2 Corinthians 12:17
What does 2 Corinthians 12:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 12:17 means
Paul asks whether he took advantage of them through anyone he sent. It is a searching, practical question. If manipulation were at work, it would be traceable through his associates. The implied answer is no. His ministry team reflected the same transparency he claimed for himself. By inviting them to examine the record, he shows confidence in the truth. Financial integrity is not proved by slogans but by a consistent pattern of conduct. Paul’s leadership extended to those he sent; he did not hide behind messengers to do what he refused to do openly. The accusation of guile collapses under scrutiny of actual relationships and transactions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Did I make a profit out of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862any one of those whom I have sent unto you--by him did I take advantage of you?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Did I overreach you by any of them whom I sent to you?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Did I make gain of you by any of those whom I have sent to you?
Context
Continuing the rebuttal begun in verse 16, Paul moves from irony to evidence, centering on his emissaries’ behavior. Verse 18 will name Titus and another brother as examples. This sequence demonstrates that Paul’s practice of not burdening the church was consistent across his team. Once this point is established, verse 19 will reassert the true aim of all his speech—speaking before God in Christ for the church’s edification—shifting the conversation from suspicion to constructive purpose.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Kings 5:16
But he said, As Jehovah liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
- 1 Corinthians 16:10
Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:
- 2 Corinthians 9:5
I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion.
- 2 Corinthians 12:18
I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
- 1 Corinthians 4:17
For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church.
- 2 Kings 5:20
But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: as Jehovah liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
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