Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 11:17

What does 2 Corinthians 11:17 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 11:17 means

Paul clarifies that what follows is not “after the Lord,” meaning it is not the typical way Christ instructs His servants to speak. Rather, it is a deliberate use of “foolishness” given the circumstances. He speaks with a kind of confidence—not in self, but in the necessity of answering fools on their own terms to protect the church. This caveat keeps readers from mistaking his method as a model for prideful boasting. He is not commending the practice; he is condescending to it briefly, driven by pastoral care. The content will still reveal Christ’s pattern, but the form is adapted to reach those impressed by outward boasting.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

What I am now saying is not by the order of the Lord, but as a foolish person, taking credit to myself, as it seems.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

That which I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this the confidence of boasting;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That which I speak, I speak not according to God: but as it were in foolishness, in this matter of glorying.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

What I speak I do not speak according to [the] Lord, but as in folly, in this confidence of boasting.

Context

Paul’s disclaimer prepares the church to hear his coming list without misunderstanding. In v.18 he explains why he adopts this mode: many boast according to the flesh, so he will respond in kind. Then, with irony in vv.19–20, he notes how the Corinthians have tolerated foolish and even abusive leaders. That rebuke clears space for him to list his own “credentials” (vv.22–29), marked not by triumph but by suffering, ending with a purpose statement about boasting in weakness (v.30).

v.16I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but ifye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little.

v.17This passage

v.18Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 7:6

    But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:18

    Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

  • Philippians 3:3

    for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:

  • 2 Corinthians 9:4

    lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:25

    Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:12

    But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her.

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