2 Corinthians 11:9
What does 2 Corinthians 11:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 11:9 means
When Paul was in Corinth and had needs, he did not burden anyone there. Believers from Macedonia supplied what he lacked. He maintained this stance to remove any suspicion that he preached for personal gain. His resolve was pastoral and principled, not merely circumstantial. He would rather rely on God’s provision through others than jeopardize the gospel’s credibility among the Corinthians. By recalling this event, Paul reminds them of a concrete expression of his love and integrity. He has consistently sought their good, willing to endure want so that nothing would hinder their reception of the message of Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when I was present with you, and was in need, I let no man be responsible for me; for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, gave me whatever was needed; and in everything I kept myself from being a trouble to you, and I will go on doing so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and being present with you, and having been in want, I was chargeable to no one, for my lack did the brethren supply--having come from Macedonia--and in everything burdenless to you I did keep myself, and will keep.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And, when I was present with you and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was wanting to me, the brethren supplied who came from Macedonia. And in all things I have kept myself from being burthensome to you: and so I will keep myself.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And being present with you and lacking, I did not lazily burden any one, (for the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied what I lacked,) and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will keep myself.
Context
Paul provides factual support for his claim in v.8: Macedonian believers met his needs so he could serve in Corinth without being a burden. This memory paves the way for his firm vow (v.10) to continue such boasting—that is, to keep ministering free of charge in Achaia. In v.11 he denies that this policy stems from a lack of love. In v.12 he explains the strategy: to cut off opportunities for opponents to claim superiority. That, in turn, frames his stark identification of them as false apostles (vv.13–15).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 5:15
But the former governors that were before me were chargeable unto the people, and took of them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
- 2 Corinthians 6:4
but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
- 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.
- 2 Corinthians 8:1
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;
- Philippians 4:10
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.
- Philippians 2:25
But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need;
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