Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 11:19
For you gladly put up with fools, since you are so wise.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while defending his ministry against rival teachers who boast according to the flesh. He speaks at a moment when the community tolerates abusive leadership rather than his own vulnerable apostolic work.
The words — The Greek ἀνέχεσθε (anechesthe) translates literally as "you bear with," paired with ἡδέως (hēdeōs) for "gladly." These terms describe the passive tolerance the Corinthians show toward those who exploit them.
The thread — The contrast between spiritual wisdom and foolishness runs through 1 Corinthians 4:10, where Paul notes the church considers itself wise while he appears foolish for Christ. The warning against self-inflation echoes 1 Corinthians 8:1, which states that knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
Why it lands — The text states that the Corinthians gladly endure fools while considering themselves wise. It requires the reader to examine whom they follow, reject complacency toward manipulation, and align their discernment with Christ's example rather than worldly 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
For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
- 1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say.
- Revelation 3:17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.