2 Corinthians 12:6

Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me,

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, clarifying his posture after discussing visionary experiences and his commitment to boast only in weaknesses. He speaks at this moment to explain why he deliberately withholds personal acclaim.

The words — The verse centers on θελήσω (thelēsō, "I shall desire") and καυχᾶσθαι (kauchasthai, "to boast"), coupled with οὐκ ἔσομαι ἄφρων (ouk esomai aphrōn, "I will not be a fool"). Paul states that boasting about his experiences would be truthful rather than foolish, yet he chooses restraint.

The thread — This deliberate restraint aligns with 2 Corinthians 11:16, where Paul warns against being mistaken for a fool, and 2 Corinthians 10:8, where he cautions against excessive boasting in authority. The tension between truthful speech and conceit also runs through 2 Corinthians 11:31, which affirms God's knowledge of his honesty.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to measure boasting by factual accuracy rather than frequency, and it demands self-restraint to prevent others from forming inflated opinions. It asks the reader to accept accurate perception over personal elevation.

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 though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 11:16 I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
2 Corinthians 10:8 For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
2 Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.
2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
Job 24:25 If this is not so, then who can prove me a liar and reduce my words to nothing?”
1 Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
2 Corinthians 1:18 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.”
2 Corinthians 5:13 If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.