The Meaning of 2 Corinthians 12:11 Explained

2 Corinthians 12:11

KJV: I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

YLT: I have become a fool -- boasting; ye -- ye did compel me; for I ought by you to have been commended, for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles -- even if I am nothing.

Darby: I have become a fool; ye have compelled me; for I ought to have been commended by you; for I have been nothing behind those who were in surpassing degree apostles, if also I am nothing.

ASV: I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.

Discover 2 Corinthians 12:11

CONTEXT: What is the Context of 2 Corinthians 12:11?

MEANING: What does 2 Corinthians 12:11 Mean?

WORDS: What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 12:11 mean?

RELATIONS: What do the major concepts mean in 2 Corinthians 12:11?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

I am become  a fool  in glorying;  ye  have compelled  me:  for  I  ought  to have been commended  of  you:  for  in nothing  am I behind  the very chiefest  apostles,  though  I be  nothing. 

What does 2 Corinthians 12:11 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Again Paul reminded his readers that he had spoken of his own qualifications as an apostle as he had only because the Corinthians required such proof. He had not done so because he wanted to commend himself or because his critics boastfully commended themselves. The majority in the church should have defended him before the critical minority.
"If any Christian community was qualified to write Paul"s testimonial, it was the Corinthian church. They had remained silent, forcing Paul to speak up. His action had been excusable, but not theirs. Commendation was what he deserved and they owed." [1]
They knew he was just as qualified as the "super-apostles" (Gr. huperlian apostolon, i.e, whether the false apostles or the Twelve, cf. 2 Corinthians 11:5). Paul considered himself a "nobody" in the sense that he had received everything that made him an apostle. Apart from the grace and calling of God he was not superior to any other believer. Another possibility is that when Paul called himself a nobody he was speaking ironically, using a description of himself that his critics employed.

Context Summary

2 Corinthians 12:11-21 - "i Seek Not Yours, But You"
"The long burst of passionate self-vindication has now at last expended itself," says Dean Stanley, and Paul returns to the point whence he diverged at 2 Corinthians 10:7, where he was avowing his intention to repress the disobedience of those who still resisted his authority at Corinth. "Now," he says, "my folly is over. That I should have indulged in it is your fault, not mine." What a comfort it is that he lays such repeated stress on his weakness! Instead of complaining of it, he used it as an argument with Christ that He should put forth more grace, and as an argument with his converts, that the results of his work had been granted as the divine endorsement of his apostolate.
Paul felt that his paternal relation to this church gave him the right to rebuke them, as a father rebukes his children. But he realized that they did not reciprocate his love, probably because they permitted the evil things enumerated in the closing verses. Often moral obliquity accounts for the decline and failure of love. Among other things, they had even accused him of getting money, if not directly, yet through Titus. But there were worse things still that needed to be dealt with, 2 Corinthians 12:20-21. Would that we were more often humbled to the dust by the sins of our brethren! [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 12

1  For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,
9  yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities;
11  blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting
14  He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father;
20  although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there

Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 12:11

I am become foolish [γεγονα απρων]
Perfect active indicative of γινομαι — ginomai In spite of what he said in 2 Corinthians 12:6 that he would not be foolish if he gloried in the other Paul. But he feels that he has dropped back to the mood of 2 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 11:16. He has been swept on by the memory of the ecstasy. [source]
For I ought to have been commended by you [εγω γαρ ωπειλον υπ υμων συνιστασται]
Explanation of “ye compelled me.” Imperfect active ωπειλον — ōpheilon of οπειλω — opheilō to be under obligation, and the tense here expresses an unfulfilled obligation about the present. But συνιστασται — sunistasthai is present passive infinitive, not aorist or perfect passive. He literally means, “I ought now to be commended by you” instead of having to glorify myself. He repeats his boast already made (2 Corinthians 11:5.), that he is no whit behind “the super-extra apostles” (the Judaizers), “though I am nothing” Even boasting himself against those false apostles causes a reaction of feeling that he has to express (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 1:15.). [source]
I am become a fool in glorying []
Ironical. By the record I have presented I stand convicted of being foolish. [source]
I ought to have been commended of you []
You ought to have saved me the necessity of recounting my sufferings, and thus commending myself as not inferior to those preeminent apostles (2 Corinthians 11:5). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 12:11

2 Corinthians 11:5  []
d The very chiefest apostles ( τῶν ὑπερλίαν ἀποστόλων ) Lit., those who are preeminently apostles. Not referring to the genuine apostles, but ironically to the false teachers, the false apostles of 2 Corinthians 11:13. Compare 2 Corinthians 12:11. Farrar renders the extra-super apostles. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]
2 Corinthians 11:5 That I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles [μηδεν υστερηκεναι των υπερλιαν αποστολων]
Perfect active infinitive of υστερεω — hustereō old verb to fall short with the ablative case. The rare compound adverb υπερλιαν — huperlian (possibly in use in the vernacular) is probably ironical also, “the super apostles” as these Judaizers set themselves up to be. “The extra-super apostles” (Farrar). Also in 2 Corinthians 12:11. He is not referring to the pillar-apostles of Galatians 2:9. [source]
Galatians 2:6 To be something [εἶναί τι]
Comp. Galatians 6:3; Acts 5:36; 2 Corinthians 12:11. To be in good standing as an evangelist or apostle, approved and commissioned by high authorities. [source]
1 Timothy 1:15 Acceptation [πρωτος]
Genitive case with ην — axios (worthy of). Late word (Polybius, Diod., Jos.) in N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 4:9. Chief (ειμι — prōtos). Not ελαχιστος των αποστολων — ēn (I was), but τωι ελαχιστοτερωι παντων αγιων — eimi (I am). “It is not easy to think of any one but St. Paul as penning these words” (White). In 1 Corinthians 15:9 he had called himself “the least of the apostles” (elachistos tōn apostolōn). In Ephesians 3:8 he refers to himself as “the less than the least of all saints” (tōi elachistoterōi pantōn hagiōn). On occasion Paul would defend himself as on a par with the twelve apostles (Galatians 2:6-10) and superior to the Judaizers (2 Corinthians 11:5.; 2 Corinthians 12:11). It is not mock humility here, but sincere appreciation of the sins of his life (cf. Romans 7:24) as a persecutor of the church of God (Galatians 1:13), of men and even women (Acts 22:4.; Acts 26:11). He had sad memories of those days. [source]
1 Timothy 1:15 Chief [ειμι]
Not ελαχιστος των αποστολων — ēn (I was), but τωι ελαχιστοτερωι παντων αγιων — eimi (I am). “It is not easy to think of any one but St. Paul as penning these words” (White). In 1 Corinthians 15:9 he had called himself “the least of the apostles” In Ephesians 3:8 he refers to himself as “the less than the least of all saints” On occasion Paul would defend himself as on a par with the twelve apostles (Galatians 2:6-10) and superior to the Judaizers (2 Corinthians 11:5.; 2 Corinthians 12:11). It is not mock humility here, but sincere appreciation of the sins of his life (cf. Romans 7:24) as a persecutor of the church of God (Galatians 1:13), of men and even women (Acts 22:4.; Acts 26:11). He had sad memories of those days. [source]
2 Timothy 4:15 Greatly withstood [λίαν ἀντέστη]
Comp. 2 Timothy 3:8, and Galatians 2:11. This may refer to the occurrences at Ephesus (Acts 19:33), or to Alexander's attitude during Paul's trial. The former is more probable. Λίαν greatlynot in Paul, except in the compound ὑπερλίαν , 2 Corinthians 11:5; 2 Corinthians 12:11. Only here in Pastorals. Mostly in Synoptic Gospels. [source]
Revelation 2:2 Works [εργα]
The whole life and conduct as in John 6:29.And thy toil and patience (και τον κοπον και την υπομονην σου — kai ton kopon kai tēn hupomonēn sou). “Both thy toil and patience,” in explanation of εργα — erga and see 1 Thessalonians 1:3, where all three words (εργον κοποσ υπομονη — ergonεργα — koposκοποι — hupomonē) occur together as here. See Revelation 14:13 for sharp distinction between υπομονη — erga (activities) and κοπος — kopoi (toils, with weariness). Endurance (και οτι — hupomonē) in hard toil (κοπος — kopos).And that Further explanation of δυνασαι — kopos (hard toil).Not able (βαστασαι — ou dunēi). This Koiné form for the Attic βασταζω — dunasai (second person singular indicative middle) occurs also in Mark 9:22; Luke 16:2.Bear First aorist active infinitive of πειραζω — bastazō for which verb see John 10:31; John 12:6; Galatians 6:2. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden.And didst try (δυνηι εχεις — kai epeirasas). First aorist active indicative of τους λεγοντας εαυτους αποστολους — peirazō to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6) were condemned. The present tenses (και ουκ εισιν — dunēiκαι ουκ οντας — echeis) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. 1 John 4:1.Which call themselves apostles Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2 Corinthians 11:5, 2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Corinthians 12:11). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Acts 20:29; in sheep‘s clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew 7:15).And they are not (και ευρες — kai ouk eisin). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John 2:9; John 3:9; 1 John 3:1) for ευρισκω — kai ouk ontas to correspond to επειρασας — legontas didst find (πσευδεις — kai heures). Second aorist active indicative of πσευδης — heuriskō Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with epeirasas (pseudeis). Predicate accusative plural of pseudēs self-deceived deceivers as in Revelation 21:8. [source]
Revelation 2:2 And that [ου δυνηι]
Further explanation of δυνασαι — kopos (hard toil).Not able (βαστασαι — ou dunēi). This Koiné form for the Attic βασταζω — dunasai (second person singular indicative middle) occurs also in Mark 9:22; Luke 16:2.Bear First aorist active infinitive of πειραζω — bastazō for which verb see John 10:31; John 12:6; Galatians 6:2. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden.And didst try (δυνηι εχεις — kai epeirasas). First aorist active indicative of τους λεγοντας εαυτους αποστολους — peirazō to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6) were condemned. The present tenses (και ουκ εισιν — dunēiκαι ουκ οντας — echeis) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. 1 John 4:1.Which call themselves apostles Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2 Corinthians 11:5, 2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Corinthians 12:11). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Acts 20:29; in sheep‘s clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew 7:15).And they are not (και ευρες — kai ouk eisin). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John 2:9; John 3:9; 1 John 3:1) for ευρισκω — kai ouk ontas to correspond to επειρασας — legontas didst find (πσευδεις — kai heures). Second aorist active indicative of πσευδης — heuriskō Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with epeirasas (pseudeis). Predicate accusative plural of pseudēs self-deceived deceivers as in Revelation 21:8. [source]
Revelation 2:2 Bear [και επειρασας]
First aorist active infinitive of πειραζω — bastazō for which verb see John 10:31; John 12:6; Galatians 6:2. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden.And didst try (δυνηι εχεις — kai epeirasas). First aorist active indicative of τους λεγοντας εαυτους αποστολους — peirazō to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6) were condemned. The present tenses (και ουκ εισιν — dunēiκαι ουκ οντας — echeis) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. 1 John 4:1.Which call themselves apostles Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2 Corinthians 11:5, 2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Corinthians 12:11). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Acts 20:29; in sheep‘s clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew 7:15).And they are not (και ευρες — kai ouk eisin). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John 2:9; John 3:9; 1 John 3:1) for ευρισκω — kai ouk ontas to correspond to επειρασας — legontas didst find (πσευδεις — kai heures). Second aorist active indicative of πσευδης — heuriskō Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with epeirasas (pseudeis). Predicate accusative plural of pseudēs self-deceived deceivers as in Revelation 21:8. [source]
Revelation 2:2 Which call themselves apostles [λεγοντας]
Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2 Corinthians 11:5, 2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Corinthians 12:11). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Acts 20:29; in sheep‘s clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew 7:15).And they are not (και ευρες — kai ouk eisin). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John 2:9; John 3:9; 1 John 3:1) for ευρισκω — kai ouk ontas to correspond to επειρασας — legontas didst find (πσευδεις — kai heures). Second aorist active indicative of πσευδης — heuriskō Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with epeirasas (pseudeis). Predicate accusative plural of pseudēs self-deceived deceivers as in Revelation 21:8. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 12:11 mean?

