CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 11:1 I hope you will bear with a little of my foolishness, but you are already doing that.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/11-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/47_2Co_11_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 11:1 - Paul and the False Apostles" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I hope you will bear with a little of my foolishness, but you are already doing that." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/11-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/11-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-18.htm" title="2 Corinthians 10:18">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 11:1 <a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm" title="2 Corinthians 11:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. Please bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness, but you are already doing that.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I wish you were bearing with me a little in foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Would to God ye could bear with me a little in <i>my</i> folly: and indeed bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you are bearing with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I wish you would bear with me [while I indulge] in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me [as you read this].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I wish you would put up with a little foolishness from me. Yes, do put up with me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I wish you would put up with a little foolishness from me. Yes, do put up with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Would that ye could bear with me in a little foolishness: but indeed ye do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Please put up with a little of my foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Would that ye could bear with me in a little foolishness: nay indeed bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I want you to put up with a little foolishness from me. I'm sure that you will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I wish you would tolerate me, even when I am a bit foolish. Please do! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I wish you would tolerate a little of my foolishness. Yes, please tolerate me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness, but you are already doing that.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I wish that you would be patient with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you are being patient with me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I earnestly wish ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I wish you could have borne with a little foolish boasting on my part. Nay, do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />O that you were bearing with me a little of the folly, but you also bear with me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I wish you were bearing with me a little in foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> O that ye were bearing with me a little of the folly, but ye also do bear with me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I would ye hold me up a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Would to God you could bear with some little of my folly: but do bear with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I wish that you would endure a small amount of my foolishness, so as to bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If only you would put up with a little foolishness from me! Please put up with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I WISH you to be patient with me for a while, so that I may speak plainly, and I am sure you will be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But please be patient with me a little, while I speak foolishly, even if you are impatient with me.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I wish you could bear with me a little in my folly; but yet bear with me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />I would that you bear with me a little in my folly: yes indeed you do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />I WISH ye would bear with me a little in my foolishness, yea indeed bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Would you could bear with me a little in my vanity, but indeed you do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I wish you could have borne with a little foolish boasting on my part. Nay, do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Would that ye could bear with me in some little foolishness! Yea, indeed, ye do bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />I wish ye would bear with me a little in <i>my</i> folly; and indeed bear with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=1881" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Paul and the False Apostles</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3785.htm" title="3785: Ophelon (I) -- First person singular of a past tense of opheilo; I ought, i.e. oh that!">I hope</a> <a href="/greek/430.htm" title="430: aneichesthe (V-IIM/P-2P) -- To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist. ">you will bear with</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">a</a> <a href="/greek/3398.htm" title="3398: mikron (Adj-ANS) -- Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).">little</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">of my</a> <a href="/greek/877.htm" title="877: aphrosynēs (N-GFS) -- Want of sense, foolishness, impiety, wickedness. From aphron; senselessness, i.e. egotism; recklessness.">foolishness,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/430.htm" title="430: anechesthe (V-PIM/P-2P) -- To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist. ">you are already doing that.</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">2</span>I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-13.htm">2 Corinthians 5:13</a></span><br />If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">1 Corinthians 4:10</a></span><br />We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1-2</a></span><br />Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? / Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-12.htm">Galatians 4:12</a></span><br />I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Philippians 3:1</a></span><br />Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a></span><br />Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Romans 15:15</a></span><br />However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3</a></span><br />For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:5-6</a></span><br />As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! / Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a></span><br />Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3</a></span><br />Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7-9</a></span><br />And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. / Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. / Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/6-2.htm">Job 6:2-3</a></span><br />“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales. / For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas—no wonder my words have been rash.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-3.htm">Job 12:3</a></span><br />But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.</p><p class="hdg">Would.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/11-29.htm">Numbers 11:29</a></b></br> And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, <i>and</i> that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/7-7.htm">Joshua 7:7</a></b></br> And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/5-3.htm">2 Kings 5:3</a></b></br> And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord <i>were</i> with the prophet that <i>is</i> in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.</p><p class="hdg">bear with me a.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm">2 Corinthians 11:4</a></b></br> For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or <i>if</i> ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with <i>him</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/18-14.htm">Acts 18:14</a></b></br> And when Paul was now about to open <i>his</i> mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O <i>ye</i> Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2</a></b></br> Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.</p><p class="hdg">in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">2 Corinthians 11:16,17,19,21</a></b></br> I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/5-13.htm">2 Corinthians 5:13</a></b></br> For whether we be beside ourselves, <i>it is</i> to God: or whether we be sober, <i>it is</i> for your cause.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11</a></b></br> I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.</p><p class="hdg">bear with me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/10-16.htm">Already</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-3.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-10.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-17.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-49.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-4.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-13.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-15.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-15.htm">Little</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm">Already</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-10.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-6.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-6.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">Little</a> <a href="/galatians/3-9.