2 Corinthians 5:12 kjv
For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
2 Corinthians 5:12 nkjv
For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
2 Corinthians 5:12 niv
We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
2 Corinthians 5:12 esv
We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.
2 Corinthians 5:12 nlt
Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.
2 Corinthians 5 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 5:10 | For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ... | To emphasize accountability before God. |
| 2 Cor 10:8 | For though I [later] boast a little ... | Showing Paul’s justification for later boasting. |
| 2 Cor 10:12 | For we dare not ... compare ourselves with some who ... | Directly addresses the issue of boasting. |
| 2 Cor 11:1 | Would that you could bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. | Paul begins a section of boasting out of necessity. |
| Gal 6:4 | But let each one test his own work, and then his boasting will be in himself alone and not in another. | Personal responsibility in boasting. |
| Phil 3:3 | For we are the true circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— | Contrast of boasting in flesh versus Spirit. |
| 1 Thes 2:19 | For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? | Paul’s boasting rooted in the Corinthian believers. |
| 1 Cor 1:31 | “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” | The ultimate source of boasting. |
| John 3:29 | He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is complete. | Parallels Paul as a spiritual father rejoicing. |
| 1 Cor 4:15 | For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. | Establishes Paul’s fatherly relationship. |
| Acts 18:11 | And he stayed there a year and six months, teaching among them the word of God. | Ministry in Corinth. |
| 1 Cor 9:2 | If to others I am not an apostle, to you I am. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. | Corinthian believers as proof of apostleship. |
| 2 Cor 3:3 | You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. | Believers as commendation. |
| Rom 15:18 | For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, | Focus on Christ’s work through Paul. |
| 1 Cor 1:20 | Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? | God’s wisdom vs. world’s wisdom. |
| 1 Cor 3:5 | What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. | Servanthood in ministry. |
| 2 Cor 6:4 | but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way... | Paul’s self-commendation method. |
| 2 Cor 11:22 | They are Hebrews? So am I. They are Israelites? So am I. They are offspring of Abraham? So am I. | Recounting his heritage to counter claims. |
| 1 Cor 9:1 | Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my workmanship in the Lord? | Earlier defense of apostleship. |
| John 15:16 | You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain... | Christ appointing believers. |
2 Corinthians 5 verses
2 Corinthians 5 12 Meaning
This verse emphasizes that the apostle Paul is not commending himself to the Corinthians, but rather offering them a basis for pride in him as their spiritual father, so they might have an answer for those who pride themselves on outward appearances or superficial achievements rather than an authentic relationship with God. It highlights a contrast between self-promotion and genuine spiritual labor that brings glory to God and edification to the church.
2 Corinthians 5 12 Context
In 2 Corinthians chapter 5, Paul discusses the believer's identity in Christ, the ministry of reconciliation, and his own apostolic ministry. Chapter 5 concludes with Paul’s perspective on the divine nature of his ministry. Chapter 6 begins by urging believers to make full use of the time of salvation and not to receive God’s grace in vain. This verse, at the beginning of chapter 6, serves as a pivot, bridging the discussion of his ministry with an exhortation to the Corinthians, while indirectly defending his apostleship against challengers who were causing division within the church. The immediate context is Paul's preparation to assert his authority and legitimacy as an apostle, especially in light of opposing influences. Historically, the Corinthian church was deeply divided, with factions aligning themselves with various leaders, including Paul, Apollos, and Cephas. These rivals likely challenged Paul’s credentials and authenticity.
2 Corinthians 5 12 Word Analysis
- δῶτε (dotē): This is a present active imperative, second person plural, from the verb didōmi (δίδωμι), meaning "to give." The imperative mood makes it a command. "Give" or "furnish." It's an active command urging the Corinthians to actively provide something.
- ἀπόκρισιν (apokrisin): Accusative singular of apokrisis (ἀπόκρισις), meaning "answer" or "reply." It refers to a response or defense. In this context, it's what the Corinthians can present to those who question or boast about Paul.
- τοῖς (tois): The dative plural definite article, "the." It indicates the indirect object – to whom the answer is to be given.
- καυχωμένοις (kauchomenois): Dative plural present active participle from kauchaomai (καυχάομαι), meaning "to boast" or "to glory in." This describes those "who boast" or "who glory." The present tense implies an ongoing practice of boasting.
- κατὰ (kata): A preposition, here with the accusative, meaning "according to," "in respect of," or "concerning." It specifies the basis or area of boasting.
- πρόσωπον (prosopon): Accusative singular of prosōpon (πρόσωπον), meaning "face" or "outward appearance." In classical Greek and later idiomatically, it came to mean "person," "countenance," or "respect of persons."
- καὶ (kai): A conjunction meaning "and." Connects "outward appearance" with the following phrase.
- οὐ (ou): The negation particle, "not."
- καρδία (kardia): Ablative singular of kardia (καρδία), meaning "heart." The ablative case is used here with kata to denote the ground or standard, similar to "in respect of the heart."
Group Analysis:
- "δῶτε ἀπόκρισιν τοῖς καυχωμένοις κατὰ πρόσωπον" (dotē apokrisin tois kauchomenois kata prosopon): This phrase can be translated as "give an answer to those who boast in appearance" or "give an answer concerning those who boast according to face/outward show." The focus is on confronting superficial boasting.
- "κατὰ πρόσωπον καὶ οὐ κατὰ καρδίαν" (kata prosopon kai ou kata kardian): This forms a direct antithesis. Paul is saying that the boast they should respond to is the one based on outward appearances, not genuine, internal reality (the heart). The structure emphasizes the deficiency of outward, humanly-sourced boasting compared to something deeper. The boast being countered is about outward human qualifications or achievements, not the work of God in the heart.
2 Corinthians 5 12 Bonus Section
The phrase "κατὰ πρόσωπον" (kata prosōpon) carries significant weight. It evokes the idea of a mask or a façade. In Hellenistic culture, it was common for orators and philosophers to present a polished external appearance. The Corinthians, known for their appreciation of rhetoric and human wisdom (1 Cor 1:22-23), might have been particularly susceptible to leaders who projected such outward impressiveness. Paul, by contrast, emphasizes that his claims, and by extension the Corinthians' support for him, are rooted in the deeper reality of spiritual transformation and genuine heart connection, not just external validation. This reflects a consistent theme in Paul's letters where he prioritizes inner spiritual reality over outward status or performance.
2 Corinthians 5 12 Commentary
Paul is instructing the Corinthians. They should have a response ready for those who are boasting about themselves in superficial ways – perhaps their rhetorical skills, their connections, or perceived spiritual achievements. Paul clarifies that their pride should be in him not for these external displays, but for his genuine, heart-felt labor among them as a spiritual father. This defense isn't mere personal pride; it's about safeguarding the Corinthians from false apostles who impressed with external show rather than true spiritual substance and love. Paul's argument is that genuine spiritual paternity, evident in self-sacrificial ministry, is the true ground for boasting, a contrast to those who rely on outward persona ("face") rather than inner sincerity ("heart"). The Corinthians should be equipped to discern this difference.
- Practical Application: When others boast about achievements or credentials, believers should be able to respond with a focus on genuine character, godly motives, and the actual fruit of ministry, rather than just external recognition or superficial qualities.