King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 10:2 Mean?

2 Corinthians 10:2 in the King James Version says “But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against s...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. think: or, reckon”

2 Corinthians 10:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: in presence: or, in outward appearance

2

But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. think: or, reckon

3

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) through God: or, to God

Read 2 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence (τὸ μὴ παρὼν θαρρῆσαι)—Paul hopes to avoid confrontation but will not shrink from it if necessary. Tharrēsai (θαρρῆσαι, "to be bold/confident") appears four times in this chapter (vv. 1-2, 7), showing the tension between pastoral gentleness and apostolic authority.

Which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh (κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας)—His opponents accused him of operating by fleshly methods—worldly wisdom, manipulation, or cowardice. Paul will demonstrate that his warfare is spiritual (kata sarka vs. kata pneuma), his weapons divine (v. 4), and his authority from God, not human credentials. The contrast between "walking" (daily conduct) and "warring" (v. 3) shows the comprehensive spiritual nature of apostolic ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth prized sophistic rhetoric, philosophical eloquence, and displays of wisdom. Paul's deliberate rejection of such methods (1 Cor 2:1-5) was misinterpreted as lack of ability or confidence. His opponents likely boasted superior credentials, impressive speaking ability, and perhaps miraculous signs to validate their authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. What fleshly methods are you tempted to employ when spiritual weapons seem too slow or ineffective?
  2. How can you distinguish between godly boldness (Spirit-empowered confrontation of sin) and fleshly aggression?
  3. When others misinterpret your Spirit-led gentleness as weakness, how do you resist the urge to prove yourself by worldly means?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
δέομαι1 of 20

“I beseech”

G1189

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

δὲ2 of 20

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοὺς3 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

μὴ4 of 20

“you that I may not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

παρὼν5 of 20

“when I am present”

G3918

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

θαῤῥῆσαι6 of 20

“be bold”

G2292

to exercise courage

τοὺς7 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

πεποιθήσει8 of 20

“with that confidence”

G4006

reliance

ᾗ9 of 20

“wherewith”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

λογιζομένους10 of 20

“I think”

G3049

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

τολμῆσαι11 of 20

“to be bold”

G5111

to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous

ἐπί12 of 20

“against”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τινας13 of 20

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

τοὺς14 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

λογιζομένους15 of 20

“I think”

G3049

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

ἡμᾶς16 of 20

“of us”

G2248

us

ὡς17 of 20

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

κατὰ18 of 20

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

σάρκα19 of 20

“to the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

περιπατοῦντας20 of 20

“if we walked”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

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 10:2 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 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13:102 Corinthians 13:2Galatians 5:16-25Ephesians 2:2-32 Corinthians 12:13-201 Corinthians 4:18-21

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Corinthians 10 with CommentaryAll 2 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 2 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes