King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:1 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:1 in the King James Version says “Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. indeed bear: or, indeed ye do bear wit...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. indeed bear: or, indeed ye do bear with me”

2 Corinthians 11:1 · KJV

Context

1

Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. indeed bear: or, indeed ye do bear with me

2

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

3

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Read 2 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. Paul introduces the 'fool's speech' (aphrosyne, ἀφροσύνη) that will dominate chapters 11-12. The Greek verb anechesthe (ἀνέχεσθε, 'bear with') appears twice—first as wish, then as assertion. Paul must adopt his opponents' foolish boasting strategy to expose its folly.

This ironic request frames what follows: Paul will 'boast' like the false apostles, but his boasting will subvert their entire value system by cataloging weaknesses rather than strengths, sufferings rather than triumphs. The repetition emphasizes both reluctance (he wishes they would tolerate this) and necessity (they must endure it). Paul's self-description as speaking in 'folly' is itself wise—worldly boasting is foolishness, yet he must temporarily adopt it to defend the gospel.

The appeal 'would to God' (ophelon, ὄφελον) expresses strong desire bordering on prayer. Paul's pastoral heart shows through—he hates boasting but loves the Corinthians enough to engage in it for their sake. His self-conscious embarrassment at having to defend himself contrasts sharply with the false apostles' shameless self-promotion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 56-57 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth and severe letter. False apostles called 'super-apostles' (11:5) had infiltrated the church, attacking Paul's credentials, demanding financial support, and promoting triumphalistic ministry that valued eloquence, visions, and worldly impressiveness over cruciform weakness.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you had to defend yourself or the gospel in ways that felt uncomfortable or foolish by worldly standards?
  2. How does Paul's reluctant, self-conscious boasting differ from the confident self-promotion common in modern ministry and leadership?
  3. What would it look like to adopt Paul's ironic strategy today—boasting in weakness to expose the folly of boasting in strength?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Ὄφελον1 of 10

“Would to God”

G3785

i ought (wish), i.e., (interjection) oh that!

ἀνέχεσθέ2 of 10

“bear”

G430

to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with

μου3 of 10

“with me”

G3450

of me

μικρόν4 of 10

“a little”

G3397

a small space of time or degree

τῇ5 of 10
G3588

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

ἀφροσύνη6 of 10

“in my folly”

G877

senselessness, i.e., (euphemistically) egotism; (morally) recklessness

ἀλλὰ7 of 10

“indeed”

G235

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

καὶ8 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

ἀνέχεσθέ9 of 10

“bear”

G430

to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with

μου10 of 10

“with me”

G3450

of me

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 11:1 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 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 11:41 Corinthians 1:212 Corinthians 11:192 Corinthians 11:212 Corinthians 5:132 Corinthians 11:16-17

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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