King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:20 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:20 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Corinthians 11:20 · KJV

Context

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.

21

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly ,) I am bold also.

22

Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul's fivefold catalog of the Corinthians' submission to abuse is devastating. Each ei (εἰ, 'if') clause describes what they tolerate from false apostles while rejecting Paul's loving service. The repetition of tis (τις, 'someone/a man') emphasizes the agents of abuse.

Bring you into bondage (katadouloi, καταδουλοῖ)—enslaving them to legalistic requirements or human authority. Devour you (katesthiei, κατεσθίει)—consuming their resources like predators. Take of you (lambanei, λαμβάνει)—seizing what belongs to them. Exalt himself (epairetai, ἐπαίρεται)—arrogantly promoting himself. Smite you on the face (eis prosōpon derei, εἰς πρόσωπον δέρει)—insulting and humiliating them.

The verbs progress from spiritual enslavement through financial exploitation to personal abuse. This is what the Corinthians 'gladly tolerate' from impressive false teachers while questioning Paul who enslaved himself to serve them freely. The tragic irony: they submit to tyranny disguised as authority while resisting genuine apostolic care.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The false apostles apparently established authoritarian control, demanded financial support, promoted themselves shamelessly, and treated the Corinthians with contempt. Ancient rhetoric valued powerful, dominating speakers. The Corinthians, influenced by this cultural value, mistook abuse for authority and service for weakness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do contemporary Christians sometimes tolerate spiritual abuse, financial exploitation, or authoritarian control from charismatic leaders?
  2. Why might people submit to domineering leaders while resisting servant-hearted pastors—what cultural values create this inversion?
  3. What are warning signs that a Christian leader is 'devouring' rather than serving, 'exalting himself' rather than Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἀνέχεσθε1 of 21

“ye suffer”

G430

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

γὰρ2 of 21

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἴ3 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις4 of 21
G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμᾶς5 of 21

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καταδουλοῖ6 of 21

“bring”

G2615

to enslave utterly

εἴ7 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις8 of 21
G5100

some or any person or object

κατεσθίει9 of 21

“devour”

G2719

to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

εἴ10 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις11 of 21
G5100

some or any person or object

λαμβάνει12 of 21

“take”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

εἴ13 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις14 of 21
G5100

some or any person or object

ἐπαίρεται15 of 21

“exalt himself”

G1869

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

εἴ16 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις17 of 21
G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμᾶς18 of 21

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰς19 of 21

“on”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πρόσωπον20 of 21

“the face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

δέρει21 of 21

“smite”

G1194

properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash

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 11:20 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 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 2:4Galatians 4:9Galatians 4:3Galatians 5:12 Corinthians 1:24Luke 6:29

Test Your Knowledge

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

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