Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 11:6
Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while defending his apostolic authority against rival teachers who boast in rhetorical skill. He speaks at a moment when he must justify his unpretentious delivery and free ministry to the church.
The words — ἰδιώτης (idiōtēs) means unpolished or layman, and λόγῳ (logō) means in speech. The text uses these terms to state that his lack of rhetorical training does not equate to a lack of knowledge.
The thread — This distinction between delivery and content appears in 1 Corinthians 1:17, where Paul notes Christ sent him to preach the gospel without wisdom of words. It aligns with 1 Corinthians 1:21, which states God saves believers through the foolishness of preaching rather than human wisdom.
Why it lands — The text demands readers judge apostolic teaching by its factual clarity and divine origin, not by rhetorical polish. It requires the audience to separate the messenger’s style from the message’s substance.
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 though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
- Ephesians 3:4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
- 1 Corinthians 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
- 1 Corinthians 2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
- 1 Corinthians 2:13 And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
- 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 12:12 The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.
- 2 Peter 3:15 Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him.