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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 10:10 For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/10-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/47_2Co_10_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Apostolic Authority" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For some say, His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account." /><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'; 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but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/10.htm">New King James Version</a> “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.” <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/10.htm">NASB 1995</a> For they say, &#8220His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive, and his speech contemptible.” <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is weak and his words contemptible.” <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a> for they say, “His letters are weighty and forceful and impressive, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible [of no account].” <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For it is said, “His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical presence is weak and his public speaking amounts to nothing.” <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For it is said, &#8220His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical presence is weak, and his public speaking is despicable.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/10.htm">American Standard Version</a> For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Some of you are saying, "Paul's letters are harsh and powerful. But in person, he is a weakling and has nothing worth saying." <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/10.htm">English Revised Version</a> For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I know that someone is saying that my letters are powerful and strong, but that I'm a weakling and a terrible speaker. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/10.htm">Good News Translation</a> Someone will say, "Paul's letters are severe and strong, but when he is with us in person, he is weak, and his words are nothing!" <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/10.htm">International Standard Version</a> For someone is saying, "His letters are impressive and forceful, but his bodily presence is weak and his speech contemptible." <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For some say, ?His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.? <a href="/net/2_corinthians/10.htm">NET Bible</a> because some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is weak and his speech is of no account." <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For, "His letters," they say, "are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised." <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For his letters (say they) are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For they say "His letters are authoritative and forcible, but his personal presence is unimpressive, and as for eloquence, he has none." <a href="/web/2_corinthians/10.htm">World English Bible</a> For, “His letters”, they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “because the letters indeed,” says one, “[are] weighty and strong, and the bodily presence weak, and the speech despicable.” <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For they say, "The letters indeed are weighty and strong, but the presence of the body is weak, and the speech having been ignored." <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> because the letters indeed -- saith one -- are weighty and strong, and the bodily presence weak, and the speech despicable.' <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> (For truly the epistles, he says, weighty and strong; but the presence of the body weak, and the word counted as nothing.)<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> (For his epistles indeed, say they, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible,) <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For they say: “His epistles, indeed, are weighty and strong. But his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is contemptible.” <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/10.htm">New American Bible</a> For someone will say, “His letters are severe and forceful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For there are men who say that his epistles are weighty and powerful; but his bodily appearance is weak, and his speech foolish. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Because there are many people who say, “The letters are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak and his speech contemptible.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For his letters, says one, are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his style of speech contemptible. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Because they say, His letters are indeed weighty and powerful; but the presence of his body is weak, and his speech contemptible. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For his letters indeed, say they, are weighty and forcible, but his bodily presence is feeble, and his speech contemptible. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a> (for 'tis objected that my letters are weighty and powerful, but my bodily presence weak, and my preaching <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For they say "His letters are authoritative and forcible, but his personal presence is unimpressive, and as for eloquence, he has none." <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> because, "His letters, indeed," says one, "are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible." <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=1787" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/10.htm">Paul's Apostolic Authority</a> …9I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters. 10<a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: Hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/5346.htm" title="5346: phēsin (V-PIA-3S) -- To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.">some say,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">“His</a> <a href="/greek/1992.htm" title="1992: epistolai (N-NFP) -- A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message.">letters</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/926.htm" title="926: Bareiai (Adj-NFP) -- Heavy, weighty, burdensome, lit. and met; violent, oppressive. From the same as baros; weighty, i.e. burdensome, grave.">are weighty</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2478.htm" title="2478: ischyrai (Adj-NFP) -- Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.">forceful,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">his</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōmatos (N-GNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">physical</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3952.htm" title="3952: parousia (N-NFS) -- From the present participle of pareimi; a being near, i.e. Advent; physically, aspect.">presence</a> <a href="/greek/772.htm" title="772: asthenēs (Adj-NFS) -- (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.">is unimpressive,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">speaking</a> <a href="/greek/1848.htm" title="1848: exouthenēmenos (V-RPM/P-NMS) -- To set at naught, ignore, despise. A variation of exoudenoo and meaning the same.">is of no account.”</a> 11Such people should consider that what we are in our letters when absent, we will be in our actions when present.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3-4</a> I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. / My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">2 Corinthians 11:6</a> Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1</a> When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7-10</a> or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. / Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. / But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. ... <a href="/galatians/4-13.htm">Galatians 4:13-14</a> You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. / And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself. <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9-10</a> One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">1 Corinthians 4:10</a> We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1-2</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-1.htm">2 Corinthians 3:1-3</a> Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? / You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone. / It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-12.htm">2 Corinthians 5:12</a> We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-8.htm">2 Corinthians 6:8</a> through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine; <a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">2 Corinthians 7:8</a> Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it—for I see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time— <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">2 Corinthians 13:3</a> since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you but is powerful among you. <a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Isaiah 53:2-3</a> He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. / He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.say they.<a href="/2_corinthians/10-11.htm">2 Corinthians 10:11</a> Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.but.<a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1</a> Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:<a href="/2_corinthians/12-5.htm">2 Corinthians 12:5-9</a> Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities… <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3,4</a> And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling… and his.<a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">2 Corinthians 11:6</a> But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.<a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10</a> And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.<a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6</a> Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/9-14.htm">Account</a> <a href="/luke/8-23.htm">Amounts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm">Authoritative</a> <a href="/romans/8-13.htm">Bodily</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-5.htm">Body</a> <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Contemptible</a> <a href="/malachi/1-12.htm">Despicable</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Eloquence</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-43.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">Force</a> <a href="/matthew/11-12.htm">Forceful</a> <a href="/mark/12-28.htm">Forcible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Personal</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-35.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-30.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-13.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/acts/25-7.htm">Weighty</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-5.htm">Account</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Amounts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm">Authoritative</a> <a href="/galatians/4-13.htm">Bodily</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">Contemptible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-3.htm">Despicable</a> <a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Eloquence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Force</a> <a href="/job/6-25.htm">Forceful</a> <a href="/job/6-25.htm">Forcible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-11.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/philippians/2-4.htm">Personal</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/psalms/139-17.htm">Weighty</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 10</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Against the false apostles, who disgraced the weakness of his person and bodily presence, </a> 4. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">he shows the spiritual might and authority with which he was armed against all adverse powers;</a> 7. <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> 12. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-12.htm">and encouraging them to reach out themselves beyond their compass.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>For some say This phrase indicates that Paul is addressing criticisms from a specific group within the Corinthian church. These detractors are likely false apostles or individuals influenced by them, questioning Paul's authority and effectiveness. This reflects the broader context of 2 Corinthians, where Paul defends his apostolic authority and the authenticity of his ministry.“His letters are weighty and forceful Paul's letters, such as 1 Corinthians, are known for their strong theological arguments and authoritative tone. This reflects his deep understanding of the Gospel and his role as an apostle. The term "weighty" suggests that his writings carry significant spiritual and doctrinal authority, aligning with the power of the Holy Spirit working through him. This echoes the authority seen in other apostolic writings, such as Peter's letters.but his physical presence is unimpressive Paul's critics argue that his physical appearance does not match the authority of his letters. This may refer to his stature or demeanor, which some found lacking in charisma or presence. In the Greco-Roman world, public speakers were often judged by their appearance and oratory skills. This criticism highlights the cultural values of the time, contrasting with the biblical principle that God often chooses the humble and weak to accomplish His purposes, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>.and his speaking is of no account.” This critique suggests that Paul's oratory skills were not as polished or persuasive as those of other speakers. In Corinth, a city known for its love of rhetoric and philosophy, eloquence was highly valued. However, Paul emphasizes in <a href="/1_corinthians/2.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1-5</a> that his preaching relied not on human wisdom but on the power of the Spirit. This underscores the biblical theme that true spiritual authority and effectiveness come from God, not human ability.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, addressing criticisms from some within the Corinthian church regarding his authority and presence. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinthian_church.htm">Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, a diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth. 3. <a href="/topical/c/critics_of_paul.htm">Critics of Paul</a> Individuals within the Corinthian church who questioned Paul's authority and effectiveness based on his physical appearance and speaking ability.