Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 11:7

What does 2 Corinthians 11:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 11:7 means

Paul asks if he sinned by humbling himself—refusing payment—so that the Corinthians might be spiritually enriched. He chose to forego his right to support to remove any obstacle to their reception of the gospel. Instead of gratitude, some used this against him, as if it proved he was not a true apostle. Paul exposes the absurdity: his self-denial was for their sake. He willingly lowered himself to lift them up, echoing the servant pattern of Christian ministry. His question invites them to reconsider their judgments and to see that love, not self-interest, directed his approach among them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Or did I do wrong in making myself low so that you might be lifted up, because I gave you the good news of God without reward?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The sin did I do--myself humbling that ye might be exalted, because freely the good news of God I did proclaim to you?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Or did I commit a fault, humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached unto you the Gospel of God freely?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Have I committed sin, abasing myself in order that ye might be exalted, because I gratuitously announced to you the glad tidings ofGod?

Context

Still countering perceptions shaped by rival teachers, Paul turns to finances. Corinthians prized patronage and status, so refusing support seemed suspicious. In vv.7–9, Paul explains his choice: he accepted aid from other churches to keep from burdening them. In vv.10–12 he vows to continue this policy, not from lack of love, but to remove grounds for his opponents’ boasting. Then, in vv.13–15, he bluntly identifies those opponents as false apostles who disguise themselves as Christ’s representatives.

v.6But 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.

v.7This passage

v.8I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you;

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 12:13

    For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except it be that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:6

    Or I only and Barnabas, have we not a right to forbear working?

  • Acts 18:1

    After these things he departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.

  • Acts 20:34

    Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9

    For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14

    Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel.

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