Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 11:21

What does 2 Corinthians 11:21 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 11:21 means

Paul continues ironically: if boldness is the measure, he too can be bold. He has been “weak,” meaning he has not used domineering tactics his rivals call strength. But if boasting is required, he will not be outdone. He will speak plainly about his background and trials. This sets the stage for a powerful redefinition of apostolic credentials. His boldness does not rest in self-exaltation but in testifying to what Christ has worked through suffering service. By acknowledging the game while refusing its corrupt rules, Paul prepares to parade a different kind of glory—one that magnifies Christ’s power in a servant’s frailty.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I say this by way of shaming ourselves, as if we had been feeble. But if anyone puts himself forward (I am talking like a foolish person), I will do the same.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in reference to dishonour I speak, how that we were weak, and in whatever any one is bold--in foolishness I say <FI>it<Fi> --I also am bold.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I seek according to dishonour, as if we had been weak in this part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly), I dare also.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I speak as to dishonour, as though we had been weak; but wherein any one is daring, (I speak in folly,) I also am daring.

Context

After exposing the Corinthians’ toleration of abusive leaders (v.20), Paul signals a pivot: he will match boldness with boldness, though he calls it foolishness. He begins with ethnic and covenant identity (v.22), then moves to his surpassing record of suffering for Christ (vv.23–27). He will add his daily pastoral burden (v.28) and empathetic response to others’ weakness and stumbling (v.29). The entire catalogue undercuts worldly boasting and leads to his principle: boast in weaknesses (v.30), confirmed by an oath (v.31) and an example of humble escape (vv.32–33).

v.20For 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.

v.21This passage

v.22Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1

    Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

  • 2 Corinthians 11:17

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

  • 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.

  • 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 11:22

    Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:10

    For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.

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