2 Corinthians 11:16-21

English Standard Version

Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle

¹⁶I repeat, ^(A)let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. ¹⁷What I am saying ^(B)with this boastful confidence, ^(C)I say not as the Lord would^[a] but as a fool. ¹⁸Since ^(D)many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. ¹⁹For you gladly bear with fools, ^(E)being wise yourselves! ²⁰For you bear it if someone ^(F)makes slaves of you, or ^(G)devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or ^(H)strikes you in the face. ²¹To my shame, I must say, ^(I)we were too weak for that!

But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that.

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2 Corinthians 11:17 Greek not according to the Lord

2 Corinthians 11:16-21

International Standard Version

Paul’s Sufferings as an Apostle

¹⁶I will say it again: No one should think that I am a fool. But if you do, then treat me like a fool so that I can also boast a little. ¹⁷When I talk as a confident boaster, I am not talking with the Lord’s authority but like a fool. ¹⁸Since many people boast in a fleshly way, I will do it, too. ¹⁹You are wise, so you will gladly be tolerant of fools. ²⁰You tolerate anyone who makes you his slaves, devours what you have, takes what is yours, orders you around, or slaps your face!

²¹I am ashamed to admit it, but we have been too weak for that. Whatever anyone else dares to claim—I am talking like a fool—I can claim it, too.

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2 Corinthians 11:16-21 English Standard Version

Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle

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2 Corinthians 11:16-21 International Standard Version

Paul’s Sufferings as an Apostle

2 Corinthians 11:16-21

English Standard Version

2 Corinthians 11:16-21

International Standard Version