Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. New Living Translation But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. English Standard Version And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. Berean Standard Bible But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast. Berean Literal Bible But what I do, I also will do, so that I might cut off the opportunity of those wanting an opportunity that in what they boast they might be found according as also we. King James Bible But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. New King James Version But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. New American Standard Bible But what I am doing I will also continue to do, so that I may eliminate the opportunity from those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. NASB 1995 But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. NASB 1977 But what I am doing, I will continue to do, that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. Legacy Standard Bible But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be found just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. Amplified Bible But what I am doing I will keep doing, [for I am determined to keep this independence] in order to cut off the claim of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things they brag about. Berean Annotated Bible But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast. Christian Standard Bible But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny an opportunity to those who want to be regarded as our equals in what they boast about. Holman Christian Standard Bible But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as our equals in what they boast about. American Standard Version But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. Contemporary English Version I plan to go on doing just what I have always done. Then those people won't be able to brag about doing the same things we are doing. English Revised Version But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. GOD'S WORD® Translation But I'll go on doing what I'm doing. This will take away the opportunity of those people who want to brag because they think they're like us. Good News Translation I will go on doing what I am doing now, in order to keep those other "apostles" from having any reason for boasting and saying that they work in the same way that we do. International Standard Version But I will go on doing what I'm doing in order to deny an opportunity to those people who want an opportunity to be recognized as our equals in the work they are boasting about. NET Bible And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about. New Heart English Bible But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we. Webster's Bible Translation But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them who desire occasion; that in what they glory, they may be found even as we. Weymouth New Testament But I will persist in the same line of conduct in order to cut the ground from under the feet of those who desire an opportunity of getting themselves recognized as being on a level with us in the matters about which they boast. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast. World English Bible But what I do, that I will continue to do, that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity, that in which they boast, they may be recognized just like us. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd what I do, I also will do, that I may cut off the occasion of those wishing an occasion, that in that which they boast they may be found according as we also; Berean Literal Bible But what I do, I also will do, so that I might cut off the opportunity of those wanting an opportunity that in what they boast they might be found according as also we. Young's Literal Translation and what I do, I also will do, that I may cut off the occasion of those wishing an occasion, that in that which they boast they may be found according as we also; Smith's Literal Translation And what I do, and I will do, that I shall not cut off the occasion of those wishing the occasion; that in what they boast, they be found as also we. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off the occasion from them that desire occasion, that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. Catholic Public Domain Version But what I am doing, I will continue to do, so that I may take away an opportunity from those who desire an opportunity by which they may glory, so as to be considered to be like us. New American Bible And what I do I will continue to do, in order to end this pretext of those who seek a pretext for being regarded as we are in the mission of which they boast. New Revised Standard Version And what I do I will also continue to do, in order to deny an opportunity to those who want an opportunity to be recognized as our equals in what they boast about. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut what I do, I will continue to do, so as to give no occasion to those who seek an occasion; and that, in whatever they boast, they may not be found equal to us; Aramaic Bible in Plain English But this that I do, I also shall do to cut off the accusations of those who seek a pretext, so in that by which they brag, they will be found like us. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut what I am doing I will also continue to do, that I may cut off occasion from those who desire an occasion, that in what they boast, they may be found even as we. Godbey New Testament But what I am doing, I indeed will do, in order that I may cut off occasion from those wishing occasion, in order that in whatsoever they may glory, they may be found even as we are. Haweis New Testament But what I do, I will do also, that I may cut off occasion from those who desire occasion, that wherein they boast, they may be found even as we. Mace New Testament but this I do, and shall do, to make them drop their hire, who are so bent upon hire: and then indeed they will be as they pretend to be, like me. Weymouth New Testament But I will persist in the same line of conduct in order to cut the ground from under the feet of those who desire an opportunity of getting themselves recognized as being on a level with us in the matters about which they boast. Worrell New Testament But what I am doing, I also will do, that I may cut off the occasion from those desiring occasion, that wherein they glory they may be found even as we. Worsley New Testament God knoweth. But what I do, I will do, that I may cut off occasion from those that desire an occasion of boasting or censure, that in what they boast of they may be found to do even as we do. