Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 10:9
I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while defending his apostolic authority, positioned between his declaration of God-given power for building up the congregation and his quotation of critics who contrast his forceful letters with his unimpressive physical presence.
The words — ἐκφοβεῖν (ekphobein) means "to frighten" or "to intimidate," and διὰ (dia) means "through" or "by means of." The text states that Paul refuses to use his correspondence as an instrument of fear rather than as a vehicle for instruction.
The thread — The tension between written words and physical presence, along with the call to withhold final judgment, appears in 1 Corinthians 4:5 and 1 Corinthians 4:19, where Paul directs attention to the Lord's future revelation of hidden motives. 2 Corinthians 10:10 explicitly repeats the critics' claim that his letters are weighty while his bodily presence is weak.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to assess his letters on their substantive content and divine purpose instead of reacting to perceived intimidation. It demands a clear distinction between coercive tactics and genuine apostolic authority, leaving ultimate evaluation to the Lord.
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
King James Version
That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
Cross-references
- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
- 2 Corinthians 10:10 For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”