King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:18 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:18 in the King James Version says “Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 11:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

Read 2 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. Paul's logic: epei polloi kauchaōntai kata sarka (ἐπεὶ πολλοὶ καυχῶνται κατὰ σάρκα, 'since many boast according to flesh'), kagō kauchēsomai (κἀγὼ καυχήσομαι, 'I also will boast'). Kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα, 'according to flesh') means by worldly standards—ancestry, credentials, accomplishments, strength.

The concessive strategy is clear: if you value fleshly boasting, I can play that game. But Paul's coming boast will be ironic—he'll 'boast' of beatings, shipwrecks, stoning, hunger, nakedness, and weakness (vv. 23-33). This inverts kata sarka boasting by presenting sufferings as credentials. The false apostles boast of strength; Paul will boast of weakness. Both use the form of boasting; the content is radically different.

The simple future kauchēsomai (καυχήσομαι, 'I will boast') is emphatic—Paul is committed to this ironic strategy. He will meet his opponents on their chosen battlefield (boasting) but fight by different rules (boasting in weakness rather than strength). This exposes the foolishness of worldly values while defending his apostolic authority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Boasting 'according to flesh' was common in ancient self-commendation letters (periautologia). Politicians, philosophers, and sophists cataloged their accomplishments, ancestry, education, and achievements. The 'super-apostles' likely boasted of Jewish heritage, visions, rhetorical skill, and spiritual experiences. Paul will catalog the opposite—his sufferings for Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would 'boasting according to flesh' look like in contemporary Christianity—credentials, platforms, influence, numbers?
  2. How can we adopt worldly forms (like Paul adopting boasting) while subverting worldly content and values?
  3. In what ways might suffering, weakness, and persecution actually be better credentials for Christian ministry than success and recognition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
ἐπεὶ1 of 8

“Seeing that”

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

πολλοὶ2 of 8

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καυχήσομαι3 of 8

“I will glory”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

κατὰ4 of 8

“after”

G2596

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

τήν5 of 8
G3588

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

σάρκα6 of 8

“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

κἀγὼ7 of 8

“also”

G2504

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

καυχήσομαι8 of 8

“I will glory”

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 11:18 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 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 12:92 Corinthians 10:12-182 Corinthians 11:122 Corinthians 12:5-6Philippians 3:3-41 Peter 1:24

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