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_message_over_human_appearance.htm">The Power of God's Message Over Human Appearance</a> Paul's experience reminds us that the effectiveness of the Gospel does not depend on human eloquence or appearance but on the power of God working through us. <a href="/topical/d/dealing_with_criticism_in_ministry.htm">Dealing with Criticism in Ministry</a> Like Paul, we may face criticism in our service to God. It's important to remain focused on our calling and trust in God's strength rather than human approval. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_inner_strength_and_character.htm">The Importance of Inner Strength and Character</a> Paul's letters were "weighty and forceful" because of his deep conviction and reliance on God. Our inner spiritual life should be our primary focus, rather than outward appearances. <a href="/topical/g/god's_strength_in_our_weakness.htm">God's Strength in Our Weakness</a> Embrace weaknesses as opportunities for God's power to be displayed. Paul’s life exemplifies how God can use our limitations for His glory. <a href="/topical/a/authenticity_in_christian_leadership.htm">Authenticity in Christian Leadership</a> Paul’s example teaches us the value of authenticity and integrity in leadership. True authority comes from God and is demonstrated through a life aligned with His will.<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>(10) For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful.--Allusive references to what had been said of him at Corinth have already appeared frequently. Here, for the first time, we have the very words quoted. The scorn conveyed in them had wounded the Apostle's sensitive nature like a poisoned arrow; and we have here the nearest approach which the New Testament presents to the passionate complaints poured forth by some of the Psalmists of the Old (Psalms 69, 109). We note the common element of a burning indignation under the sense of wrong. We note also the absence from the Apostle's feelings of the maledictory element which is so prominent in theirs. The "meekness and gentleness of Christ" had not been without their effect in tempering even the most vehement emotions.The great majority of MSS. give the verb in the singular: "For his letters, saith he . . ." This may be taken, like the French on dit, as used impersonally, and possibly this is the meaning which the English version was intended to convey. The context, however, the definite "such a man as that" of the next verse, is obviously decisive. St. Paul has in his thoughts here, and through the rest of the chapter, one conspicuous antagonist,--the head of a clique and cabal of opponents.His bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.--As with other antithetical epigrams, the sting was found in the tail. It would seem all but incredible that any doubt could ever have been expressed as to the fact that the words point to physical infirmities. They can, indeed, refer to nothing else. For the tradition as to the Apostle's personal appearance, see Excursus at the end of the Acts of the Apostles. The "contemptible speech" (literally, speech of no value; counted as nought) may refer either to a weak or unmusical voice, or to the absence of the rhetorical artifices, the exordium, divisions, perorations, in which Greek audiences delighted. It may be noted that these words give a fresh significance to a remarkable passage in an Epistle written, in the judgment of many critics, within a few weeks of this. "You," he says to the Galatians (<a href="/context/galatians/4-13.htm" title="You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you at the first.">Galatians 4:13-14</a>), "though I came to you with that infirmity of the flesh which others sneer at, the chronic trial of my life, you did not contemn" (the self-same verb as that used here) "nor loathe me." There is manifestly a contrast present to his thoughts between the mean insults of his rivals at Corinth and the affection which the Galatians had once manifested, and which made their subsequent alienation all the more painful to him.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - Say they; literally, says he. The phrase may, indeed, imply "it is said" (on dit); but it may refer to one main critic and opponent (comp. vers. 7, 11). Perhaps it would have been wiser and kinder if no one had reported to St. Paul all these subterranean calumnies and innuendoes. Weighty and strong. This could not be denied, considering the immense effect which had been produced by his first letter (<a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">2 Corinthians 7:7</a>). His bodily presence is weak. This is usually taken to mean that St. Paul's personal appearance was unprepossessing (<a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1</a>). This, indeed, we should infer from many other passages (<a href="/1_corinthians/2.htm">1 Corinthians 2</a>:34; <a href="/galatians/4-13.htm">Galatians 4:13, 14</a>), and as a natural result of his "stake in the flesh." It is, too, the consistent though late tradition respecting him (see my 'Life of St. Paul,' 2:628). Here, however, the words may mean no more than that "he adds nothing to his cause by being present in person, since he shows vacillation and want of energy." Contemptible; rather, despised (see <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3, 4</a>). <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For Ὅτι (Hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [some] say, φησίν (phēsin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5346.htm">Strong's 5346: </a> To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say. “[His] Αἱ (Hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. letters ἐπιστολαὶ (epistolai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message. [are] weighty Βαρεῖαι (Bareiai) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_926.htm">Strong's 926: </a> Heavy, weighty, burdensome, lit. and met; violent, oppressive. From the same as baros; weighty, i.e. burdensome, grave. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. forceful, ἰσχυραί (ischyrai) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2478.htm">Strong's 2478: </a> Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. his τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. physical σώματος (sōmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. presence παρουσία (parousia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3952.htm">Strong's 3952: </a> From the present participle of pareimi; a being near, i.e. Advent; physically, aspect. [is] unimpressive, ἀσθενὴς (asthenēs) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_772.htm">Strong's 772: </a> (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [his] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. speaking λόγος (logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. [is] of no account.” ἐξουθενημένος (exouthenēmenos) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1848.htm">Strong's 1848: </a> To set at naught, ignore, despise. A variation of exoudenoo and meaning the same. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 10:10 For His letters they say are weighty (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 10:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 10:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 10:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 10:11" /></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>