2 Corinthians 10:1-6

Disciples’ Literal New Testament

Now Don’t Make Me Have To Act Boldly Against Some of You, For My Weapons Are Powerful

10 Now I, Paul, myself, am appealing-to you by the gentleness and kindness of Christ— I who face-to-face am lowly among you, but while absent am-bold toward you! ²And I am begging that I may not [have to] be bold^[a] while present with the confidence with which I am considering to dare [to act] against some considering us as walking in accordance with the flesh^[b]. ³For [though] walking in the flesh, we are not waging-war in accordance with the flesh. ⁴For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly^[c], but powerful in^[d] God for the tearing-down of fortresses. We are tearing-down^[e] considerations^[f] ⁵and every height^[g] being raised-up against the knowledge of God, and taking-captive every thought^[h] to the obedience of Christ, ⁶and being ready to punish^[i] all disobedience^[j], when your obedience is fulfilled^[k].

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Footnotes

2 Corinthians 10:2 With this opening comment for this section compare the closing comment in 13:10. Paul is writing to correct a wrong attitude toward him on the part of some, the precise details of which are not stated but can only be inferred from what Paul says. His desire is to be bold in words here in order to avoid having to be bold in actions against them when he comes.
2 Corinthians 10:2 That is, with mere human authority, motives, and power.
2 Corinthians 10:4 That is, pertaining to the flesh, physical.
2 Corinthians 10:4 Or, for God; or, by God, that is, divinely powerful.
2 Corinthians 10:4 tearing down... punish (v 6). Warfare against a rebellious city in that day consisted of tearing down walls and defenses, then taking the people captive, then punishing the offenders. This is the metaphor here.
2 Corinthians 10:4 Or, thoughts, reasonings; that is, the wrong thoughts raised up against God.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Or, elevation, barrier, obstacle.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Or, mind.
2 Corinthians 10:6 Or, avenge.
2 Corinthians 10:6 Or, every refusal-to-listen.
2 Corinthians 10:6 After the full obedience of the majority, Paul will punish those remaining disobedient.

Disciples’ Literal New Testament (DLNT)

Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing