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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 />In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />What I am saying in this confidence of boasting, I am not saying according to <i>the</i> Lord, but as in foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />That which I speak, I speak <i>it</i> not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />That which I am speaking, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />What I am saying, I am not saying according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />What I say in this confident boasting, I say not as the Lord would [with His authority], but foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What I am saying in this matter of boasting, I don’t speak as the Lord would, but as it were, foolishly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What I say in this matter of boasting, I don&#8217t speak as the Lord would, but foolishly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When I do all this bragging, I do it as a fool and not for the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />What I say as I start bragging is foolishness. It's not something I would say if I were speaking for the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Of course what I am saying now is not what the Lord would have me say; in this matter of boasting I am really talking like a fool. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When I talk as a confident boaster, I am not talking with the Lord's authority but like a fool. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />What I am saying with this boastful confidence I do not say the way the Lord would. Instead it is, as it were, foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />That which I speak, I do not speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That which I speak, I speak it not according to the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />What I am now saying, I do not say by the Lord's command, but as a fool in his folly might, in this reckless boasting.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />That which I speak, I don’t speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />That which I speak, I do not speak according to the LORD, but as in foolishness, in this the confidence of boasting;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />What I am saying in this confidence of boasting, I am not saying according to <i>the</i> Lord, but as in foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> That which I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this the confidence of boasting;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as in madness, in this first principle of boasting.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That which I speak, I speak not according to God, but as it were in foolishness, in this matter of glorying. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />What I am saying is not said according to God, but as if in foolishness, in this matter of glorying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />What I am saying I am not saying according to the Lord but as in foolishness, in this boastful state.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />What I am saying in regard to this boastful confidence, I am saying not with the Lord’s authority, but as a fool;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />What I now say, I speak not after our LORD, but as it were foolishly, on this occasion of boasting.<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 />Everything that I speak, it is not by our Lord that I speak, but as in folly on this occasion of boasting.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />What I say, I say not according to the Lord, but as in folly, in this same confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />What I say, I am not saying according to the Lord, but as it were in folly, in this confidence of glorying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />What I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as it were in folly in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />what I say, I say it not as an apostle, but as it were to indulge my vanity in this matter of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />What I am now saying, I do not say by the Lord's command, but as a fool in his folly might, in this reckless boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />What I am speaking I speak not according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />What I speak I speak not <i>as</i> from the Lord, but as in weakness, in this confidence of boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/11-17.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=2036" 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's Suffering and Service</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16</span>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. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalō (V-PIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">In</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tautē (DPro-DFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5287.htm" title="5287: hypostasei (N-DFS) -- From a compound of hupo and histemi; a setting under, i.e. concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance.">confident</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2746.htm" title="2746: kauchēseōs (N-GFS) -- The act of boasting, glorying, exultation. From kauchaomai; boasting, in a good or a bad sense.">boasting of mine,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalō (V-PIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">I am not speaking</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">as</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrion (N-AMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord would,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/877.htm" title="877: aphrosynē (N-DFS) -- Want of sense, foolishness, impiety, wickedness. From aphron; senselessness, i.e. egotism; recklessness.">a fool.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast.…<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/10-8.htm">2 Corinthians 10:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6</a></span><br />I say this as a concession, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">1 Corinthians 9:16-18</a></span><br />Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! / If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. / What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Romans 15:15-18</a></span><br />However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me / to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. / Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-11.htm">Galatians 1:11-12</a></span><br />For I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached was not devised by man. / I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3-4</a></span><br />For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— / though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">1 Timothy 1:12-16</a></span><br />I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. / I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. / And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9-10</a></span><br />For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. / But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with 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="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-2.htm">Proverbs 27:2</a></span><br />Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-27.htm">Proverbs 25:27</a></span><br />It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15</a></span><br />Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.</p><p class="hdg">I speak it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6,12</a></b></br> But I speak this by permission, <i>and</i> not of commandment… </p><p class="hdg">foolishly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">2 Corinthians 11:18-27</a></b></br> Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/9-4.htm">2 Corinthians 9:4</a></b></br> Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3-6</a></b></br> For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">Boastful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-16.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-23.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-10.htm">Glorying</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-18.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">Order</a> <a href="/mark/7-22.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-4.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">Talking</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/galatians/5-26.htm">Boastful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Command</a> <a href="/galatians/5-10.