Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 12:16

What does 2 Corinthians 12:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 12:16 means

Paul concedes the claim at face value for argument’s sake—“be it so, I did not myself burden you”—then states the accusation: “being crafty, I caught you with guile.” He echoes the slander that he used cunning to exploit them indirectly. The irony is pointed; he wants them to see how implausible this sounds in light of his sacrificial stance. He sets up a test: if deceit were his method, it would show in the conduct of his delegates. The coming verses will demonstrate that neither he nor his coworkers took advantage, revealing the accusation as baseless and the supposed “craftiness” as a smear from opponents.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But let it be so, that I was not a trouble to you myself; but (someone may say) being false, I took you with deceit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And be it <FI>so<Fi> , I--I did not burden you, but being crafty, with guile I did take you;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But be it so: I did not burthen you: but being crafty, I caught you by guile.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But be it so. I did not burden you, but being crafty I took you by guile.

Context

This verse introduces a specific charge raised by critics: that Paul, though not taking money directly, manipulated the church. The rhetorical strategy is to name the claim and then dismantle it. Verses 17–18 will appeal to the integrity of Titus and another brother, showing a consistent pattern of honesty. The discussion continues the theme of not burdening them (verses 13–15), now addressing the indirect route alleged by detractors. By resolving this, Paul clears the way to speak about his true motive—edification before God (verse 19).

v.15And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

v.16This passage

v.17Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you?

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:2

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

  • 1 Peter 2:3

    if ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious:

  • 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 Thessalonians 2:3

    For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

  • 2 Corinthians 4:2

    but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

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