King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:12 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:12 in the King James Version says “But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, the...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.”

2 Corinthians 11:12 · KJV

Context

10

As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. no man: Gr. this boasting shall not be stopped in me

11

Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

12

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

13

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. Paul's resolve intensifies: ho de poiō kai poiēsō (ὃ δὲ ποιῶ καὶ ποιήσω, 'what I do, I will also do'). Present and future tenses underscore unwavering commitment to financial independence. The purpose: ekopsō tēn aphormēn (ἐκόψω τὴν ἀφορμήν, 'I may cut off the opportunity/pretext').

Aphormē (ἀφορμή) means 'base of operations, opportunity, pretext.' The false apostles wanted to claim equality with Paul: 'We serve for pay just like Paul!' His refusal of support removed their excuse. That wherein they glory, they may be found even as we exposes their strategy—they wanted Paul to accept support so they could justify their own mercenary approach by pointing to his example.

Paul's tactical brilliance appears here: by maintaining financial independence, he forced the false teachers into the open. If they claimed apostolic authority equal to Paul's, they should serve freely as he did. Their demand for payment while Paul worked exposed their greed. This is spiritual warfare through modeling rather than mere argument.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The false apostles' demand for financial support was likely defended by appealing to Jesus's teaching that laborers deserve their wages (Luke 10:7; cf. 1 Cor 9:14). Paul affirmed this right (1 Cor 9:3-12) but voluntarily forewent it in Corinth for strategic reasons. The false teachers wanted to eliminate this distinction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does our conduct sometimes remove (or provide) excuses for those who would distort the gospel or exploit God's people?
  2. In what ways might Christian leaders' lifestyles and compensation packages either support or undermine their message and witness?
  3. What strategic decisions might we need to make, even involving personal sacrifice, to expose false teaching and protect Christ's flock?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ᾧ1 of 20

“what”

G3739

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

δὲ2 of 20

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ποιήσω3 of 20

“I do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ4 of 20

“even”

G2532

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

ποιήσω5 of 20

“I do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἵνα6 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐκκόψω7 of 20

“I may cut off”

G1581

to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate

τὴν8 of 20
G3588

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

ἀφορμήν9 of 20

“occasion”

G874

a starting-point, i.e., (figuratively) an opportunity

τῶν10 of 20
G3588

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

θελόντων11 of 20

“from them which desire”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἀφορμήν12 of 20

“occasion”

G874

a starting-point, i.e., (figuratively) an opportunity

ἵνα13 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐν14 of 20

“wherein”

G1722

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

ᾧ15 of 20

“what”

G3739

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

καυχῶνται16 of 20

“they glory”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

εὑρεθῶσιν17 of 20

“they may be found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

καθὼς18 of 20

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ19 of 20

“even”

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς20 of 20

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

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 11:12 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 11:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9:12Philippians 1:15-302 Corinthians 11:182 Corinthians 10:172 Corinthians 5:121 Corinthians 5:6

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