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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 12:16 Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/47_2Co_12_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 12:16 - Concern for the Corinthians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery." /><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/12-16.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/12-16.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 16</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="/ad16.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/12-15.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:15">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 12:16 <a href="/2_corinthians/12-17.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:17">►</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 />Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Some of you admit I was not a burden to you. But others still think I was sneaky and took advantage of you by trickery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But be it so, I did not burden you; but being crafty, I caught you by trickery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But be that <i>as it may,</i> I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself; nevertheless, devious person that I am, I took you in by deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself; nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I took you in by deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself; nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I took you in by deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself. Nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I took you in by deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But be that as it may, I did not burden you [with my support]. But [some say that] I was sly and took you by trickery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now granted, I did not burden you; yet sly as I am, I took you in by deceit!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now granted, I have not burdened you; yet sly as I am, I took you in by deceit!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You agree that I wasn't a burden to you. Maybe that's because I was trying to catch you off guard and trick you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You agree, then, that I haven't been a burden to you. Was I a clever person who trapped you by some trick?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You will agree, then, that I was not a burden to you. But someone will say that I was tricky, and trapped you with lies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Granting that I have not been a burden to you, was I a clever schemer who trapped you by some trick? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But be that as it may, I have not burdened you. Yet because I was a crafty person, I took you in by deceit!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If I love you so intensely, am I the less to be loved? Be that as it may: I was not a burden to you. But being by no means scrupulous, I entrapped you, they say!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Even so, I myself didn’t burden you. But you might say that being crafty, I caught you with deception. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And be it [so], I did not burden you, but being crafty, I took you with guile;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But be it so, I did not burden you; but being crafty, I caught you by trickery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And be it so, I -- I did not burden you, but being crafty, with guile I did take you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And let it be, I overloaded you not: but being dexterous, I took you by contrivance.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But be it so: I did not burthen you: but being crafty, I caught you by guile. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so be it. I have not burdened you, but instead, being astute, I obtained you by guile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But granted that I myself did not burden you, yet I was crafty and got the better of you by deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Let it be assumed that I did not burden you. Nevertheless (you say) since I was crafty, I took you in by deceit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless as a shrewd man, I caught you with guile:<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 />And perhaps I was not a burden to you, but as a crafty man I robbed you by treachery.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Be it so, indeed; I did not burden you; but being crafty, I caught you by deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But let it he so, I did not burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But admit it, I was not burdensome to you: but being crafty, I caught you with guile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />'tis own'd I did not put you to any charges myself: but was so crafty, as to over-reach you, by others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If I love you so intensely, am I the less to be loved? Be that as it may: I was not a burden to you. But being by no means scrupulous, I entrapped you, they say!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But be it <i>so</i>, I did not burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Be it <i>so, that</i> I did not burden you <i>myself,</i> yet, <i>may some say,</i> being crafty I over-reached you by subtilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/12-16.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=2359" 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">15</span>And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less? <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Estō (V-PMA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">Be that as it may,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</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/2599.htm" title="2599: katebarēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- To burden, oppress, weigh down. From kata and bareo; to impose upon.">was not a burden</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you;</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3835.htm" title="3835: panourgos (Adj-NMS) -- Cunning, crafty, skilful, clever. From pas and ergon; all-working, i.e. Adroit.">crafty</a> <a href="/greek/5225.htm" title="5225: hyparchōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).">as I am,</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elabon (V-AIA-1S) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">I caught</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/1388.htm" title="1388: dolō (N-DMS) -- Deceit, guile, treachery. From an obsolete primary verb, dello; a trick, i.e. wile.">by trickery.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">17</span>Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you?…<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/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/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a></span><br />Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.<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="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33-35</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. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-16.htm">Galatians 4:16</a></span><br />Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18</a></span><br />For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.<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="/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="/jeremiah/9-4.htm">Jeremiah 9:4-6</a></span><br />“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. / You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Proverbs 26:24-26</a></span><br />A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Micah 3:11</a></span><br />Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.</p><p class="hdg">I did not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">2 Corinthians 12:13</a></b></br> For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except <i>it be</i> that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9,10</a></b></br> And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all <i>things</i> I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and <i>so</i> will I keep <i>myself</i>… </p><p class="hdg">being.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a></b></br> For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a></b></br> But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm">2 Corinthians 7:2</a></b></br> Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/2-11.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Crafty</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/john/7-18.htm">Deception</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm">Entrapped</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/acts/14-3.htm">Granting</a> <a href="/john/1-47.htm">Guile</a> <a href="/mark/9-3.htm">Intensely</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">Means</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-6.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Trickery</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Better</a> <a href="/galatians/6-5.