Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 11:6

What does 2 Corinthians 11:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 11:6 means

Paul admits he may be “rude in speech”—not a trained orator by Corinthian standards—but insists he is not lacking in knowledge. What matters in gospel ministry is truth grasped and delivered faithfully. The Corinthians have already seen this clearly in his life and teaching. He has been transparent, consistent, and thorough. Style can impress, but substance saves. By highlighting knowledge, Paul contrasts the deep, revealed understanding of Christ with the persuasive techniques prized in Corinth. He reminds them that his ministry demonstrated God’s wisdom among them, even if it did not conform to the expectations of sophisticated rhetoric or self-promoting performance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But though I be rude in speech, yet am I not in knowledge; nay, in every way have we made this manifest unto you in all things.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But though I be rude in speech, yet am I not in knowledge; nay, in every way have we made this manifest unto you in all things.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But though I am rough in my way of talking, I am not so in knowledge, as we have made clear to all by our acts among you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and even if unlearned in word--yet not in knowledge, but in every thing we were made manifest in all things to you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For although I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge: but in all things we have been made manifest to you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if [I am] a simple person in speech, yet not in knowledge, but in everything making [the truth] manifest in all things to you.

Context

Responding to charges of inferiority (v.5), Paul clarifies that weakness in rhetorical polish is not deficiency in apostolic knowledge. The Corinthians had ample evidence of his integrity. He next addresses his controversial practice of preaching without charge (vv.7–9), which some portrayed as a flaw. He will show that his self-denial came from love and strategy, not from lack of authority or care (vv.10–12), and it serves to unmask those who boast in appearances rather than truth (vv.13–15).

v.5For I reckon that I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

v.6This passage

v.7Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I preached to you the gospel of God for nought?

Cross references

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

  • 2 Peter 3:15

    And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you;

  • 1 Corinthians 2:13

    Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:2

    Open your hearts to us: we wronged no man, we corrupted no man, we took advantage of no man.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:12

    Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:11

    Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:1

    And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.

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