2 Corinthians 11:12

But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church to clarify his continued refusal of financial support amid rivalry with competing teachers. He explains this conduct to prevent those opponents from claiming equal standing in spiritual matters.

The words — ἐκκόπτω (ekkoptō) translates literally as "I cut off" or "undercut," denoting the removal of a pretext. ποιῶ...ποιήσω (poiō...poiēsō) means "I keep doing...I will do," underscoring an unbroken pattern of action.

The thread — The refusal of financial rights to avoid hindering the gospel appears in 1 Corinthians 9:12. The warning against corrupting influence is noted in 1 Corinthians 5:6, and God’s unchangeable will is cited in Job 23:13.

Why it lands — The text requires a reader to evaluate whether personal choices serve genuine ministry or merely neutralize false competition. It demands consistent action that strips away the platforms of those seeking spiritual prestige.

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

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 9:12 If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
Job 23:13 But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires.
1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?
2 Corinthians 1:17 When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as to say “Yes, yes” and also “No, no”?
2 Corinthians 5:12 We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.
2 Corinthians 10:17 Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.
2 Corinthians 11:18 Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast.
Galatians 1:7 which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ.
Galatians 6:13 For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.