King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:12 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:12 in the King James Version says “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wis... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 1:12 · KJV


Context

10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

11

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

12

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.

13

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

14

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience (ἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν, τὸ μαρτύριον τῆς συνειδήσεως)—kauchēsis (καύχησις, "boasting") is Pauline terminology; martyrion (μαρτύριον, "testimony") and syneidēseōs (συνειδήσεως, "conscience") indicate inner conviction bearing witness. Paul's confidence rests on internal integrity, not external success.

That in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversationhaplotēti (ἁπλότητι, "simplicity/sincerity") and eilikrineia (εἰλικρινείᾳ, "purity," lit. "tested by sunlight") contrast with sophia sarkikē (σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ, "fleshly wisdom").

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Can I claim 'testimony of conscience' as my boast, or does conscience accuse me of duplicity?
  2. How does conducting myself 'by grace of God' versus 'fleshly wisdom' look different practically?
  3. What relationships require me to demonstrate 'more abundantly' the sincerity I show others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
1 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ2 of 33

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καύχησις3 of 33

rejoicing

G2746

boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense

ἡμῶν4 of 33

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

αὕτη5 of 33

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστίν6 of 33

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸ7 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαρτύριον8 of 33

the testimony

G3142

something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)

τῆς9 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συνειδήσεως10 of 33

conscience

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἡμῶν11 of 33

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

ὅτι12 of 33

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν13 of 33

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἁπλότητι14 of 33

simplicity

G572

singleness, i.e., (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal)

καὶ15 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰλικρινείᾳ16 of 33

sincerity

G1505

clearness, i.e., (by implication) purity (figuratively)

θεοῦ17 of 33

godly

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὐκ18 of 33

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐν19 of 33

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σοφίᾳ20 of 33

wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

σαρκικῇ21 of 33

fleshly

G4559

pertaining to flesh, i.e., (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate

ἀλλ'22 of 33

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν23 of 33

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

χάριτι24 of 33

the grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

θεοῦ25 of 33

godly

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἀνεστράφημεν26 of 33

we have had our conversation

G390

to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live

ἐν27 of 33

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ28 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμῳ29 of 33

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

περισσοτέρως30 of 33

more abundantly

G4056

more superabundantly

δὲ31 of 33

and

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς32 of 33

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς33 of 33

you-ward

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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