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Crafty</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Deception</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm">Entrapped</a> <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/acts/7-25.htm">Granting</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Guile</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Intensely</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-13.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Means</a> <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Trickery</a> <a href="/galatians/1-7.htm">Trouble</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>Be that as it may</b><br>This phrase indicates a transition in Paul's argument, acknowledging a point but moving beyond it. Paul often uses rhetorical techniques to address potential objections or misunderstandings. Here, he is likely addressing concerns or accusations from the Corinthian church regarding his conduct or intentions.<p><b>I was not a burden to you</b><br>Paul emphasizes that he did not financially burden the Corinthians, as he chose not to accept support from them during his ministry there. This reflects his commitment to the gospel and his desire to avoid any appearance of exploiting the church. In <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">1 Corinthians 9:12</a>, Paul discusses his right to receive support but chooses not to use it to avoid hindering the gospel.<p><b>but crafty as I am</b><br>Paul uses irony here, possibly reflecting accusations from his opponents that he was deceitful or manipulative. In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his apostleship against false apostles who questioned his integrity. This phrase highlights the tension between Paul and those who sought to undermine his authority.<p><b>I caught you by trickery</b><br>This statement is likely sarcastic, as Paul did not use deceit in his dealings with the Corinthians. Instead, he is countering claims that his refusal of financial support was a ploy to gain influence. Paul’s ministry was characterized by transparency and sincerity, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a>, where he renounces secret and shameful ways.<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 is defending his ministry and integrity against accusations.<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 founded. They were dealing with internal conflicts and external influences questioning Paul's authority.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_apostles.htm">False Apostles</a></b><br>Individuals who were challenging Paul's authority and questioning his motives, suggesting that he was deceitful.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/macedonia.htm">Macedonia</a></b><br>A region from which Paul received support, allowing him to minister to the Corinthians without being a financial burden to them.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a></b><br>A fellow worker of Paul, who was sent to Corinth and is mentioned in the context of Paul's defense of his actions and intentions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_ministry.htm">Integrity in Ministry</a></b><br>Paul’s example shows the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in ministry. He chose not to be a financial burden to the Corinthians to avoid any hindrance to the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/misunderstanding_and_accusation.htm">Misunderstanding and Accusation</a></b><br>Even when acting with pure motives, misunderstandings and accusations can arise. Paul faced false accusations of deceit, yet he remained steadfast in his mission.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sacrificial_service.htm">Sacrificial Service</a></b><br>Paul’s willingness to sacrifice his rights for the sake of others is a model for Christian service. We are called to serve others selflessly, even when it requires personal sacrifice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a></b><br>The Corinthians were swayed by false apostles. This highlights the need for discernment in recognizing true spiritual leadership based on character and adherence to the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God’s Provision</a></b><br>Paul’s reliance on God’s provision through other means (like the support from Macedonia) teaches us to trust God to meet our needs as we focus on His work.<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_soul_winning_and_how_to_do_it.htm">What is soul winning and how is it done?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_rise_above_pettiness_and_forgive.htm">What is the Bible's view on solidarity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_paul_prioritize_faith_over_teachings.htm">Why does Paul focus on faith over Jesus' actual teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_biblical_basis_for_small_groups.htm">What is the biblical basis for small group ministry?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">But be it so, I did not burden you.</span>--The pronoun is again emphatic. The word for "burden" is not the same as in <a href="/context/2_corinthians/12-13.htm" title="For what is it wherein you were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.">2Corinthians 12:13-14</a>, but puts the fact less figuratively. The abruptness of the sentence requires us to trace between the lines the under-currents of unexpressed thoughts. The extreme, almost jealous, sensitiveness of the Apostle's nature leads him to imagine the cynical sneer with which these assertions of disinterested work would be received. "Be it so," he hears them saying; "we admit that he, in his own person, when he was with us, made no demands on our purses; but what are we to think of this 'collection for the saints'? How do we know into whose pockets that money will go? We know him to be <span class= "ital">subtle</span> enough" (the adjective is that from which we get the "subtlety" of <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm" title="But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.">2Corinthians 4:2</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm" title="But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.">2Corinthians 11:3</a>) "to take us in somehow: what if the collection be a trap?" There is a specially taunting force in the Greek for "<span class= "ital">being</span> crafty," as taking the fact for granted, and assuming that it would inevitably lead on to some new development of that character in act.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But be it so, I did not burden you.</span> The "I" is emphatic. It is shocking to think that, even after Paul has so triumphantly cleared himself from the disgraceful charge of trying to make gain out of the Corinthians, he should still be obliged to meet the slanderous innuendo that, even if he had not personally tried to get anything out of them, still he had done so indirectly through the agency of Titus. <span class="cmt_word">Being crafty, I caught you with guile.</span> He is here quoting the sneer of his enemies (see what he has already said in <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm">2 Corinthians 7:2</a>). The word used for "being" means "being by my very nature." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-16.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">Be that as it may,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἔστω</span> <span class="translit">(Estō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγὼ</span> <span class="translit">(egō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was not a burden</span><br /><span class="grk">κατεβάρησα</span> <span class="translit">(katebarēsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2599.htm">Strong's 2599: </a> </span><span class="str2">To burden, oppress, weigh down. From kata and bareo; to impose upon.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to 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">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">crafty</span><br /><span class="grk">πανοῦργος</span> <span class="translit">(panourgos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3835.htm">Strong's 3835: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cunning, crafty, skilful, clever. From pas and ergon; all-working, i.e. Adroit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as I am,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπάρχων</span> <span class="translit">(hyparchōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5225.htm">Strong's 5225: </a> </span><span class="str2">To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I caught</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔλαβον</span> <span class="translit">(elabon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. </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 trickery.</span><br /><span class="grk">δόλῳ</span> <span class="translit">(dolō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1388.htm">Strong's 1388: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deceit, guile, treachery. From an obsolete primary verb, dello; a trick, i.e. wile.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">2 Corinthians 12:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:16 But be it so I did not (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:17" /></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>