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-19.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">Glorying</a> <a href="/galatians/1-19.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Talking</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>In this confident boasting of mine</b><br>Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, defending his apostolic authority against false apostles. His "confident boasting" is a rhetorical strategy to highlight the absurdity of boasting in human achievements. In the Greco-Roman world, boasting was common among philosophers and leaders to establish credibility. Paul contrasts this with the Christian virtue of humility, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a>, where boasting is only appropriate in understanding and knowing God.<p><b>I am not speaking as the Lord would</b><br>Paul acknowledges that his approach is not in line with Christ's teachings, which emphasize humility and servanthood (<a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a>). This phrase underscores the tension between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom, a recurring theme in Paul's letters (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a>). By admitting this, Paul distances his method from the divine example, emphasizing that his boasting is a necessary, albeit uncomfortable, tactic to counteract the influence of false teachers.<p><b>but as a fool</b><br>Paul uses irony to call attention to the foolishness of boasting. In <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">1 Corinthians 4:10</a>, he refers to himself as a "fool for Christ," highlighting the paradox of the Christian life, where true wisdom often appears foolish to the world. This self-deprecating term serves to undermine the false apostles who boast in their credentials and achievements. Paul’s use of "fool" aligns with the biblical theme that God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is defending his apostleship and contrasting his ministry with that of false apostles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and the influence of false teachers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_apostles.htm">False Apostles</a></b><br>Individuals who were misleading the Corinthian church by questioning Paul's authority and promoting a different gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_contextual_boasting.htm">Understanding Contextual Boasting</a></b><br>Paul uses "foolish" boasting to make a point. He contrasts human boasting with boasting in the Lord, teaching us to discern when and how to speak about our achievements.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a></b><br>The Corinthian church struggled with discerning true from false apostles. This teaches us the importance of evaluating leaders by their adherence to the gospel and their fruits.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a></b><br>Paul’s approach highlights the value of humility. Even when defending his ministry, he acknowledges the foolishness of boasting, reminding us to serve with humility.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_comparison.htm">The Danger of Comparison</a></b><br>Paul warns against comparing ourselves to others, which can lead to pride or discouragement. Instead, we should focus on our unique calling in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_suffering_in_ministry.htm">The Role of Suffering in Ministry</a></b><br>Paul’s hardships, which he later details, show that suffering can be a mark of true apostleship and dedication to Christ, encouraging us to persevere in trials.<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/what_is_the_gift_of_faith.htm">What is the Gift of Faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_aid_disease_healing.htm">Why boast about your own achievements?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_samaritanism's_belief.htm">What defines the pride of those who walk?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_paul_list_sins_in_1_cor_6_9-10.htm">Why does Paul single out certain sins in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 if other passages, like Ephesians 2:8-9, emphasize grace and forgiveness for all?</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>(17) <span class= "bld">I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">in foolishness;</span> as keeping up the emphatic repetition of the same word in the English as in the Greek. From one point of view the distinction drawn is the same as that which we find in <a href="/1_corinthians/7-6.htm" title="But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.">1Corinthians 7:6</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm" title="And to the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:">1Corinthians 7:10</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-12.htm" title="But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother has a wife that believes not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.">1Corinthians 7:12</a>. There is, however, a marked difference in the subject-matter of the two cases. There he distinguishes a private opinion from a principle or rule which he feels to be divine. Here he draws the line of demarcation between human feelings and a divine inspiration. It is, of course, easy to raise questions which would be hard, if they were not also frivolous and foolish. Are we to class what he places on the lower side of the boundary-line as inspired or uninspired teaching? If the former, are we not contradicting what he writes as inspired? If the latter, are we not depriving what follows of the authority of an inspired writing? Are we not, in so doing, admitting the principle of recognising a human element mingling with the divine in other parts of Scripture as well as this? The answer to these questions, so far as they need an answer, is best found in taking St. Paul's words in their plain and natural sense, believing that his words have just the authority which he claims for them, and no more. Speaking apart from these questions, there is something almost pathetic in the consciousness which he feels that self-vindication can never, as such, come from the Spirit of God, and that it is, at the best, a pardonable human weakness. It is not wrong, or else his conscience would have forbidden it. It is not the note of the highest or noblest temper, or else he would have felt the Spirit's guidance in it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Not after the Lord.</span> "Boasting," or what might be stigmatized as such, may become a sort of painful necessity, necessitated by human baseness; but in itself it cannot be "after the Lord." There is nothing Christ-like in it. It is human, not Divine; an earthly necessity, not a heavenly example; a sword of the giant Philistine, which yet David may be forced to use. <span class="cmt_word">Confidence</span>; <span class="accented">hypostasis</span>, as in <a href="/2_corinthians/9-4.htm">2 Corinthians 9:4</a>, where exactly the same phrase occurs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/11-17.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">In</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">ταύτῃ</span> <span class="translit">(tautē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">confident</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑποστάσει</span> <span class="translit">(hypostasei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5287.htm">Strong's 5287: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of hupo and histemi; a setting under, i.e. concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">boasting [of mine],</span><br /><span class="grk">καυχήσεως</span> <span class="translit">(kauchēseōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2746.htm">Strong's 2746: </a> </span><span class="str2">The act of boasting, glorying, exultation. From kauchaomai; boasting, in a good or a bad sense.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I am not speaking</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλῶ</span> <span class="translit">(lalō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] Lord {would},</span><br /><span class="grk">Κύριον</span> <span class="translit">(Kyrion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλ’</span> <span class="translit">(all’)</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">as</span><br /><span class="grk">ὡς</span> <span class="translit">(hōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a fool.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀφροσύνῃ</span> <span class="translit">(aphrosynē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:17 That which I speak I don't speak (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 11:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 11:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 11:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 11:18" /></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>