Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 11:16

What does 2 Corinthians 11:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 11:16 means

Paul repeats his plea: do not think him a fool. But if they insist, at least receive him as one so he may “glory a little.” He steps into the foolish game of boasting only to overturn it. He wants room to speak in a way he normally avoids, because the situation demands it. This is a rhetorical strategy: he meets the Corinthians where they are, comparing credentials as his rivals do, yet with a different purpose—to reveal what true apostolic ministry looks like under Christ. His “little” boasting will expose the emptiness of fleshly glory and point to strength found in weakness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but ifye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but ifye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I say again, Let me not seem foolish to anyone; but if I do, put up with me as such, so that I may take a little glory to myself.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Again I say, may no one think me to be a fool; and if otherwise, even as a fool receive me, that I also a little may boast.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I say again (Let no man think me to be foolish: otherwise take me as one foolish, that I also may glory a little):

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Again I say, Let not any one think me to be a fool; but if otherwise, receive me then even as a fool, that I also may boast myself some little.

Context

Having unmasked the false apostles and their end (vv.13–15), Paul resumes his reluctant boasting. He asks the Corinthians to make the same allowance for him they have made for others (v.16). In v.17 he will clarify that this boasting is not a command from the Lord but an accommodation to the situation. In v.18 he notes that many boast according to the flesh, so he will answer accordingly. Then he will confront their ironic tolerance of abusive leaders (vv.19–20) before presenting his own record (vv.22–29).

v.15It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

v.16This passage

v.17That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 11:19

    For ye bear with the foolish gladly, being wise yourselves.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:21

    I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet whereinsoever any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:1

    Would that ye could bear with me in a little foolishness: but indeed ye do bear with me.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:11

    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.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:6

    For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.

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