconduct. It’s part of Paul’s defense against the implicit charges by false apostles that he or his team were also profiting from the Corinthians, or perhaps that he used his emissaries as a proxy for financial gain. The strong denial, phrased as a question expecting a "no" answer, underscores his consistent pattern of selfless service and challenges the Corinthians to confirm his integrity from their own experience.

2 Corinthians 12 17 Bonus section

Paul's strong rhetorical questions throughout 2 Corinthians serve a crucial apologetic function, not merely as rhetorical flourishes but as a call for the Corinthians to recall their own experiences with him. By inviting their internal testimony, Paul seeks to affirm his character and ministry integrity, thereby exposing the baselessness of his accusers' claims. This verse functions as a preemptive strike against potential accusations, asserting his consistent financial purity in contrast to the 'super-apostles' who were likely viewed as exploiting the church. It highlights the often-overlooked practical dimension of spiritual leadership, where financial integrity is a vital component of trust and authority. Paul was deeply aware that greed among leaders was a common failing, even in ancient Israel (cf. Jer 22:17, Isa 56:11), and that the effectiveness of the gospel could be compromised by even a hint of exploitation.

2 Corinthians 12 17 Commentary

Paul’s question in 2 Corinthians 12:17 is a forceful denial, part of his meticulous self-defense against allegations concerning his financial practices and the integrity of his ministry. By asking, "Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?", Paul challenges the Corinthians to confront any evidence that he or his associates exploited them financially. The term pleonekteō ("to take advantage of, defraud, exploit") is a serious charge. Paul, having consistently refused monetary support from the Corinthians (1 Cor 9, 2 Cor 11:7-12), understood the power of such accusations to undermine his apostleship and the gospel message. He not only defends his own conduct but also that of his emissaries, such as Titus (who is mentioned immediately after this verse), underscoring his unwavering commitment to selfless service and integrity in every aspect of his ministry team. This denial stands in stark contrast to the motivations of false teachers who sought personal gain. Paul aimed to remove all pretexts for rival teachers to cast doubt on his sincerity and to preserve the spiritual relationship he had carefully built with the Corinthian church.