Add parallel Print Page Options

Paul’s Sufferings for Christ

16 I say again, let no one think that I am a fool.[a] But if you do, then at least accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence[b] I do not say the way the Lord would.[c] Instead it is, as it were, foolishness. 18 Since many[d] are boasting according to human standards,[e] I too will boast. 19 For since you are so wise, you put up with[f] fools gladly. 20 For you put up with[g] it if someone makes slaves of you, if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone behaves arrogantly[h] toward you, if someone strikes you in the face. 21 (To my disgrace[i] I must say that we were too weak for that!)[j] But whatever anyone else dares to boast about[k] (I am speaking foolishly), I also dare to boast about the same thing.[l]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:16 tn Or “am foolish.”
  2. 2 Corinthians 11:17 tn Grk “with this confidence of boasting.” The genitive καυχήσεως (kauchēseōs) has been translated as an attributive genitive (the noun in the genitive functions as an adjective of the noun modified).
  3. 2 Corinthians 11:17 tn Or “say with the Lord’s authority.”
  4. 2 Corinthians 11:18 sn Many is a reference to Paul’s opponents.
  5. 2 Corinthians 11:18 tn Grk “according to the flesh.”
  6. 2 Corinthians 11:19 tn Or “you tolerate.”
  7. 2 Corinthians 11:20 tn Or “you tolerate.”
  8. 2 Corinthians 11:20 tn See L&N 88.212.
  9. 2 Corinthians 11:21 tn Or “my shame.”
  10. 2 Corinthians 11:21 sn It seems best, in context, to see the statement we were too weak for that as a parenthetical and ironic comment by Paul on his physical condition (weakness or sickness) while he was with the Corinthians (cf. 2 Cor 12:7-10; Gal 4:15).
  11. 2 Corinthians 11:21 tn The words “to boast about” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, and this phrase serves as the direct object of the preceding verb.
  12. 2 Corinthians 11:21 tn Grk “I also dare”; the words “to boast about the same thing” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, and this phrase serves as the direct object of the preceding verb.

Paul Boasts in His Sufferings

16 Again I say, do not let anyone think I am foolish. But indeed, if you do, accept me even as foolish, in order that I also may boast a little. 17 What I am saying in this project of boasting, I am not saying as the Lord would say, but as in foolishness. 18 Since many are boasting according to human standards, I also will boast. 19 For because you[a] are wise, you put up with foolish people gladly! 20 For you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone is presumptious toward you, if someone strikes you in the face. 21 I say this to my shame, namely, that we have been weak.

But in whatever anyone dares to boast—I am speaking in foolishness—I also dare to boast.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:19 Here “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“are”) which is understood as causal