2 Corinthians11
English Standard Version
Tap any underlined word for the original Hebrew or Greek.
1 I wish you with in a . with !
2 I a , since I to , to you as a to .
3 I am the , will be a sincere and .
4 someone and the we , if you a the you , if you accept a the you , you put up with .
5 , I that I am not in the to these .
6 I in , I am in ; , every we have all .
7 Or did I a in so might be , I to free of ?
8 I by from them in to .
9 when I in , I did not , the who . will from way.
10 the of , of will be the of .
11 And ? I do ? I do!
12 I I will to , in to the of those who would to they on the terms do.
13 men are , , themselves of .
14 , even an of .
15 it , also, themselves of . to .
16 I , . you do, a , so too may .
17 I am , I the would a .
18 to the , I will .
19 you with , yourselves!
20 you it of , you, of you, puts on , the .
21 my , I must , were too for that! else dares to —I am as a —I dare to of .
22 Are ? So am . Are ? So am . Are of ? So am .
23 Are of ? am a one—I am like a — , , , and .
24 I at the of the the .
25 I was beaten with . I was . I was ; a night and a I was ;
26 on , in from , from , my own , , the , the , , ;
27 in , a , , , .
28 And, from , there is on of my the .
29 is , I am ? is made to , am ?
30 I , I will of the that show .
31 The of the , who , I am .
32 , the under was the of in order to ,
33 I was a a the .
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2 Corinthians 11Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Corinthians 11. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle gives the reasons for speaking in his own commendation. (1–14). Shows that he had freely preached the gospel. (5–15). Explains what he was going to add in defence of his own character. (16–21). He gives an account of his labours, cares, sufferings, dangers, and deliverances. (22–33).
vv1-4
The apostle desired to preserve the Corinthians from being corrupted by the false apostles. There is but one Jesus, one Spirit, and one gospel, to be preached to them, and received by them; and why should any be prejudiced, by the devices of an adversary, against him who first taught them in faith? They should not listen to men, who, without cause, would draw them away from those who were the means of their conversion.
vv5-15
It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.
vv16-21
It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord; yet prudence must direct in what it is needful to do things which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us. Doubtless here is reference to facts in which the character of the false apostles had been shown. It is astonishing to see how such men bring their followers into bondage, and how they take from them and insult them.
Key Words
ὄφελον (óphelon): I ought (wish), i.e. (interjection) oh that!
ἀνέχομαι (anéchomai): to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with
μοῦ (moû): of me
μικρόν (mikrón): a small space of time or degree
ἀφροσύνη (aphrosýnē): senselessness, i.e. (euphemistically) egotism; (morally) recklessness
γάρ (gár): properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ζηλόω (zēlóō): to have warmth of feeling for or against
θεός (theós): figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
ζῆλος (zēlos): properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice)
ὑμᾶς (hymâs): you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11Paul acts as the 'friend of the Bridegroom' who espouses the church as a chaste bride to Christ.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Direct historical allusion to the serpent's deceptive temptation of Eve in Eden.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Parallels the warnings against quickly accepting 'another gospel' or a different message than first received.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Paul asserts his apostolic standing, not being a whit behind the chiefest apostles in labor.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel defense of Paul's apostleship; forced to boast though not behind the chiefest apostles.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
The Mosaic law limiting physical scourging to forty stripes, leading to the Jewish 'forty save one' custom.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The historical record of Paul escaping Damascus by being let down the wall in a basket.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel imagery of Christ presenting the Church to Himself as holy, unblemished, and chaste.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Historical account of Paul working as a tentmaker in Corinth to preach the gospel freely.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Christ's warning against false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly wolves.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Paul uses similar solemn oaths calling on Christ's truth to attest his sincerity.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Fulfillment of Christ's prophecy that His messengers would be scourged in synagogues.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Historical confirmation of Paul being beaten with rods by Roman magistrates at Philippi.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identifies the 'false brethren' who crept in to spy out and enslave believers.
Supported by Matthew Poole