Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 12:13

What does 2 Corinthians 12:13 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 12:13 means

Paul asks what made the Corinthians inferior to other churches. The only difference was that he refused to be a financial burden to them. With sharp irony he says, “forgive me this wrong.” His point is that they suffered no spiritual lack under his ministry; if anything, he intentionally relieved them of material obligations. He exposes the absurdity of critics who turn generosity into an offense. Refusing support was a strategic choice to remove obstacles to the gospel in Corinth. Paul’s tone is tender yet firm, inviting them to see his heart: he wanted to give, not take, and to protect them from any charge that he was exploiting them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For what is there in which you were made less than the other churches, but in the one thing that I was not a trouble to you? Let me have forgiveness for this wrong.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for what is there in which ye were inferior to the rest of the assemblies, except that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this injustice!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For what is there that you have had less than the other churches but that I myself was not burthensome to you? Pardon me this injury.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For in what is it that ye have been inferior to the other assemblies, unless that I myself have not been in laziness a charge upon you? Forgive me this injury.

Context

Having reminded them of apostolic signs, Paul now addresses the unique feature of his ministry at Corinth—he did not take their money. What some framed as a mark against him, he reframes as love. This sets up verses 14–15, where he will declare, as a spiritual father, his readiness to come a third time without burdening them and to spend himself for their souls. The flow moves from evidence of authority to expressions of affection, preparing to confront any lingering suspicions about his motives (verses 16–18).

v.12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.

v.13This passage

v.14Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 11:7

    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?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:15

    But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:14

    Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:6

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

  • 1 Corinthians 9:12

    If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 2 Corinthians 12:13.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary