2 Corinthians 11:10-21 - Constrained To Silence Boasters
In vivid language, which proves how greatly he had been moved, the Apostle contrasts the false teachers who were injuring his converts with himself. They brought their disciples under bondage, exalted themselves, and lived in self-indulgence. He did not hesitate to unveil their true character and to designate them as emissaries of Satan. We need to fear a white devil even more than a black one. Satan conceals his deeds under the guise of an angel clothed in light; and as it is with him, so with his instruments; as their deeds are, so will be their end.
In the succeeding category, 2 Corinthians 11:16-21, Paul confesses freely that his words might seem in conflict with the humility that Jesus taught, and might savor of boastfulness and pride; but for the sake of the truth he stooped to the level of these false teachers, and adopted their own methods. Though he would not think of plundering or of smiting the disciples as these intruders did, yet he would meet the latter on their own ground. The proverb says, "Answer a fool according to his folly," and this is an exact description of the Apostle's defense. This much at least was clear: that the motive of his life was absolutely pure and selfless, and was capable of lifting him to a career of unparalleled heroism. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 11
1Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, he enters into a forced commendation of himself, 5of his equality with the chief apostles, 7of his preaching the gospel to them freely, and without any charge to them; 13showing that he was not inferior to those deceitful workers in any legal prerogative; 23and in the service of Christ, and in all kinds of sufferings for his ministry, far superior
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 11:17
Not after the Lord [ου κατα Κυριον] Not after the example of the Lord. He had appealed to the example of Christ in 2 Corinthians 10:1 (the meekness and gentleness of Christ). Paul‘s conduct here, he admits, is not in keeping with that. But circumstances force him on. [source]
2 Corinthians 9:4Lest by any means we should be put to shame [καταισχυνω] Negative purpose with first aorist passive subjunctive of ινα μη λεγωμεν υμεις kataischunō (see note on 2 Corinthians 7:14) in the literary plural. That we say not, ye (υποστασει hina mē legōmen humeis). A delicate syntactical turn for what he really has in mind. He does wish that they become ashamed of not paying their pledges. Confidence This word, common from Aristotle on, comes from huphistēmi to place under. It always has the notion of substratum or foundation as here; 2 Corinthians 11:17; Hebrews 1:3. The papyri give numerous examples (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary) of the word for “property” in various aspects. So in Hebrews 11:1 “faith is the title-deed of things hoped for.” In the lxx it represents fifteen different Hebrew words. [source]
2 Corinthians 9:4Confidence [υπιστημι] This word, common from Aristotle on, comes from huphistēmi to place under. It always has the notion of substratum or foundation as here; 2 Corinthians 11:17; Hebrews 1:3. The papyri give numerous examples (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary) of the word for “property” in various aspects. So in Hebrews 11:1 “faith is the title-deed of things hoped for.” In the lxx it represents fifteen different Hebrew words. [source]
Hebrews 1:3The express image of his person [χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ] Rend the very image (or impress ) of his substance The primary sense of ὑπόστασις substanceis something which stands underneath; foundation, ground of hope or confidence, and so assurance itself. In a philosophical sense, substantial nature; the real nature of anything which underlies and supports its outward form and properties. In N.T., 2 Corinthians 9:4; 2 Corinthians 11:17,Hebrews 3:14; Hebrews 11:1, signifying in every instance ground of confidence or confidence In lxx, it represents fifteen different words, and, in some cases, it is hard to understand its meaning notably 1 Samuel 13:21. In Rth 1:12 , Psalm 37:8,Ezekiel 19:5, it means ground of hope: in Judges 6:4,Wisd. 16:21, sustenance in Psalm 38:5; Psalm 136:15, the substance or material of the human frame: in 1 Samuel 13:23; Ezekiel 26:11, an outpost or garrison: in Deuteronomy 11:6; Job 22:20, possessions. The theological sense, person, is later than the apostolic age. Here, substantial nature, essence. Χαρακτὴρ from χαράσσειν toengrave or inscribe, originally a graving-tool; also the die on which a device is cut. It seems to have lost that meaning, and always signifies the impression made by the die or graver. Hence, mark, stamp, as the image on a coin (so often) which indicates its nature and value, or the device impressed by a signet. N.T.olxx, Leviticus 13:28; Acts href="/desk/?q=ac+17:29&sr=1">Acts 17:29; Revelation 13:16,Revelation 13:17. Here the essential being of God is conceived as setting its distinctive stamp upon Christ, coming into definite and characteristic expression in his person, so that the Son bears the exact impress of the divine nature and character. [source]
What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 11:17 mean?
