2 Corinthians 12:11
What does 2 Corinthians 12:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 12:11 means
Paul admits that this whole exercise of “boasting” feels foolish, but the Corinthians forced his hand. They should have defended him themselves, recognizing his faithful ministry. He asserts that he was in no way behind the “very chiefest apostles,” yet immediately adds, “though I am nothing.” This blend of authority and humility is striking. He refuses both inferiority and self-importance. His standing rests on Christ’s call and work, not on personal greatness. The church’s failure to commend him reveals how easily flashy pretenders sway hearts. True shepherds often must articulate their calling for the flock’s good, even while confessing their own nothingness before God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have been forced by you to become foolish, though it was right for my praise to have come from you: for in no way was I less than the chief of the Apostles, though I am nothing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I have become a fool--boasting; ye--ye did compel me; for I ought by you to have been commended, for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles--even if I am nothing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I am become foolish. You have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended by you. For I have no way come short of them that are above measure apostles, although I be nothing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have become a fool; ye have compelled me; for I ought to have been commended by you; for I have been nothing behind those who were in surpassing degree apostles, if also I am nothing.
Context
Paul transitions from the theology of weakness back to the dispute over apostolic legitimacy. Having shown the pattern of Christ’s power in weakness, he clarifies that he is not inferior to the highest apostles. Verse 12 will give concrete evidence: the signs of an apostle performed among them. This prepares for the ironic complaint in verse 13 about not burdening the church financially, which some had twisted into a criticism. The flow maintains tension between humility (learned through the thorn) and rightful confidence in divine commissioning, a vital balance for reading the rest of the chapter well.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 11:1
Would that ye could bear with me in a little foolishness: but indeed ye do bear with me.
- 1 Corinthians 15:8
and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also.
- Galatians 2:6
But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man’s person)—they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me:
- 1 Corinthians 3:4
For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men?
- 2 Corinthians 11:16
I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but ifye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little.
- 2 Corinthians 11:5
For I reckon that I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
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