2 Corinthians 12 6

2 Corinthians 12:6 kjv

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

2 Corinthians 12:6 nkjv

For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

2 Corinthians 12:6 niv

Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say,

2 Corinthians 12:6 esv

though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.

2 Corinthians 12:6 nlt

If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message,

2 Corinthians 12 verses

2 Corinthians 12 6 Meaning

This verse highlights Paul's desire that no one should regard him more highly than for what Christ has done through him. He preempts boasting about his own achievements, revelations, or experiences, deliberately making himself seem ordinary so that the Corinthians' faith would rest on God's power, not his own. It underscores humility and selfless dedication to ministry.

2 Corinthians 12 6 Context

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul details his suffering and ministry to expose the "super-apostles" who were disparaging him and promoting themselves. He lists his hardships, imprisonments, beatings, and dangers. Chapter 12 begins with Paul reluctantly recounting a divine revelation he received, a "stake in the flesh" sent to humble him. This is contrasted with his own revelations, which he claims could be seen as boastful. Therefore, he states this verse to downplay any personal glory from his experiences, intending to draw attention back to Christ and prevent the Corinthians from valuing him above his divine calling or the message he carries. He is defending his apostleship not through personal achievements, but through demonstrating his reliance on God's power and grace, particularly in his weakness.

2 Corinthians 12 6 Word Analysis

• Εάν (Ean) - "If". This is a conditional particle introducing a hypothetical situation, preparing for a concessional statement.

• γάρ (gar) - "for". This conjunction connects this statement to the preceding one, providing a reason or explanation for why Paul would speak this way.

• τις (tis) - "any one" or "somebody". A non-specific pronoun, indicating his desire to avoid anyone thinking more of him based on his achievements.

• ὑπερ (hyper) - "above" or "beyond" or "more than". A preposition indicating a comparison or degree of measurement.

• τοῦ (tou) - "the" (genitive masculine singular article). Possessive or correlative, indicating "than the person to whom" or "than what."

• εἶναί (einai) - "to be". The infinitive of the verb "to be," used here to express the state or quality of a person.

• με (me) - "me" (accusative pronoun). The direct object of the thought.

• τι (ti) - "some" or "anything" (neuter accusative pronoun). Refers to "any amount" or "any degree."

• εἴτε (eite) - "whether". A conjunction introducing alternatives or conditions.

• ἐὰν (ean) - "if". (Repeated for the second part of the conditional clause).

• περιπατῇ (peripatē̄) - "walks" or "lives" (present subjunctive active of peripateō). Implies the manner of living or conducting oneself.

• εἴτε (eite) - "or". Conjunction continuing the alternative.

• ἀκούῃ (akouē̄) - "hears" or "learns" (present subjunctive active of akouō). Refers to what the Corinthians know about him through reports or teaching.

• Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

  • "εάν τις ὑπερ τοῦ εἶναί με τι" (Ean tis hyper tou einai me ti) - "If anyone should be anything beyond me". This phrase elegantly sets up Paul's reluctance to be esteemed as more than he is in himself or apart from Christ. The "τι" (ti) functions as "any amount" or "any degree," emphasizing his desire for their perception of him to be constrained, not to exceed a certain limit relative to his own being.
  • "εἴτε ἐὰν περιπατῇ εἴτε ἀκούῃ" (eite ean peripatē̄ eite akouē̄) - "whether if he walks or whether he hears". This clause covers both experiential knowledge (how he conducts himself) and testimonial knowledge (what is heard about him). It suggests that even if his actions or the reports about him seem impressive, he doesn't want those to become the basis for his inflated regard.

2 Corinthians 12 6 Bonus Section

This verse is a key statement in Paul's defense of his apostolic authority, which was being challenged. It's significant that he chooses humility and self-abasement as his strategy, rather than magnifying his own credentials. This aligns with the pattern established by Christ, who "emptied himself" (Phil 2:7). Paul is employing a consistent apologetic method, relying on God's strength in weakness (2 Cor 12:9-10). The emphasis on not letting others "think of me above what you see me or hear from me" protects against both personal idolatry by the believers and the imposition of human standards over divine truth. His ultimate desire is for the church to be built upon the foundation of Christ, not upon the admiration of men.

2 Corinthians 12 6 Commentary

Paul intentionally deflates any potential overestimation of himself. He asserts that even if the Corinthians perceive him in extraordinary ways, whether by observing his life ("walks") or by hearing accounts of his ministry and experiences ("hears"), they should not value him beyond his role as a conduit for God's grace and power. His concern is that the focus might shift from the divine work to the human instrument. He aims to protect the integrity of the gospel, ensuring that the Corinthians' faith remains anchored in Christ and His redemptive work, rather than in human charisma or achievements, no matter how remarkable. This is a radical expression of servant-hearted humility.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • A minister being praised excessively might humbly say, "While I appreciate your kind words, remember it's God's power at work, not mine."
  • When accomplishments are celebrated, a Christian can share credit, acknowledging God's role, "Praise God, we were able to accomplish this through His strength."
  • Avoiding boasting about personal successes, focusing instead on gratitude and attributing the success to divine favor.