II Corinthians 11
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Would to God ye could bear with me - Οφελον ηνειχεσθε μου μικρον. As the word God is not mentioned here, it would have been much better to have translated the passage literally thus: I wish ye could bear a little with me. The too frequent use of this sacred name produces a familiarity with it that is not at all conducive to reverence and godly fear. In my folly - In my seeming folly; for, being obliged to vindicate his ministry, it was necessary that he should speak much of himself, his sufferings, and his success. And as this would appear like boasting; and boasting is always the effect of an empty, foolish mind; those who were not acquainted with the necessity that lay upon him to make this defense, might be led to impute it to vanity. As if he had said: Suppose you allow this to be folly, have the goodness to bear with me; for though I glory, I should not be a fool, Co2 12:6. And let no man think me a fool for my boasting, Co2 11:16.
Open source ↗THROUGH JEALOUSY OVER THE CORINTHIANS, WHO MADE MORE ACCOUNT OF THE FALSE APOSTLES THAN OF HIM, HE IS OBLIGED TO COMMEND HIMSELF AS IN MANY RESPECTS SUPERIOR. (2Co. 11:1-33) Would to God--Translate as Greek, "I would that." bear with me--I may ask not unreasonably to be borne with; not so the false apostles (Co2 11:4, Co2 11:20). my--not in the oldest manuscripts. folly--The Greek is a milder term than that for "foolishness" in Co1 3:19; Mat 5:22; Mat 25:2. The Greek for "folly" here implies imprudence; the Greek for "foolishness" includes the idea of perversity and wickedness. and indeed bear--A request (so Co2 11:16). But the Greek and the sense favor the translation, "But indeed (I need not wish it, for) ye do bear with me"; still I wish you to bear with me further, while I enter at large into self-commendations.
Open source ↗Would to God you could bear with me a little,.... The false apostles boasted so much of their gifts, abilities, and usefulness, that the apostle found himself under a necessity of saying some things in his own defence, for the honour of God, and the good of this church; which otherwise his modesty would not have permitted him, and which he saw would be accounted and censured as folly in him by others; and therefore he entreats their patience a little while, and that they would suffer him to say a few things in vindication of his character, and not be offended; though it would be in commendation of himself, which, were he not forced to, would look vain and foolish: and therefore says, bear with me a little in my folly, and which he presses with importunity, and indeed bear with me; he insists upon it, he urges it as what he must not be denied in; for could he have avoided it, he would not have done it; but such was the case, that if he did not do it, he must greatly suffer in his character and usefulness; the members of this church would be in great danger from these false apostles, and the honour and glory of Christ lay greatly at stake; which when considered, he hoped his request would be granted: the last clause may be rendered, but also ye do bear with me; signifying that they had done so already, and continued to do so, and therefore he could not but encourage himself, that they still would bear with him a little longer, and in a few things more.
Open source ↗Here we may observe, 1. The apology the apostle makes for going about to commend himself. He is loth to enter upon this subject of self-commendation: Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly, Co2 11:1. He calls this folly, because too often it is really no better. In his case it was necessary; yet, seeing others might apprehend it to be folly in him, he desires them to bear with it. Note, As much against the grain as it is with a proud man to acknowledge his infirmities, so much is it against the grain with a humble man to speak in his own praise. It is no pleasure to a good man to speak well of himself, yet in some cases it is lawful, namely, when it is for the advantage of others, or for our own necessary vindication; as thus it was here. For, 2. We have the reasons for what the apostle did. (1.) To preserve the Corinthians from being corrupted by the insinuations of the false apostles, Co2 11:2, Co2 11:3. He tells them he was jealous over them with godly jealousy; he was afraid lest their faith should be weakened by hearkening to such suggestions as tended to lessen their regard to his ministry, by which they were brought to the Christian faith. He had espoused them to one husband, that is, converted them to Christianity (and the conversion of a soul is its marriage to the Lord Jesus); and he was desirous to present them as a chaste virgin - pure, and spotless, and faithful, not having their minds corrupted with false doctrines by false teachers, as Eve was beguiled by the subtlety of the serpent. This godly jealousy in the apostle was a mixture of love and fear; and faithful ministers cannot but be afraid and concerned for their people, lest they should lose that which they have received, and turn from what they have embraced, especially when deceive…
Open source ↗11:1-6 Paul finds it necessary, if distasteful, to justify his actions because of the close link he claims with the church (11:2) and because his enemies were enticing the Corinthian believers away from Christ. 11:1 Paul takes on an ironic tone in saying, I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. He again asks with irony, Please bear with me (or But indeed you are putting up with me, a translation that makes the irony even more pointed).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
