2 Corinthians 10:2
What does 2 Corinthians 10:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 10:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 10:2 means
Paul pleads with the church to respond now so that, when he arrives, he will not need to display the boldness he is prepared to use against some. Those opponents had accused him of living “according to the flesh”—acting from worldly motives or methods. Paul rejects this charge. His appeal shows restraint: he wants willing obedience, not coerced compliance. Yet he makes clear that he will confront persistent rebellion. His courage is not the bluster of pride but the resolve to protect the flock. He hopes their repentance will make a stern display unnecessary when he visits them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Yes, I make my request to you, so that when I am with you I may not have to make use of the authority which may be needed against some to whom we seem to be walking after the flesh.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I beseech <FI>you<Fi> , that, being present, I may not have courage, with the confidence with which I reckon to be bold against certain reckoning us as walking according to the flesh;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence wherewith I am thought to be bold, against some who reckon us as if we walked according to the flesh.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but I beseech that present I may not be bold with the confidence with which I think to be daring towards some who think of us as walking according to flesh.
Context
Having invoked Christlike meekness in verse 1, Paul immediately clarifies that gentleness does not cancel needed firmness. Verse 2 signals his readiness to act against a specific group who slander him. This prepares the ground for verses 3–6, where he explains the nature of his warfare and the weapons he uses. The flow moves from request to rationale: he seeks their cooperation, and then he describes the spiritual, not fleshly, character of his ministry, showing why mere human judgments are inadequate.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 11:9
and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
- Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
- 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 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 12:13
For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except it be that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.
- Galatians 5:16
But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
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