2 Corinthians 11:20
What does 2 Corinthians 11:20 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 11:20 means
Paul lists the abuses the Corinthians have tolerated: being enslaved, exploited, captured, demeaned, even struck. This stark inventory reveals how far they have drifted from the gospel’s ethos. They have confused domineering leadership with strength. True servants of Christ do not devour the flock; they feed and protect it. By holding up this mirror, Paul urges them to reevaluate the character of the teachers they admire. The gospel liberates; it does not bind believers to human tyrants. He implies that his own gentle, sacrificial ministry, though called “weak,” aligns with Christ’s heart, whereas their so-called strong leaders are predators, not shepherds.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You put up with a man if he makes servants of you, if he makes profit out of you, if he makes you prisoners, if he puts himself in a high place, if he gives you blows on the face.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for ye bear, if any one is bringing you under bondage, if any one doth devour, if any one doth take away, if any one doth exalt himself, if any one on the face doth smite you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For you suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take from you, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For ye bear if any one bring you into bondage, if any one devour [you], if any one get [your money], if any one exalt himself, if any one beat you on the face.
Context
Paul’s irony turns concrete: the Corinthians have borne oppression from braggarts. This indictment prepares for v.21, where Paul, still using irony, says he has been “weak” in such displays. Then he pivots to assert boldness and list credentials (vv.22–29). The list will invert expectations—highlighting sufferings rather than triumphs—and establish that genuine ministry is authenticated by endurance, humility, and care, not by abusive dominance. This contrast prepares for his climactic resolve to boast only in weakness (v.30).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 50:6
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
- Lamentations 3:30
Let him give his cheek to him that smiteth him; let him be filled full with reproach.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:5
For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;
- Galatians 5:1
For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.
- Galatians 4:25
Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children.
- Galatians 4:9
but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?
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