King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:17 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:17 in the King James Version says “That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly , in this confidence of boasting.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 11:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

Read 2 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Paul's disclaimer is crucial: ho lalō, ou kata kyrion lalō (ὃ λαλῶ, οὐ κατὰ κύριον λαλῶ, 'what I speak, I speak not according to the Lord'). This is not divine revelation but strategic irony. Kata kyrion (κατὰ κύριον) means 'in accordance with the Lord's manner/command'—Jesus didn't boast but humbled himself (Phil 2:6-8).

But as it were foolishly (all' hōs en aphrosynē, ἀλλ᾽ ὡς ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ) acknowledges the worldly foolishness of self-promotion. In this confidence of boasting (en tautē tē hypostasei tēs kauchēseōs, ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ ὑποστάσει τῆς καυχήσεως) describes entering the arena of confident self-praise that characterizes worldly rhetoric and the false apostles.

Paul's careful distinction between apostolic teaching ('according to the Lord') and strategic irony ('as foolishly') prevents misunderstanding. He's not claiming divine sanction for boasting itself but for the ironic strategy of boasting in weakness to expose the folly of boasting in strength. His self-awareness contrasts sharply with the false apostles' shameless self-promotion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish culture valued humility (Prov 27:2), while Greco-Roman culture valued self-promotion. Paul navigates between these cultures, adopting Gentile methods temporarily while maintaining Jewish-Christian values. His disclaimer protects against canonizing boasting while permitting necessary self-defense in extreme circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish between necessary self-defense and ungodly self-promotion—where is the line?
  2. In what circumstances might we need to adopt cultural methods we personally find distasteful for strategic gospel purposes?
  3. How does Paul's self-awareness and disclaimer about speaking 'foolishly' model healthy self-examination for Christian leaders?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὃ1 of 16

“That which”

G3739

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

λαλῶ2 of 16

“I speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

οὐ3 of 16

“it not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

λαλῶ4 of 16

“I speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

κατὰ5 of 16

“after”

G2596

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

κύριον6 of 16

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἀλλ'7 of 16

“but”

G235

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

ὡς8 of 16

“as”

G5613

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

ἐν9 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

ἀφροσύνῃ10 of 16
G877

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

ἐν11 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

ταύτῃ12 of 16
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

τῇ13 of 16
G3588

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

ὑποστάσει14 of 16

“confidence”

G5287

a setting under (support), i.e., (figuratively) concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance (objectively or subjectively)

τῆς15 of 16
G3588

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

καυχήσεως16 of 16

“of boasting”

G2746

boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), 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 11:17 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 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:122 Corinthians 9:4Philippians 3:3-61 Corinthians 7:252 Corinthians 11:18-271 Corinthians 7:6

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