2 Corinthians 10:11

Such people should consider that what we are in our letters when absent, we will be in our actions when present.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church during a period of physical absence, responding to critics who dismiss his spoken presence while acknowledging the authority of his correspondence.

The words — λογιζέσθω (logizesthō) translates literally as "should realize" or "consider," and τοιοῦτος (toioutos) specifies the "type of person" being addressed.

The thread — The tension between written warnings and future conduct appears in 2 Corinthians 12:20, 2 Corinthians 13:2, and 2 Corinthians 13:10.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to measure the author by his forthcoming deeds rather than his current letters, demanding a direct alignment between present words and future actions.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

τοῦτοtoutoThis λογιζέσθωlogizesthōshould realise ὁho<the>τοιοῦτοςtoioutostype of [person]ὅτιhotithat οἷοίhoioisuch as ἐσμενesmenwe are τῷtō<the>λόγῳlogōin word δι᾽di᾽through ἐπιστολῶνepistolōnletters ἀπόντες,apontesbeing absent,τοιοῦτοιtoioutoisuch [we are]καὶkaialso παρόντεςparontesbeing present τῷtō<the>ἔργῳ.¶ergōin action.

King James Version

Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
2 Corinthians 13:2 I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.