WhatI am sayingnotaccording to[the] Lordam I sayingbutasinfoolishnessthistheconfidence-of boasting
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 11:17
Not after the example of the Lord. He had appealed to the example of Christ in 2 Corinthians 10:1 (the meekness and gentleness of Christ). Paul‘s conduct here, he admits, is not in keeping with that. But circumstances force him on. [source]
See on 2 Corinthians 9:4. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 11:17
Second aorist active optative (Koiné{[28928]}š form for older δοιη doiē) as in 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Ephesians 1:17; 2 Timothy 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:25, though MSS. vary in Ephesians 1:17; 2 Timothy 2:25 for δωηι dōēi (subjunctive). The optative here is for a wish for the future (regular idiom). According to Christ Jesus (κατα Χριστον Ιησουν kata Christon Iēsoun). “According to the character or example of Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:17; Colossians 2:8; Ephesians 5:24). [source]
“According to the character or example of Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:17; Colossians 2:8; Ephesians 5:24). [source]
Negative purpose with first aorist passive subjunctive of ινα μη λεγωμεν υμεις kataischunō (see note on 2 Corinthians 7:14) in the literary plural. That we say not, ye (υποστασει hina mē legōmen humeis). A delicate syntactical turn for what he really has in mind. He does wish that they become ashamed of not paying their pledges. Confidence This word, common from Aristotle on, comes from huphistēmi to place under. It always has the notion of substratum or foundation as here; 2 Corinthians 11:17; Hebrews 1:3. The papyri give numerous examples (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary) of the word for “property” in various aspects. So in Hebrews 11:1 “faith is the title-deed of things hoped for.” In the lxx it represents fifteen different Hebrew words. [source]
This word, common from Aristotle on, comes from huphistēmi to place under. It always has the notion of substratum or foundation as here; 2 Corinthians 11:17; Hebrews 1:3. The papyri give numerous examples (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary) of the word for “property” in various aspects. So in Hebrews 11:1 “faith is the title-deed of things hoped for.” In the lxx it represents fifteen different Hebrew words. [source]
Rend the very image (or impress ) of his substance The primary sense of ὑπόστασις substanceis something which stands underneath; foundation, ground of hope or confidence, and so assurance itself. In a philosophical sense, substantial nature; the real nature of anything which underlies and supports its outward form and properties. In N.T., 2 Corinthians 9:4; 2 Corinthians 11:17, Hebrews 3:14; Hebrews 11:1, signifying in every instance ground of confidence or confidence In lxx, it represents fifteen different words, and, in some cases, it is hard to understand its meaning notably 1 Samuel 13:21. In Rth 1:12 , Psalm 37:8, Ezekiel 19:5, it means ground of hope: in Judges 6:4, Wisd. 16:21, sustenance in Psalm 38:5; Psalm 136:15, the substance or material of the human frame: in 1 Samuel 13:23; Ezekiel 26:11, an outpost or garrison: in Deuteronomy 11:6; Job 22:20, possessions. The theological sense, person, is later than the apostolic age. Here, substantial nature, essence. Χαρακτὴρ from χαράσσειν toengrave or inscribe, originally a graving-tool; also the die on which a device is cut. It seems to have lost that meaning, and always signifies the impression made by the die or graver. Hence, mark, stamp, as the image on a coin (so often) which indicates its nature and value, or the device impressed by a signet. N.T.olxx, Leviticus 13:28; Acts href="/desk/?q=ac+17:29&sr=1">Acts 17:29; Revelation 13:16, Revelation 13:17. Here the essential being of God is conceived as setting its distinctive stamp upon Christ, coming into definite and characteristic expression in his person, so that the Son bears the exact impress of the divine nature and character. [source]