Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, New Living Translation If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, English Standard Version though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. Berean Standard Bible Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, Berean Literal Bible For if I should desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should credit to me more than what he sees in me, or anyone hears of me, King James Bible For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. New King James Version For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. New American Standard Bible For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. NASB 1995 For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. NASB 1977 For if I do wish to boast I shall not be foolish, for I shall be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one may credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. Legacy Standard Bible For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will consider me beyond what he sees in me or hears from me. Amplified Bible If I wish to boast, I will not be foolish, because I will be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it], so that no one will credit me with more than [is justified by what] he sees in me or hears from me. Christian Standard Bible For if I want to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, Holman Christian Standard Bible For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, American Standard Version For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me. Contemporary English Version Yet even if I did brag, I would not be foolish. I would simply be speaking the truth. But I will try not to say too much. That way, none of you will think more highly of me than you should because of what you have seen me do and say. English Revised Version For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me. GOD'S WORD® Translation If I ever wanted to brag, I wouldn't be a fool. Instead, I would be telling the truth. But I'm going to spare you so that no one may think more of me than what he sees or hears about me, Good News Translation If I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will not boast, because I do not want any of you to have a higher opinion of me than you have as a result of what you have seen me do and heard me say. International Standard Version However, if I did want to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I am not going to do it in order to keep anyone from thinking more of me than what he sees and hears about me. Majority Standard Bible Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, NET Bible For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me, New Heart English Bible For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me. Webster's Bible Translation For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or what he heareth from me. Weymouth New Testament If however I should choose to boast, I should not be a fool for so doing, for I should be speaking the truth. But I forbear, lest any one should be led to estimate me more highly than what his own eyes attest, or more highly than what he hears from my lips. World English Bible For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor if I may wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will say truth; but I refrain, lest in regard to me anyone may think anything above what he sees me, or hears anything of me; Berean Literal Bible For if I should desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should credit to me more than what he sees in me, or anyone hears of me, Young's Literal Translation for if I may wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for truth I will say; but I forebear, lest any one in regard to me may think anything above what he doth see me, or doth hear anything of me; Smith's Literal Translation For if I be willing to boast, I shall not be mad; for the truth will I say: and I spare, lest any reckon for me above what he sees me, or what he hears of me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me. Catholic Public Domain Version For even though I am willing to glory, I will not be foolish. But I will speak the truth. Yet I will do so sparingly, lest anyone may consider me to be anything more than what he sees in me, or anything more than what he hears from me. New American Bible Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me New Revised Standard Version But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut even if I would desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will tell the truth: but now I refrain, lest any one should think more of me than what he sees me to be and what he hears from me. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For if I have wished to boast, I have not been misbehaving, for I speak the truth; but I abstain, lest a man think of me more than what he sees in me and hears from me. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor though I should choose to boast, I would not be void of understanding: for I will speak the truth. But I forbear, lest any one should think of me more than what he sees me to be, or what he hears of me. Godbey New Testament For if I shall wish to glory, I will not be a fool; for I speak the truth: but I fear, lest some one may consider with reference to me above what he sees me, or hears from me. Haweis New Testament For though I should be disposed to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I shall speak truth: but I desist, lest any man think of me above what he seeth me to be, or what he heareth of me. Mace New Testament tho' if I had a mind to glory, I might do it without vanity, for I should say nothing but what is true: but now I forbear, lest any man should ascribe more to me than my actions, or my preaching can justify. Weymouth New Testament If however I should choose to boast, I should not be a fool for so doing, for I should be speaking the truth. But I forbear, lest any one should be led to estimate me more highly than what his own eyes attest, or more highly than what he hears from my lips. Worrell New Testament For, if I should desire to glory, I would not be foolish, for I shall be speaking truth; but I forbear, lest some one should think, in regard to me, above what he sees me to be, or hears from me. Worsley New Testament For though I should incline to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I should speak truth. But I forbear least any one should think of me above what he seeth me to be, or heareth from me. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's Thorn and God's Grace…5I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses. 6Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, 7or 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.