Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 11:17
In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church in the midst of a defensive exchange, adopting the posture of a "fool" to meet their demand for rhetorical performance. The words — κατὰ κύριον (kata kurion) = according to the Lord; ὡς (hōs) = as. The syntax literally frames the boasting as a human concession rather than a divine mandate. The thread — This distinction between human speech and direct Lordly instruction recurs in 1 Corinthians 7:12, where Paul separates his counsel from the Lord's command. The theme of fleshly boasting continues in 2 Corinthians 11:18. Why it lands — The text requires the reader to separate the speaker's rhetorical strategy from claimed divine authority, recognizing that the argument proceeds on human terms rather than apostolic command.
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 which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 7:12 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If a brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.
- 2 Corinthians 9:4 Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.
- Philippians 3:3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
- 1 Corinthians 7:25 Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
- 1 Corinthians 7:6 I say this as a concession, not as a command.
- 2 Corinthians 11:18 Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast.