Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 12:6

What does 2 Corinthians 12:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 12:6 means

Paul acknowledges that, if he chose to boast, he would not be lying—he could tell the truth about God’s dealings with him. But he refrains, lest people overestimate him beyond what they can actually see and hear. He wants their assessment grounded in his lived character and sound teaching, not inflated by unverifiable claims. This is pastoral wisdom: fix attention on the tangible work of grace among the people, not on celebrity aura. Paul understands how easily admiration can eclipse discernment. By withholding details, he protects both himself from pride and the church from misplaced trust, guiding them to weigh a minister by evident faithfulness rather than dramatic testimonies.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if I had a desire to take credit to myself, it would not be foolish, for I would be saying what is true: but I will not, for fear that I might seem to any man more than he sees me to be, or has word from me that I am.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if I may wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for truth I will say; but I forebear, lest any one in regard to me may think anything above what he doth see me, or doth hear anything of me;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For if I shall desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will say [the] truth; but I forbear, lest any one should think as to me above what he sees me [to be], or whatever he may hear of me.

Context

This verse tightens the argument that began in verse 5. Paul is not denying reality; he is disciplining its presentation so the Corinthians judge him by accessible evidence. Verses 7–10 will reveal God’s means to keep him from pride—the thorn—and Christ’s word about grace in weakness. Then verses 11–12 will return to public credentials: perseverance, signs, wonders, and mighty works done among them. The flow keeps toggling between private revelation and public verification, teaching the church to prize what builds up and withstands scrutiny over what merely dazzles.

v.5On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses.

v.6This passage

v.7And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 3:5

    What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him.

  • Job 24:25

    And if it be not so now, who will prove me a liar, And make my speech nothing worth?

  • 1 Corinthians 3:9

    For we are God’s fellow-workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:31

    The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not.

  • 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 10:8

    For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:

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