King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:16 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:16 in the King James Version says “I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. recei... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. receive: or, suffer

2 Corinthians 11:16 · KJV


Context

14

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

15

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

16

I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. receive: or, suffer

17

That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly , in this confidence of boasting.

18

Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. Paul returns to the 'fool's speech' after the digression on false apostles. The repetition palin legō (πάλιν λέγω, 'I say again') echoes verse 1. Mē tis me doxē aphrona einai (μή τίς με δόξῃ ἄφρονα εἶναι, 'let no one think me foolish') acknowledges that worldly boasting is foolishness—but circumstances require it.

Ei de mē ge (εἰ δὲ μή γε, 'if otherwise/but if indeed') introduces a concession: even if you consider my self-defense foolish, as a fool receive me (kan hōs aphrona dexasthe me, κἂν ὡς ἄφρονα δέξασθέ με)—tolerate it because necessity demands it. The purpose clause hina kagō mikron ti kauchēsōmai (ἵνα κἀγὼ μικρόν τι καυχήσωμαι, 'that I also may boast a little') is dripping with irony given the extensive catalog of sufferings to follow.

Paul's self-consciousness about boasting reveals his pastoral sensitivity. He knows he's playing the fool's game, but he must expose the foolishness of worldly boasting by temporarily adopting it. His 'little' boasting will actually be extensive (11:21b-12:10), but it will subvert rather than confirm worldly values by boasting in weakness rather than strength.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture valued self-promotion highly. Sophists, politicians, and philosophers boasted of their accomplishments, ancestry, and credentials. The 'super-apostles' adopted this cultural practice. Paul must temporarily enter their arena to expose its foolishness, yet he does so with evident discomfort that marks his difference from them.

Reflection Questions

  1. When might it be necessary to 'play the fool' and defend yourself or your ministry, even though you find self-promotion distasteful?
  2. How does Paul's self-conscious discomfort with boasting differ from the confident self-promotion common in modern ministry and leadership?
  3. In what ways might we need to meet people on their own terms while ultimately subverting their value system?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Πάλιν1 of 21

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

λέγω2 of 21

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

μήγε3 of 21

no

G3361

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

τι4 of 21

a

G5100

some or any person or object

με5 of 21

me

G3165

me

δόξῃ6 of 21

Let

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

ἄφρονα7 of 21

a fool

G878

properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving

εἶναι·8 of 21

me

G1511

to exist

εἰ9 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ10 of 21
G1161

but, and, etc

μήγε11 of 21

no

G3361

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

κἂν12 of 21

yet

G2579

and (or even) if

ὡς13 of 21

as

G5613

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

ἄφρονα14 of 21

a fool

G878

properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving

δέξασθέ15 of 21

receive

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

με16 of 21

me

G3165

me

ἵνα17 of 21

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μικρόν18 of 21

little

G3397

a small space of time or degree

τι19 of 21

a

G5100

some or any person or object

κἀγὼ20 of 21

I

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

καυχήσωμαι21 of 21

may boast myself

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)


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 11:16 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 11:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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