2 Corinthians 12 19

2 Corinthians 12:19 kjv

Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

2 Corinthians 12:19 nkjv

Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.

2 Corinthians 12:19 niv

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.

2 Corinthians 12:19 esv

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved.

2 Corinthians 12:19 nlt

Perhaps you think we're saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ's servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you.

2 Corinthians 12 verses

2 Corinthians 12 19 Meaning

This verse refutes the perception that Paul is defensively excusing himself. Instead, it asserts that he speaks truthfully and sincerely, with his actions performed under the gaze of God and in union with Christ. His ultimate, selfless motivation for all he does, despite their criticisms, is the spiritual building up and growth of the Corinthians, whom he deeply loves.

2 Corinthians 12 19 Context

Chapter 12 follows Paul's reluctant boasting about his visions and revelations (up to v. 10), contrasting his spiritual privilege with his "thorn in the flesh," demonstrating that God's power is perfected in weakness. He has been forced to defend his apostolic authority and ministry against persistent criticism from false apostles and a factious element within the Corinthian church. These critics questioned his legitimacy, often pointing to his apparent lack of worldly power, eloquence, or refusal of financial support. Verse 19 transitions from a defense of his credentials to a deeper explanation of his true motives. Paul is about to make his third visit to Corinth and fears he will find some still unrepentant (v. 20-21). This declaration of purpose sets the ethical and spiritual tone for his upcoming confrontation and ministry, emphasizing that all his previous warnings, defenses, and anticipated actions are not for his self-vindication, but genuinely for the spiritual welfare and maturity of the believers. He is consistently addressing their misinterpretations of his intentions and the nature of his ministry.

2 Corinthians 12 19 Word analysis

• Again (Πάλιν - Palin): A temporal and argumentative marker. It signals a return to a previously discussed idea or argument, indicating Paul is directly addressing their misperceptions again, bringing the focus back to the true nature of his communication with them.
• think ye (δοκεῖτε - dokeite): A rhetorical question, addressing their ongoing flawed perception. "Do you still imagine," or "Is it possible you still suppose," that we are engaged in self-justification?
• that we excuse ourselves (ὅτι ὑμῖν ἀπολογούμεθα; - hoti hymin apologoumetha?): The Greek term apologoumetha (from apologeomai) means "to speak in defense of oneself," to give a reasoned account, or to make a legal defense. Paul is asserting that their accusations or suspicions that he is primarily concerned with clearing his name are mistaken. His 'defense' is not an admission of guilt, but a clarification of motive, and not primarily to satisfy human judgment.
• unto you (ὑμῖν - hymin): Directs the perceived self-excusing action to the Corinthians themselves, highlighting their perspective of his actions.
• We speak (λαλοῦμεν - laloumen): A simple, direct declaration. This contrasts with the Corinthians' presumed interpretation of his speech as "excusing ourselves."
• before God (ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ - enopion tou Theou): This phrase profoundly elevates the setting and veracity of his words. Literally "in the sight of God." It implies utmost sincerity, transparency, and accountability directly to God, whose knowledge is perfect and from whom nothing is hidden. His speech is an offering to God, free from human pretense.
• in Christ (ἐν Χριστῷ - en Christo): A foundational Pauline concept, signifying the spiritual sphere of existence and action for a believer. Here, it means that Paul's words are spoken not just before God, but by virtue of his union with Christ, in Christ's authority, and guided by Christ's spirit. It is not self-derived but Christ-derived speech.
• but (ἀλλὰ - alla): A strong adversative conjunction, emphatically contrasting his true motivation with the Corinthian misperception. It introduces the real reason for his communication.
• we do all things (τὰ πάντα - ta panta): A comprehensive phrase encompassing Paul's entire ministry – his teachings, warnings, suffering, travel, self-sacrifice, and letters. Every action and interaction with them is included.
• dearly beloved (ἀγαπητοί - agapētoi): A tender and affectionate address, even amidst the tension and criticism. It underscores Paul's genuine pastoral love for the Corinthians despite their flaws, assuring them his motives stem from care, not hostility. This term for the beloved in Christ emphasizes the unbreakable bond of divine love.
• for your edifying (διὰ τὴν ὑμῶν οἰκοδομὴν - dia tēn hymōn oikodomēn): This is the ultimate purpose clause. Oikodomēn (from oikodomeo) literally means "building up" or "construction." In a spiritual context, it refers to the instruction, growth, strengthening, and overall spiritual maturity and welfare of the community of believers. All Paul's efforts aim to bring them into greater faith, knowledge, and Christ-likeness, not to achieve personal gain or glory.

2 Corinthians 12 19 Bonus section

Paul's assertion in 2 Corinthians 12:19 also serves as a strong rebuttal to the secular, often self-aggrandizing, models of leadership prevalent in his cultural context and, regrettably, sometimes within religious spheres. While the apologoumetha hints at Paul defending himself in a judicial or argumentative sense (common in Greek rhetoric), he quickly pivots to define the true audience of his "speech": God. This radically re-orients the purpose of communication from gaining human favor or excusing perceived personal failures to declaring divine truth and promoting divine purposes. His ministry is not shaped by human criticism but by his unwavering commitment to God and the edification of the body of Christ. The continuous application of "in Christ" and "for your edifying" signifies a leadership characterized by divine commission, divine enablement, and divine love, establishing an unshakeable foundation for genuine Christian ministry.

2 Corinthians 12 19 Commentary

Paul, sensing the Corinthians' continued misinterpretation of his motives as self-serving justification, reasserts his true heart. He rejects the idea that his current or previous communications are mere self-defense for personal vindication. Instead, he places his speech and all his actions within the divine economy: everything is transparently "before God" and organically "in Christ." This declaration elevates his words from human rhetoric to a divinely accountable testimony. The overarching, pure motive driving his entire ministry, every effort and hardship, is demonstrably not his own ego or ambition, but the spiritual "building up" and maturing of the church in Corinth. This commitment, addressed to them as "dearly beloved," highlights that his tough stance and sometimes critical words are born out of deep, self-sacrificial love aimed at their growth, not his personal honor. This principle should guide all genuine spiritual leadership: not seeking human approval or self-excuse, but living and speaking under God's eye, in Christ, with the singular goal of nurturing others in faith. For instance, when a church leader makes a difficult decision, they are called to explain their heart transparently before God, not for self-justification, but to demonstrate how the decision ultimately aims for the spiritual flourishing of the congregation.