2 Corinthians 11:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul asks the Corinthians to bear patiently with what he calls a little foolishness as he is about to speak in his own defense.
What Does 2 Corinthians 11:1 Mean?
Paul has been pressed by rivals who exalt themselves and undermine his standing among the believers in Corinth. Here he opens a long, reluctant section in which he will speak about himself in a way he finds distasteful. He flags it in advance as folly, asking his readers to grant him a measure of patience.
The plea is tender, not proud. A faithful minister hates to talk about his own credentials, yet love sometimes requires it for the good of those being led astray. Paul models a man willing to be misunderstood, even to look foolish, if it will guard his people from harm. His self-defense is finally an act of care, undertaken for their sake rather than his own honor.
2 Corinthians 11:1 in the Original Language
aphrosune (ἀφροσύνη), 'folly' -- senselessness or lack of good judgment, the very thing Paul reluctantly takes up to make his point.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 11:1
What does 2 Corinthians 11:1 mean?
Paul asks the Corinthians to bear patiently with what he calls a little foolishness as he is about to speak in his own defense.