Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 11:21
To my shame I concede that we were too weak for that! Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation mid-argument, reluctantly adopting their boastful tone to confront their tolerance of false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:20). He frames his own apostolic authority in their own competitive language to expose its absurdity.
The words — ἀτιμίαν (atimian) translates to dishonor or shame, marking Paul’s reluctant admission of perceived weakness. ἠσθενήκαμεν (ēsthenēkamen) means “we have been weak,” directly echoing the Corinthians’ critique of his unimpressive presence and speech (2 Corinthians 10:10).
The thread — This defensive posture mirrors Paul’s earlier disclaimer in 2 Corinthians 11:17, where he labels his boasting as foolish rather than divine. It also sets up the contrast in 2 Corinthians 11:22, where he immediately shifts to legitimate ethnic boasting to demonstrate his equal standing with his opponents.
Why it lands — The text demands readers stop measuring spiritual authority by worldly standards of power and eloquence. It requires abandoning competitive boasting and recognizing that apostolic credibility rests on endurance, not self-promotion.
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
I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
Cross-references
- 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.”
- 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
- 2 Corinthians 11:17 In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool.
- 2 Corinthians 11:22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.
- 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.
- 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—