2 Corinthians 11:12

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we.

World English Bible
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Other translations

WEBBE

But what I do, that I will continue to do, that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity, that in which they boast, they may be recognised just like us.

BSB

But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.

KJV

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

ASV

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

BBE

But what I do, that I will go on doing, so that I may give no chance to those who are looking for one; so that, in the cause of their pride, they may be seen to be the same as we are.

Original Greek

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ὃ ho What G3739 δὲ de however G1161 ποιῶ poiō I do G4160 καὶ kai also G2532 ποιήσω poiēsō I will do G4160 ἵνα ina so that G2443 ἐκκόψω ekkopsō I may cut off G1581 τὴν tēn the G3588 ἀφορμὴν aphormēn opportunity G874 τῶν tōn of those G3588 θελόντων thelontōn desiring G2309 ἀφορμήν aphormēn an opportunity G874 ἵνα ina that G2443 ἐν en in G1722 ᾧ hō what G3739 καυχῶνται kauchōntai they are boasting G2744 εὑρεθῶσιν heurethōsin they may be found G2147 καθὼς kathōs even as G2531 καὶ kai also G2532 ἡμεῖς hēmeis we ourselves G3165

The early church

"That I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we." For since this they sought earnestly, to find some handle against him, it is necessary to remove this also. For this is the one point on which they pique themselves. Therefore that they might not have any advantage whatever, it was necessary to set this right; for in other things they were inferior. For, as I have said, nothing doth so edify worldly people as the receiving nothing from them. Therefore the devil in his craftiness dropped this bait especially, when desirous to injure them in other respects. But it appears to me that this even was in hypocrisy. And therefore he did not say, "wherein they have well done," but what? "wherein they glory;" which also was as jeering at their glorying; for they gloried also of that which they were not. But the man of noble spirit not only ought not to boast of what he has not, but not even of what he possesses; as this blessed saint was wont to do.
John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on 2 Corinthians

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 5–15

It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.

Read Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 11 →

Cross-references

12

Topics

Zeal, Religious

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.