I have become a fool you me compelled I for ought by you to have been commended In no way was I inferior to those most eminent apostles though even nothing I am
Γέγονα ἄφρων ὑμεῖς με ἠναγκάσατε ἐγὼ γὰρ ὤφειλον ὑφ’ ὑμῶν συνίστασθαι οὐδὲν ὑστέρησα τῶν Ὑπερλίαν ἀποστόλων εἰ καὶ οὐδέν εἰμι

Γέγονα  I  have  become 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
ἄφρων  a  fool 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἄφρων  
Sense: without reason.
με  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ἠναγκάσατε  compelled 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: ἀναγκάζω  
Sense: to necessitate, compel, drive to, constrain.
ὤφειλον  ought 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ὀφείλω  
Sense: to owe.
συνίστασθαι  to  have  been  commended 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Root: συνιστάω 
Sense: to place together, to set in the same place,to bring or band together.
οὐδὲν  In  no  way 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: οὐδείς 
Sense: no one, nothing.
ὑστέρησα  was  I  inferior 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ὑστερέω  
Sense: behind.
τῶν  to  those 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: ὁ  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ὑπερλίαν  most  eminent 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὑπέρ 
Sense: in behalf of, for the sake of.
ἀποστόλων  apostles 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: ἀπόστολος  
Sense: a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders.
εἰ  though 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: εἰ  
Sense: if, whether.
καὶ  even 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
οὐδέν  nothing 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: οὐδείς 
Sense: no one, nothing.
εἰμι  I  am 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.

What are the major concepts related to 2 Corinthians 12:11?

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