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul and the False Apostles…11Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast. 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.… Cross References But I will keep on doing what I am doing, 1 Corinthians 9:15-18 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast. / Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! / If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. … 2 Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Acts 20:33-35 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” in order to undercut those 2 Corinthians 7:2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 1 Timothy 5:14 So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. Titus 2:8 and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us. who want an opportunity Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. Romans 7:8 But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead. Romans 7:11 For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through the commandment put me to death. to be regarded as our equals 2 Corinthians 10:12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance. 2 Corinthians 10:7 You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does. Galatians 2:6 But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me. in the things of which they boast. 2 Corinthians 10:13 We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” / For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. Galatians 6:13-14 For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. / But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 1:7-9 which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. / But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! / As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse! Treasury of Scripture But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. what. 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? Job 23:13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. that I may. 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. them. Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: they glory. 2 Corinthians 11:18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 2 Corinthians 5:12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 2 Corinthians 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Jump to Previous Boast Boasted Boasting Cause Chance Claim Conduct Considered Cut Desire Equal Feet Found Getting Glory Ground Line Matter Matters Mission Occasion Opportunity Order Persist Pride Recognized Regarded Terms Themselves Undermine Wherein WishingJump to Next Boast Boasted Boasting Cause Chance Claim Conduct Considered Cut Desire Equal Feet Found Getting Glory Ground Line Matter Matters Mission Occasion Opportunity Order Persist Pride Recognized Regarded Terms Themselves Undermine Wherein Wishing2 Corinthians 11 1. Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, he enters into a forced commendation of himself,5. of his equality with the chief apostles, 7. of his preaching the gospel to them freely, and without any charge to them; 13. showing that he was not inferior to those deceitful workers in any legal prerogative; 23. and in the service of Christ, and in all kinds of sufferings for his ministry, far superior. But I will keep on doing what I am doing Paul is resolute in his mission and ministry, emphasizing his commitment to continue his work despite opposition. This reflects his dedication to the gospel and his role as an apostle. His perseverance is reminiscent of other biblical figures who remained steadfast in their divine missions, such as Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:3). Paul's determination is a model for believers to remain faithful in their calling, regardless of challenges. in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. He is defending his ministry and apostleship against false apostles. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including false teachings. 3. False Apostles Individuals who were misleading the Corinthian church by boasting about their credentials and trying to undermine Paul's authority. Teaching Points Discernment in LeadershipPaul emphasizes the need for discernment in recognizing true spiritual leadership. Believers should evaluate leaders based on their adherence to the gospel and their character, not just their words or self-promotion. Integrity in Ministry Paul’s commitment to continue his work without giving false apostles an opportunity to boast highlights the importance of integrity. Christians are called to maintain integrity in their service to God, ensuring their actions align with their faith. Boasting in the Lord The passage challenges believers to boast only in the Lord and His work, rather than in personal achievements or status. This aligns with the biblical principle that all glory belongs to God. Guarding Against Deception The presence of false apostles in Corinth serves as a warning to guard against deception. Christians must be vigilant and grounded in Scripture to avoid being led astray by false teachings. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:12?2. How does 2 Corinthians 11:12 encourage discernment against false apostles in today's church? 3. What does Paul's motive in 2 Corinthians 11:12 teach about integrity in ministry? 4. How can we apply Paul's example in 2 Corinthians 11:12 to our lives? 5. How does 2 Corinthians 11:12 connect with Jesus' warnings about false prophets? 6. What steps can believers take to "cut off opportunity" for deceitful leaders today? 7. What does 2 Corinthians 11:12 reveal about Paul's motives in his ministry? 8. How does 2 Corinthians 11:12 address the issue of false apostles? 9. Why does Paul emphasize his actions in 2 Corinthians 11:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 11? 11. How can I find strength in my weaknesses? 12. Who were the super-apostles in early Christianity? 13. 2 Corinthians 11:5 – Who were the so-called “super-apostles,” and why do we lack clear historical confirmation of their identity or influence? 