Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 11:12

What does 2 Corinthians 11:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 11:12 means

Paul will continue his chosen course—refusing Corinthian support—to “cut off occasion” from those who seek a pretext to boast. If his opponents claim superiority because they take payment, his practice shows that true ministry does not depend on such markers. He forces them to meet him on the ground of integrity and fruit, not status symbols. By removing their talking points, Paul exposes their emptiness. The goal is not to one-up rivals, but to protect the church from being impressed by outward shows. In the end, authentic and counterfeit ministries must be measured by conformity to Christ and faithfulness to the gospel.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But what I do, that I will go on doing, so that I may give no chance to those who are looking for one; so that, in the cause of their pride, they may be seen to be the same as we are.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and what I do, I also will do, that I may cut off the occasion of those wishing an occasion, that in that which they boast they may be found according as we also;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But what I do, that I will do: that I may cut off the occasion from them that desire occasion: that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But what I do, I will also do, that I may cut off the opportunity of those wishing [for] an opportunity, that wherein they boast they may be found even as we.

Context

This verse gives Paul’s strategy: he persists in self-denying conduct to deprive opponents of boasting rights. It bridges his personal defense (vv.7–11) with his sharp denunciation of the rival teachers (vv.13–15). Having explained his motives, he now unmasks the nature of the opposition. Identifying them as false apostles (v.13) and linking their disguise to Satan’s deceptive tactics (v.14) prepares the readers to reassess what they admire and to resist ministry that only looks righteous (v.15).

v.11Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

v.12This passage

v.13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 5:12

    We are not again commending ourselves unto you, but speak as giving you occasion of glorying on our behalf, that ye may have wherewith to answer them that glory in appearance, and not in heart.

  • Galatians 1:7

    which is not another gospel: only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

  • Job 23:13

    But he is in onemind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

  • Philippians 1:15

    Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

  • 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:6

    Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

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