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 10:9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/10-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/47_2Co_10_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 10:9 - Paul's Apostolic Authority" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters." /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/10-9.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/10-9.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/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 9</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="/ad9.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/10-8.htm" title="2 Corinthians 10:8">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 10:9 <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm" title="2 Corinthians 10:10">►</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/10.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/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I’m not trying to frighten you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />so that I might not seem as if to frighten you by means of the letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />lest I seem to terrify you by letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />for I do not want to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />nor do I want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I don’t want to seem as though I am trying to terrify you with my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I don&#8217t want to seem as though I am trying to terrify you with my letters. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And I am not trying to scare you with my letters. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I don't want you to think that I'm trying to frighten you with my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I do not want it to appear that I am trying to frighten you with my letters. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I do not want you to think that I am trying to frighten you with my letters. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I do not want to seem as though I am trying to terrify you with my letters,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Let it not seem as if I wanted to frighten you by my letters.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />that I may not seem as if I would terrify you through the letters,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />so that I might not seem as if to frighten you by means of the letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> that I may not seem as if I would terrify you through the letters,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Lest I seem as terrifying you by epistles.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But that I may not be thought as it were to terrify you by epistles, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But let it not be said that I am scaring you by means of epistles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />May I not seem as one frightening you through letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I do not want to seem as though I am trying to frighten you with my letters.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But I am hesitant, lest I seem as if I were trying to frighten you with my letter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But I avoid it, lest it be supposed that I terrify you with my epistle,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />in order that I may not seem as it were to terrify you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but that I may not seem as if I would strike a terror in you by letters:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Let it not seem as if I wanted to frighten you by my letters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />that I may not seem as if I would terrify you with letters;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/10-9.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=1782" 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/10.htm">Paul's Apostolic Authority</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>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="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: doxō (V-ASA-1S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">I do not want to seem</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">to be</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/1629.htm" title="1629: ekphobein (V-PNA) -- To frighten away, terrify. From ek and phobeo; to frighten utterly.">trying to frighten</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">my</a> <a href="/greek/1992.htm" title="1992: epistolōn (N-GFP) -- A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message.">letters.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”…<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/13-10.htm">2 Corinthians 13:10</a></span><br />This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-24.htm">2 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21</a></span><br />Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-3.htm">1 Corinthians 5:3-5</a></span><br />Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. / When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus, / hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.<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="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">1 Corinthians 14:37-38</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. / But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20</a></span><br />how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:6</a></span><br />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_timothy/1-20.htm">1 Timothy 1:20</a></span><br />Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13</a></span><br />This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31</a></span><br />Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Acts 26:16-18</a></span><br />‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. / I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them / to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18-20</a></span><br />Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. / Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.</p><p class="hdg">terrify.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10</a></b></br> For <i>his</i> letters, say they, <i>are</i> weighty and powerful; but <i>his</i> bodily presence <i>is</i> weak, and <i>his</i> speech contemptible.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5,19-21</a></b></br> Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-14.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-4.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-21.htm">Frighten</a> <a href="/daniel/2-31.htm">Frightening</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-21.htm">Terrify</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-22.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-1.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-17.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-26.htm">Frighten</a> <a href="/job/13-21.htm">Frightening</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-6.htm">Terrify</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-16.