ὄφελον (óphelon, G3785) — I ought (wish), i.e. (interjection) oh that! ἀνέχομαι (anéchomai, G430) — to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me μικρόν (mikrón, G3397) — a small space of time or degree ἀφροσύνη (aphrosýnē, G877) — senselessness, i.e. (euphemistically) egotism; (morally) recklessness καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ζηλόω (zēlóō, G2206) — to have warmth of feeling for or against ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ζῆλος (zēlos, G2205) — properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an… ἁρμόζω (harmózō, G718) — to joint, i.e. (figuratively) to woo (reflexively, to betroth) εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) παρίστημι (parístēmi, G3936) — to stand beside, i.e. (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend,… ἁγνός (hagnós, G53) — properly, clean, i.e. (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect παρθένος (parthénos, G3933) — a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. φοβέω (phobéō, G5399) — to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere μήπως (mḗpōs, G3381) — lest somehow -πώς (-pṓs, G4458) — an enclitic particle of indefiniteness of manner; somehow or anyhow; used only in… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ὄφις (óphis, G3789) — a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially… ἐξαπατάω (exapatáō, G1818) — to seduce wholly Εὖα (Eûa, G2096) — Eua (or Eva, i.e. Chavvah), the first woman ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πανουργία (panourgía, G3834) — adroitness, i.e. (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you νόημα (nóēma, G3540) — a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) κηρύσσω (kērýssō, G2784) — to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) ἕτερος (héteros, G2087) — (an-, the) other or different πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, G2098) — a good message, i.e. the gospel
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… λογίζομαι (logízomai, G3049) — to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively) ὑστερέω (hysteréō, G5302) — to be later, i.e. (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient) μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… λίαν (lían, G3029) — much (adverbially) ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, G652) — a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἰ καί (ei kaí, G1499) — if also (or even) ἰδιώτης (idiṓtēs, G2399) — a private person, i.e. (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot") λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not γνῶσις (gnōsis, G1108) — knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Open source ↗ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract) ταπεινόω (tapeinóō, G5013) — to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart) ἐμαυτοῦ (emautoû, G1683) — of myself so likewise the dative case , and accusative case ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ὑψόω (hypsóō, G5312) — to elevate (literally or figuratively) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, G2097) — to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, G2098) — a good message, i.e. the gospel θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very δωρεάν (dōreán, G1432) — gratuitously (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗συλάω (syláō, G4813) — probably akin to G138 (αἱρέομαι); compare G4661 (σκῦλον)); to despoil ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía, G1577) — a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation… λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) ὀψώνιον (opsṓnion, G3800) — rations for a soldier, i.e. (by extension) his stipend or pay πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… διακονία (diakonía, G1248) — attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πάρειμι (páreimi, G3918) — to be near, i.e. at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural)… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ὑστερέω (hysteréō, G5302) — to be later, i.e. (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not καταναρκάω (katanarkáō, G2655) — to grow utterly torpid, i.e. (by implication) slothful (figuratively, expensive) οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὑστέρημα (hystérēma, G5303) — a deficit; specially, poverty μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;…
Open source ↗ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐμοί (emoí, G1698) — to me ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not σφραγίζω (sphragízō, G4972) — to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or… φράσσω (phrássō, G5420) — to fence or inclose, i.e. (specially), to block up (figuratively, to silence) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἐμέ (emé, G1691) — me οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) καύχησις (kaúchēsis, G2746) — boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense κλίμα (klíma, G2824) — a slope, i.e. (specially) a "clime" or tract of country
Open source ↗διατί (diatí, G1302) — through what cause ?, i.e. why? ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἀγαπάω (agapáō, G25) — to love (in a social or moral sense) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἐκκόπτω (ekkóptō, G1581) — to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate ἀφορμή (aphormḗ, G874) — a starting-point, i.e. (figuratively) an opportunity θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. καυχάομαι (kaucháomai, G2744) — to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense) εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that ἡμεῖς (hēmeîs, G2249) — we (only used when emphatic)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) ψευδαπόστολος (pseudapóstolos, G5570) — a spurious apostle, i.e. pretended pracher δόλιος (dólios, G1386) — guileful ἐργάτης (ergátēs, G2040) — a toiler; figuratively, a teacher μετασχηματίζω (metaschēmatízō, G3345) — to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, G652) — a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not θαυμαστός (thaumastós, G2298) — wondered at, i.e. (by implication) wonderful γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… Σατανᾶς (Satanâs, G4567) — the accuser, i.e. the devil αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μετασχηματίζω (metaschēmatízō, G3345) — to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… φῶς (phōs, G5457) — compare G5316 (φαίνω), G5346 (φημί)); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily.
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
For you gladly tolerate fools, since you are so wise.
To my shame I concede that we were too weak for that! Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about.
“O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.”
“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”
But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint.
We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is beset by weakness.