2 Corinthians 12:13

In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding his refusal to accept financial support while defending his apostolic credentials. He speaks at a moment of tension over his ministry practices and his impending third visit.

The words — The verb ἡσσώθητε (hēssōthēte) means "you were inferior," paired with ὑπὲρ (huper) rendered "beyond" or "except." Paul uses this phrasing to establish his unpaid ministry as the only distinction between Corinth and the other churches.

The thread — This pattern of apostolic self-support appears in 1 Corinthians 9:6, 1 Corinthians 9:12, and 1 Corinthians 9:15, where Paul and Barnabas work for a living rather than claim support. The same refusal to burden believers is restated in 2 Corinthians 12:14 as Paul prepares for his third visit.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to evaluate whether spiritual authority is validated by financial compensation or by self-denial. It demands a direct response to Paul's explicit plea for forgiveness regarding his refusal to accept their resources.

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 what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 9:6 Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living?
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.
1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.
2 Corinthians 11:7 Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
2 Corinthians 12:14 See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.