King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:11 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:11 in the King James Version says “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 whe...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Corinthians 10:11 · KJV

Context

9

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

10

For his letters , say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. say they: Gr. saith he

11

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.

12

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. are: or, understand it not

13

But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. rule: or, line

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (τοῦτο λογιζέσθω ὁ τοιοῦτος, ὅτι οἷοί ἐσμεν τῷ λόγῳ δι' ἐπιστολῶν ἀπόντες, τοιοῦτοι καὶ παρόντες τῷ ἔργῳ)—Logizesthō (λογιζέσθω, "let him reckon/consider") is imperatival: Paul commands sober reflection. Logos (λόγῳ, "word") by letters will match ergō (ἔργῳ, "deed") in person. Paul isn't two-faced—bold at a distance, timid face-to-face. His written authority will be enforced in person if repentance doesn't occur.

This warns both the congregation and the false teachers: Paul's patience shouldn't be mistaken for weakness. He prefers gentle persuasion but will exercise apostolic discipline when necessary (13:2, 10). The consistency between letters and presence proves integrity—his authority derives from Christ, not rhetorical manipulation or personal charisma.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Accusations of inconsistency were serious in the ancient world—integrity required alignment between public and private, absent and present behavior. Paul's opponents suggested he was all talk, no action. He refutes this: his apostolic authority will be exercised forcefully in person if the situation requires it (cf. his confrontation of Peter in Gal 2:11-14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you ensure your private convictions and public actions align—avoiding the hypocrisy of being bold at a distance but cowardly in person?
  2. When is patient forbearance wise pastoral care, and when does it become failure to confront sin decisively?
  3. What does Paul's consistency between words and deeds teach about integrity in Christian leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τοῦτο1 of 17

“this”

G5124

that thing

λογιζέσθω2 of 17

“Let”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

ὁ3 of 17
G3588

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

τοιοῦτοι4 of 17

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ὅτι5 of 17

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οἷοί6 of 17

“such as”

G3634

such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so

ἐσμεν7 of 17

“we are”

G2070

we are

τῷ8 of 17
G3588

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

λόγῳ9 of 17

“in word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

δι'10 of 17

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἐπιστολῶν11 of 17

“letters”

G1992

a written message

ἀπόντες12 of 17

“when we are absent”

G548

to be away

τοιοῦτοι13 of 17

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

καὶ14 of 17

“will we be also”

G2532

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

παρόντες15 of 17

“when we are present”

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property

τῷ16 of 17
G3588

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

ἔργῳ17 of 17

“in deed”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

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 10:11 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 10:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13:2-32 Corinthians 12:202 Corinthians 13:101 Corinthians 4:19-20

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