Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 10:11

What does 2 Corinthians 10:11 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 10:11 means

Paul warns that anyone who mocks his supposed inconsistency should reckon with this: he is the same person in word and deed. His letters are not empty threats; his actions will align with what he has written when he is present. This is not bluster but integrity. He assures the church that his firmness is real and will be exercised if necessary, yet always within the purpose of building up. The statement both comforts the obedient—Paul is reliable—and cautions the defiant—Paul will act. Consistency between speech and conduct marks genuine spiritual leadership.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let such a one reckon this, that, what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let such a one reckon this, that, what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let those who say this keep in mind that, what we are in word by letters when we are away, so will we be in act when we are present.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

This one--let him reckon thus: that such as we are in word, through letters, being absent, such also, being present, <FI>we are<Fi> in deed.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let such a one think this, that such as we are in word by epistles when absent, such also we will be indeed when present.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let such a one think this, that such as we are in word by letters [when] absent, such also present in deed.

Context

Having quoted the criticism in verse 10, Paul answers it in verse 11 by asserting his practical consistency. This closes the immediate discussion of his presence versus letters and transitions to a broader evaluation of ministry standards in verse 12. The next section will contrast Paul’s approach with those who measure themselves by themselves, leading into his careful boundaries about boasting and the sphere God assigned to him (verses 13–16).

v.10For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.

v.11This passage

v.12For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:19

    But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:2

    I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10

    For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:20

    For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 10

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 10.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 2 Corinthians 10:11.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary