Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 12:16
Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church, responding to their suspicion about his financial support immediately after pledging to spend himself for their souls and before denying indirect exploitation.
The words — κατεβάρησα (katebarēsa) = did burden; ἔστω (estō) = it should be.
The thread — The claim of financial integrity and absence of deceit runs through 2 Corinthians 1:12, 4:2, and 7:2, where Paul consistently testifies to his uncorrupted conduct and refusal to exploit or distort God’s word.
Why it lands — The text states Paul’s denial of being a financial burden and his acknowledgment of opponents’ trickery accusation, requiring the reader to weigh his stated conduct against the community’s suspicions without assuming hidden motives.
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 be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.
- 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.
- 2 Corinthians 7:2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
- 2 Corinthians 10:2 I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.
- 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.
- 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!
- 1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:5 As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!
- 1 Peter 2:3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.