… Cross References Philippians 3:4-7 though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: / circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; / as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. ... Galatians 6:14 But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 1 Corinthians 1:31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. / For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Timothy 1:15-16 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. / But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” / For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 1 Peter 5:5-6 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips. Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols. Treasury of Scripture For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me. I would. 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 2 Corinthians 11:16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. 1 Corinthians 3:5,9,10 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? … I will. 2 Corinthians 1:18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. 2 Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. Job 24:25 And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth? above that. 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 10:9,10 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters… Jump to Previous Account Boast Choose Desire Estimate Eyes Fear Fool Foolish Forbear Glory Heareth Hears Highly However Refrain Speak Speaking Think True. Truth WordJump to Next Account Boast Choose Desire Estimate Eyes Fear Fool Foolish Forbear Glory Heareth Hears Highly However Refrain Speak Speaking Think True. Truth Word2 Corinthians 12 1. For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,9. yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities; 11. blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting. 14. He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father; 20. although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there. Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, Paul acknowledges the temptation to boast about his spiritual experiences and revelations. In the Greco-Roman world, boasting was often associated with honor and status. However, Paul contrasts worldly boasting with the Christian virtue of humility. In 2 Corinthians 11:16-18, Paul discusses boasting as a "fool's" activity, yet he distinguishes his potential boasting as truthful, unlike the false apostles who boasted in their own achievements. because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is known for his missionary journeys and his role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues. 3. Paul's Vision and Thorn Earlier in this chapter, Paul discusses a vision of heaven and a "thorn in the flesh" given to him to prevent pride, setting the context for his discussion on boasting. Teaching Points Humility in LeadershipPaul exemplifies humility by choosing not to boast, even when he has legitimate reasons. Leaders today should follow his example, focusing on truth and integrity rather than self-promotion. Truth Over Perception Paul is concerned with being credited only for what is true and observable. Christians should prioritize living authentically, ensuring that their actions align with their words. Guarding Against Pride The context of Paul's "thorn in the flesh" serves as a reminder to guard against pride. Believers should remain humble, recognizing that any strength or success comes from God. The Power of Restraint By refraining from boasting, Paul demonstrates the power of restraint. Christians are encouraged to practice self-control, allowing their lives to speak for themselves.(6) For though I would desire to glory . . . He had said in the preceding verse that he will glory only in his infirmities. He is about to lay bare to their gaze the greatest of all those infirmities. "If I should boast of that," he says, "I shall not be acting as a madman does" (the thought of insanity is throughout dominant in the words "fool" and "folly"), "for I will confine myself to a simple statement of fact."Verse 6. - I forbear; literally, I spare; i.e. I refrain from boasting. Should think of me; literally, that no man should estimate concerning me beyond what he sees me (to be), or hears at all from my own lips. If he were to tell them more of his revelations, he might encourage them to think more of him than he deserves or wishes. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Evenγὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. I wanted θελήσω (thelēsō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to boast, καυχήσασθαι (kauchēsasthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle Strong's 2744: To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt. I would not be ἔσομαι (esomai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a fool, ἄφρων (aphrōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 878: Senseless, foolish, inconsiderate. Properly, mindless, i.e. Stupid, ignorant, egotistic, rash, or unbelieving. because γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. I would be speaking ἐρῶ (erō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. [the] truth. ἀλήθειαν (alētheian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 225: From alethes; truth. But δέ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. I refrain, φείδομαι (pheidomai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular Strong's 5339: To spare, abstain, forbear. Of uncertain affinity; to be chary of, i.e. to abstain or to treat leniently. [so] μή (mē) Adverb Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. [no one] τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. will credit λογίσηται (logisētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3049: To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. me ἐμὲ (eme) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. with more than ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. he sees βλέπει (blepei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. in me με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. hears ἀκούει (akouei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. from ἐξ (ex) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. me, ἐμοῦ (emou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Links 2 Corinthians 12:6 NIV2 Corinthians 12:6 NLT 2 Corinthians 12:6 ESV 2 Corinthians 12:6 NASB 2 Corinthians 12:6 KJV 2 Corinthians 12:6 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 12:6 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 12:6 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 12:6 French Bible 2 Corinthians 12:6 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:6 For if I would desire to boast (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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