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Against the false apostles, who disgraced the weakness of his person and bodily presence, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">he shows the spiritual might and authority with which he was armed against all adverse powers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-7.htm">assuring those who at his coming he will be found as mighty in word as he is now in writing;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-12.htm">and encouraging them to reach out themselves beyond their compass.</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/10.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/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I do not want to seem</b><br>Paul is addressing concerns about his intentions and the perception of his authority. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is defending his apostolic authority against accusations from false apostles. This phrase indicates his desire to clarify his motives and ensure that his actions are not misunderstood. The Greek word used here for "seem" (dokeō) can imply appearance or reputation, suggesting Paul is concerned about how his actions are perceived by the Corinthian church.<p><b>to be trying to frighten you</b><br>Paul's letters, particularly 1 Corinthians, contained strong rebukes and corrections. His intention was not to instill fear but to guide and correct the church in love. The cultural context of the time valued rhetoric and persuasive speech, and Paul was aware that his written words might be perceived as harsh or intimidating. His goal was to encourage repentance and spiritual growth, not to cause fear or anxiety.<p><b>by my letters</b><br>Paul's letters were a primary means of communication with the early churches he established. These letters were authoritative and carried the weight of his apostolic authority. In <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10</a>, Paul acknowledges that some considered his letters "weighty and forceful," contrasting with his physical presence, which was described as "unimpressive." This highlights the tension between written communication and personal presence in the early church. The letters were intended to instruct, correct, and build up the church, aligning with the broader scriptural theme of God using written revelation to communicate His will, as seen throughout the Bible.<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 the letter, addressing the Corinthian church. He is defending his ministry and authority as an apostle of Christ.<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 diverse and sometimes problematic congregation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul's_letters.htm">Paul's Letters</a></b><br>Refers to the epistles Paul wrote to the Corinthians, which were sometimes perceived as harsh or authoritative.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges, providing a backdrop for the issues Paul addresses.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_apostles.htm">False Apostles</a></b><br>Individuals in Corinth who questioned Paul's authority and sought to undermine his teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_paul's_intent.htm">Understanding Paul's Intent</a></b><br>Paul’s letters were not meant to intimidate but to correct and guide. His intent was always to build up the church, not to instill fear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_authority_in_the_church.htm">The Role of Authority in the Church</a></b><br>Paul’s authority as an apostle was given by God for the purpose of edification. Church leaders today should exercise their authority with the same intent.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_truth_and_love.htm">Balancing Truth and Love</a></b><br>While truth must be spoken, it should always be done in love. Paul’s example shows the importance of balancing firmness with compassion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_criticism.htm">Responding to Criticism</a></b><br>Paul faced criticism and opposition, yet he remained steadfast in his mission. Believers can learn to respond to criticism with grace and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_written_communication.htm">The Power of Written Communication</a></b><br>Paul’s letters had a significant impact. In our digital age, the written word still holds power and should be used responsibly to encourage and edify.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_2_cor_9_align_with_faith_alone.htm">How do we reconcile 2 Corinthians 9 with other biblical passages that seem to prioritize faith alone over works or charitable acts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_a_spiritual_letter_more_authoritative.htm">In 2 Corinthians 3:3, how can an intangible 'spiritual' letter be considered more authoritative than the physically inscribed stone tablets mentioned throughout the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_2_cor_10_10_conflict_with_paul's_charisma.htm">In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul is described as unimpressive in person yet bold in letters; does this conflict with other biblical portrayals of him as a charismatic figure?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_2_chron_5_10_differ_from_heb_9_4.htm">2 Chronicles 5:10 - Why does this verse say only the tablets were in the Ark when Hebrews 9:4 mentions additional items, creating a seeming contradiction?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.</span>--The logical sequence of thought is: "I say this" (<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> that my sentence of delivery to Satan will not be a hollow form) "in order that I may not seem to frighten you as with a bug-bear." This, it is clear from what follows, had been said. (Comp. the sneer in the next verse.) The use of the plural in this verse and that which follows is in favour of the hypothesis of a lost letter being referred to in <a href="/1_corinthians/5-9.htm" title="I wrote to you in an letter not to company with fornicators:">1Corinthians 5:9</a>, but does not absolutely prove it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">By letters;</span> rather, <span class="accented">by the letters</span>. He had certainly addressed <span class="accented">two</span> letters to them (<a href="/1_corinthians/5-9.htm">1 Corinthians 5:9</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/10-9.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 do not want to seem</span><br /><span class="grk">δόξω</span> <span class="translit">(doxō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to be</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">[trying] to frighten</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκφοβεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(ekphobein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1629.htm">Strong's 1629: </a> </span><span class="str2">To frighten away, terrify. From ek and phobeo; to frighten utterly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[my]</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">letters.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπιστολῶν</span> <span class="translit">(epistolōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">2 Corinthians 10:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 10:9 That I may not seem as if (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 10:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 10:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 10:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 10:10" /></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>