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<!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 12:17 Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/47_2Co_12_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 12:17 - Concern for the Corinthians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you?" /><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/12-17.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/12-17.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/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 17</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="/ad17.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/12-16.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:16">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 12:17 <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:18">►</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/12.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/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But how? Did any of the men I sent to you take advantage of you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />By any of whom I have sent to you, did I exploit you by him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>Certainly</i> I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>Certainly</i> I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Have I taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you <i>or</i> make any money off you through any of the messengers I sent you? [Certainly not!]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you by any of those I sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you by anyone I sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Were you cheated by any of those I sent to you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you through any of the men I sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />How? Did I take advantage of you through any of the messengers I sent? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I did not take advantage of you through any of the men I sent you, did I? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I have not taken advantage of you through anyone I have sent to you, have I?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Have I gained any selfish advantage over you through any one of the messengers I have sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you by anyone of those whom I have sent to you? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />anyone of those whom I have sent to you—did I take advantage of you by him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />By any of whom I have sent to you, did I exploit you by him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> any one of those whom I have sent unto you -- by him did I take advantage of you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Not any of whom I have sent to you have I by him taken advantage of you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Did I overreach you by any of them whom I sent to you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And yet, did I defraud you by means of any of those whom I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you through any of those I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Why? Did I extort anything from you by any of the men whom I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Did I greedily desire what was yours by the agency of another man whom I sent to you?<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Did I overreach you by any of those whom I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Which one of those whom I sent unto you, did I fleece you through him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Did I make a gain of you by any one individual whom I sent unto you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />what, did I make a gain of you by any body I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Have I gained any selfish advantage over you through any one of the messengers I have sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Did I gain advantage over you through any one <i>of those</i> whom I have sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><i>But</i> did I make a gain of you by any of those whom I sent to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/12-17.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=2367" 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/12.htm">Concern for the Corinthians</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><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/4122.htm" title="4122: epleonektēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- To take advantage of, overreach, defraud. From pleonektes; to be covetous, i.e. to over-reach.">Did I exploit</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: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tina (IPro-AMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hōn (RelPro-GMP) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: apestalka (V-RIA-1S) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">I sent</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you?</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps?…<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/7-2.htm">2 Corinthians 7:2</a></span><br />Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9</a></span><br />And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-20.htm">2 Corinthians 11:20</a></span><br />In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or exalts himself or strikes you in the face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:5</a></span><br />As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:10</a></span><br />You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33-34</a></span><br />I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">1 Corinthians 9:12</a></span><br />If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">1 Corinthians 9:18</a></span><br />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="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3-4</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.” / “You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-5.htm">1 Samuel 12:5</a></span><br />Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-14.htm">Nehemiah 5:14-15</a></span><br />Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from his twentieth year until his thirty-second year (twelve years total), neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. / The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people. But I did not do this, because of my fear of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-16.htm">Nehemiah 5:16</a></span><br />Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a></span><br />and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a></span><br />In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-17.htm">Philippians 4:17</a></span><br />Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent to you?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">2 Corinthians 12:18</a></b></br> I desired Titus, and with <i>him</i> I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? <i>walked we</i> not in the same steps?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16,20-27</a></b></br> But he said, <i>As</i> the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take <i>it</i>; but he refused… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">1 Corinthians 4:17</a></b></br> For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Exploit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-15.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-20.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm">Selfish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Exploit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-7.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Selfish</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there.</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/12.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/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Did I exploit you</b><br>Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, defending his integrity and the sincerity of his ministry. The term "exploit" suggests taking advantage of someone for personal gain. In the context of the early church, false apostles were known to exploit believers for financial or personal benefits. Paul contrasts his behavior with these false teachers, emphasizing his selflessness and dedication to the gospel. This echoes his earlier statements in <a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">2 Corinthians 11:7-9</a>, where he mentions preaching the gospel free of charge to avoid being a burden.<p><b>by anyone I sent you?</b><br>Paul refers to his associates, such as Titus and others, whom he sent to the Corinthians. He is confident in their integrity, as they shared his values and mission. This reflects the communal nature of early Christian ministry, where leaders were expected to uphold the same standards of conduct. The mention of sending others highlights the apostolic practice of delegating responsibilities, as seen in <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">Acts 15:22-27</a>, where the apostles and elders sent Judas and Silas with Paul and Barnabas. This phrase underscores the importance of trust and accountability within the Christian community.<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, addressing the church in Corinth. He defends his integrity and the integrity of his ministry.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Corinth that Paul had previously ministered to.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a></b><br>One of the men Paul sent to Corinth, mentioned in the surrounding verses as a trustworthy companion and fellow worker.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_apostles.htm">False Apostles</a></b><br>Implied in the broader context of 2 Corinthians, these are individuals who questioned Paul's authority and sought to undermine his ministry.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_collection_for_the_saints.htm">The Collection for the Saints</a></b><br>An event referenced in the broader context, where Paul was organizing a collection for the impoverished church in Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_ministry.htm">Integrity in Ministry</a></b><br>Paul’s question highlights the importance of maintaining integrity in ministry. Leaders should be above reproach, ensuring their actions align with their teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a></b><br>Paul’s transparency in addressing accusations serves as a model for accountability. Christians should be open to scrutiny and willing to address concerns directly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_leadership.htm">Trust in Leadership</a></b><br>The trustworthiness of those in leadership is crucial. Paul’s defense of his companions underscores the need for leaders to surround themselves with individuals of integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_against_false_accusations.htm">Discernment Against False Accusations</a></b><br>Believers should exercise discernment when accusations arise, seeking truth and understanding rather than jumping to conclusions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a></b><br>The context of the collection for the saints reminds us of the importance of generosity and responsible stewardship of resources in the Christian community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_absalom's_monument.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian unity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_assyria_conquer_israel.htm">Why did Assyria conquer Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_christians_live_in_unity_and_love.htm">How should Christians live and act in unity and love?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible_on_minimalism_vs._maximalism.htm">What does 'all one in Christ' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">By any of them whom I sent unto you?</span>--The English expresses the meaning of the Greek, but does not show, as that does, the vehement agitation which led the writer, as he dictated the letter, to begin the sentence with one construction and finish it with another. <span class= "ital">Did any of those I sent</span> . . . <span class= "ital">did I by this means get more out of you than I ought?</span> He has in his mind, as far as we know, Timotheus, who had been sent before the First Epistle (<a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm" title="For this cause have I sent to you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.">1Corinthians 4:17</a>); Stephanus, Fortunatus and Achaicus, who were the bearers of that Epistle (<a href="/1_corinthians/16-15.htm" title="I beseech you, brothers, (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)">1Corinthians 16:15</a>); and Titus, who was sent, as we have seen, to learn what its effect had been. Had any of these, he asks, been asking for money on his account?<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Did I make a gain of you,</span> etc.? The same verb as in <a href="/2_corinthians/2-11.htm">2 Corinthians 2:11</a>. It means" to overreach," "to take unfair advantages." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-17.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">Did I overreach</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπλεονέκτησα</span> <span class="translit">(epleonektēsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4122.htm">Strong's 4122: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take advantage of, overreach, defraud. From pleonektes; to be covetous, i.e. to over-reach.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">δι’</span> <span class="translit">(di’)</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">anyone</span><br /><span class="grk">τινα</span> <span class="translit">(tina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 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">I sent</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπέσταλκα</span> <span class="translit">(apestalka)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:17 Did I take advantage of you (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:18" /></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>