2 Corinthians 1:12
What does 2 Corinthians 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 1:12 means
Paul explains what he can legitimately boast in: the testimony of his conscience. He has conducted himself with holiness and godly sincerity, not by crafty human wisdom but by the grace of God—especially toward the Corinthians. He appeals not to eloquence or success but to integrity shaped by grace. This underscores that authentic ministry flows from character marked by God’s work within. He contrasts “fleshly wisdom” with divine grace to say his methods and motives were not manipulative. His life was open to scrutiny; his conscience, informed by God, bears him witness. This prepares them to trust his explanations about plans and changes, because the driving principle has been God’s grace, not self-interest.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For our glory is in this, in the knowledge which we have that our way of life in the world, and most of all in relation to you, has been holy and true in the eyes of God; not in the wisdom of the flesh, but in the grace of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For our glorying is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom, but in the grace of God, we did conduct ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For our glory is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity of heart and sincerity of God, and not in carnal wisdom, but in the grace of God, we have conversed in this world: and more abundantly towards you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For our boasting is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and sincerity beforeGod, (not in fleshly wisdom but inGod's grace,) we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly towards you.
Context
After inviting the Corinthians to pray, Paul addresses concerns about his credibility. Some had questioned his motives and plans. He begins his defense by appealing to conscience and conduct, showing that grace, not worldly shrewdness, guided him. The next verses will reinforce this transparency: he has written nothing but what they can read and understand, and he hopes for fuller mutual recognition. Then he will discuss his travel intentions and why they changed, linking everything to the faithfulness of God in Christ.
v.11ye also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf.
v.12This passage
v.13For we write no other things unto you, than what ye read or even acknowledge, and I hope ye will acknowledge unto the end:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 8:8
I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
- 2 Corinthians 12:15
And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
- Job 31:1
I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin?
- 1 Timothy 1:5
But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned:
- Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
- 1 Peter 3:21
which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ;
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