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, he enters into a forced commendation of himself,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">of his equality with the chief apostles,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">of his preaching the gospel to them freely, and without any charge to them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">showing that he was not inferior to those deceitful workers in any legal prerogative;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">and in the service of Christ, and in all kinds of sufferings for his ministry, far superior.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness</b><br>Paul begins this chapter with a tone of irony and humility, acknowledging that what he is about to say might seem foolish. This reflects the rhetorical style of the time, where speakers often used self-deprecating language to engage their audience. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is defending his apostleship against false apostles who were leading the Corinthians astray. His "foolishness" refers to boasting about his credentials and experiences, which he feels compelled to do to protect the church. This approach is similar to the Old Testament prophets who sometimes used irony to convey God's message (e.g., Elijah in <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">1 Kings 18:27</a>).<p><b>but you are already doing that</b><br>Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians have already been enduring his previous letters and teachings, which some might have considered foolish or hard to accept. This phrase indicates a relationship where Paul feels confident in their patience and willingness to listen, despite the challenges. Historically, Corinth was a major city in Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges, which made the church there susceptible to false teachings. Paul's relationship with the Corinthians was complex, marked by both affection and frustration, as seen in his earlier letters (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10-13</a>). This ongoing dialogue shows the pastoral care Paul had for the church, akin to a shepherd guiding his flock, a type of Christ's relationship with the Church.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle and author of the letter, addressing the Corinthian church. He is defending his apostleship and expressing concern over false teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinthian_church.htm">Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Corinth, known for its diversity and challenges with maintaining doctrinal purity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_apostles.htm">False Apostles</a></b><br>Individuals who were misleading the Corinthian church, claiming authority and teaching contrary to the gospel Paul preached.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_discernment.htm">The Necessity of Discernment</a></b><br>Paul’s use of "foolishness" is a rhetorical strategy to highlight the absurdity of the false apostles' claims. Believers must discern truth from error, especially when faced with persuasive but misleading teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Humility in Leadership</a></b><br>Paul’s willingness to appear foolish underscores the humility required in Christian leadership. True leaders prioritize the gospel over personal reputation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_apostolic_authority.htm">The Importance of Apostolic Authority</a></b><br>Paul defends his authority not for personal gain but to protect the integrity of the gospel. Recognizing and respecting apostolic authority is crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_challenge_of_cultural_influence.htm">The Challenge of Cultural Influence</a></b><br>The Corinthian church was influenced by its surrounding culture, leading to confusion and false teachings. Christians today must be vigilant against cultural pressures that distort biblical truth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_'super-apostles'.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5 - Who were the so-called 'super-apostles,' and why do we lack clear historical confirmation of their identity or influence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_churches_vary_on_head_coverings.htm">Why do modern churches differ in head covering practices despite 1 Corinthians 11:2 mentioning traditions from Paul, suggesting a contradiction or lost context?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_cor_10_11_with_other_dates.htm">How do we reconcile the references to Old Testament events in 1 Corinthians 10:11 with differing chronological details in other biblical books?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_paul_prioritize_faith_over_teachings.htm">Why does Paul focus on faith over Jesus' actual teachings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">XI.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">Would to God.</span>--As the words "to God" are not in the Greek, it would be better to treat them as the general expression of a wish: <span class= "ital">Would that ye could bear.</span><p><span class= "bld">Ye could bear with me a little in my folly.</span>--There are two catch-words, as it were, which characterise the section of the Epistle on which we are now entering: one is of "bearing with," or "tolerating," which occurs five times (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm" title="Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.">2Corinthians 11:1</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm" title="For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him.">2Corinthians 11:4</a>; <a href="/context/2_corinthians/11-19.htm" title="For you suffer fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.">2Corinthians 11:19-20</a>), and "folly," which, with its kindred "fool," is repeated not less than eight times (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm" title="Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.">2Corinthians 11:1</a>; <a href="/context/2_corinthians/11-16.htm" title="I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.">2Corinthians 11:16-17</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-19.htm" title="For you suffer fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.">2Corinthians 11:19</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm" title="I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. However, when ever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.">2Corinthians 11:21</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm" title="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 sees me to be, or that he hears of me.">2Corinthians 12:6</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm" title="I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very most chief apostles, though I be nothing.">2Corinthians 12:11</a>). It is impossible to resist the inference that here also we have the echo of something which Titus had reported to him as said by his opponents at Corinth. Their words, we must believe, had taken some such form as this: "We really can bear with him no longer; his folly is becoming altogether intolerable." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Would to God;</span> rather, <span class="accented">would that</span>! (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-8.htm">1 Corinthians 4:8</a>). <span class="cmt_word">You could bear;</span> rather, <span class="accented">ye would bear</span>. <span class="cmt_word">In my folly;</span> rather, <span class="accented">in a little foolishness</span>. Namely, in this foolishness of boasting. "Fool" and "folly" are here haunting words (<a href="/2_corinthians/1-16.htm">2 Corinthians 1:16, 17, 19, 21</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">2 Corinthians 12:6, 11</a>). The article (<span class="accented">the i.e.</span> <span class="accented">my</span> folly) is omitted in <span class="hebrew">א</span>, B, D, E. <span class="cmt_word">Bear with me.</span> It is better to take this as an indicative. It would be meaningless to pass from an entreaty to a command. On the other hand, "Nay, ye do really bear with me" was a loving and delicate admission of inch kindness as he had received from them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">I hope</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὄφελον</span> <span class="translit">(Ophelon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3785.htm">Strong's 3785: </a> </span><span class="str2">First person singular of a past tense of opheilo; I ought, i.e. oh that!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will bear with</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνείχεσθέ</span> <span class="translit">(aneichesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">a</span><br /><span class="grk">τι</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">little</span><br /><span class="grk">μικρόν</span> <span class="translit">(mikron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3398.htm">Strong's 3398: </a> </span><span class="str2">Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of my</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">foolishness,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀφροσύνης</span> <span class="translit">(aphrosynēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_877.htm">Strong's 877: </a> </span><span class="str2">Want of sense, foolishness, impiety, wickedness. From aphron; senselessness, i.e. egotism; recklessness.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[you are already doing that].</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνέχεσθέ</span> <span class="translit">(anechesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:1 I wish that you would bear (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 10:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 10:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 11:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 11:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>