14. Why doesn't Paul clarify whether his experience in 2 Corinthians 12 was a physical or purely spiritual journey, and what evidence supports either view? What Does 2 Corinthians 11:12 Mean But I will keep on doingPaul’s resolve is unwavering. He refuses to let opposition or fatigue redirect his course. • Galatians 6:9 urges, “And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” • Acts 20:24 shows the same conviction: “I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus.” • 1 Corinthians 15:58 calls believers to be “steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.” Application: Perseverance is an act of faith—continuing because Christ is worth it, not because circumstances are easy. what I am doing What is Paul actually doing? Serving without financial burden, preaching free of charge, living transparently. • 1 Corinthians 9:12 declares that he “endure[s] everything so that we will not hinder the gospel of Christ.” • 1 Corinthians 9:18: “That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge.” • 2 Corinthians 11:7-9 recounts how he refused Corinthian support to avoid any hint of exploitation. Application: Ministry methods matter. Integrity protects the message. in order to undercut Paul acts strategically “to undercut”—to cut off the ground from beneath deceivers. • 2 Corinthians 11:15 notes that false workers “masquerade as servants of righteousness.” • Galatians 2:4-5 shows Paul confronting “false brothers” to preserve gospel freedom. • Titus 1:10-11 directs leaders to silence empty talkers who upset whole households. Application: Love sometimes looks like firm opposition to anything that confuses or corrupts the gospel. those who want an opportunity The targets are self-promoting teachers angling for a platform. • 2 Corinthians 11:13 labels them “false apostles, deceitful workers.” • Acts 20:29-30 warns of “savage wolves” rising up even from within the church. • Matthew 7:15 cautions, “Beware of false prophets…in sheep’s clothing.” Application: Not everyone wearing a ministry title is trustworthy; discernment is essential. to be regarded as our equals These rivals seek parity with Paul’s apostolic authority. • 2 Corinthians 10:12 exposes those “who commend themselves” by human standards. • 2 Corinthians 11:5 and 12:11 show Paul forced to defend his genuine apostleship. Application: True authority is God-given, affirmed by fruit and faithfulness, not by self-promotion. in the things of which they boast Their swagger centers on reputation, eloquence, and credentials—empty boasts. • Jeremiah 9:23-24 tells us the only safe boast is in knowing the Lord. • 2 Corinthians 10:17 echoes: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” • 1 Corinthians 1:31 repeats the same call, while Philippians 3:18-19 shows the tragedy of boasting in earthly things. Application: Boasting in anything but Christ eventually collapses; boasting in Him never will. summary Paul keeps pressing on in transparent, sacrificial ministry so that frauds lose their platform and believers keep a crystal-clear view of the true gospel. His example calls us to steady perseverance, strategic discernment, and humble confidence that rejoices only in the Lord. (12) That I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion.--It lies on the surface that the "occasion," or opening for attack, which his opponents had thus desired, was one against which he guarded himself by not taking money. They boasted of their own disinterestedness. They taunted him with his meanness in taking money from the Macedonian churches. The Apostle wishes, therefore, by persisting in his line of conduct, in spite of the appeals of a real or affected jealousy, to place himself on the same level with them, them on the same level with himself. The comparison between them must rest, he says, on other grounds. This seems the only tenable and coherent interpretation; nor is there any force in the objection which has been urged against it, that there is no evidence that the rival teachers did teach gratuitously. If this is a natural inference from St. Paul's language, and there is no evidence to the contrary, that is surely evidence enough. It may be added, however, that there is at least in favour of the interpretation here given, the evidence of antecedent probability. It was likely that those who claimed to be in some special sense followers of Christ, would at least affect to act on the words of Christ, "Freely ye have received, freely give." (See Note on Matthew 10:8.) It was likely that those who, from another point of view, were representatives of the scribes of Judaism, should at least affect to act as the noblest of those scribes had acted, and to teach, not for payment, but for the love of teaching. That it was an affectation, and not a reality, we shall hereafter see reason to believe.Verse 12. - Occasion; rather, the occasion. Wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. "These new teachers boast to you how disinterested they are. Well, then, I have proved myself to be equally disinterested." But the words apparently involve a most stinging sarcasm. For these teachers were not in reality disinterested, though they boasted of being so; on the contrary, they were exacting, insolent, and tyrannical (ver. 20), and did not preach gratuitously (1 Corinthians 9:12), though they sneered at the apostle for doing so. Being radically false (vers. 12, 13), "while they were," as Theodoret says, "openly boasting, they were secretly taking money," and therefore were not "even as we."Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. I will keep on doing ποιήσω (poiēsō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. what Ὃ (Ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. I am doing, ποιῶ (poiō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. in order ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. to undercut ἐκκόψω (ekkopsō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 1581: To cut out (off, away), remove, prevent. From ek and kopto; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate. those who τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. want θελόντων (thelontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. an opportunity ἀφορμήν (aphormēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 874: From a compound of apo and hormao; a starting-point, i.e. an opportunity. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. be regarded as εὑρεθῶσιν (heurethōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find. our equals καθὼς (kathōs) Adverb Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the things ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. they boast about. καυχῶνται (kauchōntai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2744: To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt. Links 2 Corinthians 11:12 NIV2 Corinthians 11:12 NLT 2 Corinthians 11:12 ESV 2 Corinthians 11:12 NASB 2 Corinthians 11:12 KJV 2 Corinthians 11:12 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 11:12 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 11:12 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 11:12 French Bible 2 Corinthians 11:12 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:12 But what I do that I will (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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