King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:21 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:21 in the King James Version says “I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly ,) I a...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 11:21 · KJV

Context

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.

23

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Paul's mock shame at being 'weak' continues the irony. Kata atimian legō (κατὰ ἀτιμίαν λέγω, 'I speak according to dishonor/shame') introduces his confession: hōs hoti hēmeis ēsthenēsamen (ὡς ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἠσθενήσαμεν, 'as if we have been weak'). In worldly eyes, Paul's servant ministry without domineering or exploitation was shameful weakness.

Yet Paul reframes this: his 'weakness' is actually strength because it displays Christ's power (12:9-10). The false apostles' bold self-assertion is actually weakness because it relies on human impressiveness. Paul's irony exposes the inversion at the heart of gospel ministry—true strength comes through weakness, true authority through service, true honor through shame.

Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold (ho d' an tis tolma, ὃ δ᾽ ἄν τις τολμᾷ) introduces the actual 'boasting' catalog. With the parenthetical reminder en aphrosynē legō (ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ λέγω, 'I speak in foolishness'), Paul matches the false apostles' boldness. But his boldness will boast of sufferings, not achievements.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture associated power with domination, honor with status, and strength with impressiveness. Jesus and Paul subvert these values entirely—the first shall be last, the weak are strong, servants are great. The Corinthians, still thinking worldly, needed this ironic reversal to see clearly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the world's equation of servanthood with weakness blind people to the strength displayed through Christlike service?
  2. In what ways might the church today value worldly 'boldness' (domineering leadership, impressive credentials) over gospel boldness (suffering service)?
  3. When have you been tempted to view your service or sacrifice for Christ as shameful weakness rather than honorable strength?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
κατὰ1 of 18

“as concerning”

G2596

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

ἀτιμίαν2 of 18

“reproach”

G819

infamy, i.e., (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace

λέγω3 of 18

“(I speak”

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

ὡς4 of 18

“as”

G5613

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

ὅτι5 of 18

“though”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡμεῖς6 of 18

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἠσθενήσαμεν7 of 18

“had been weak”

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

ἐν8 of 18

“foolishly”

G1722

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

ᾧ9 of 18
G3739

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

δ'10 of 18

“Howbeit”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄν11 of 18
G302

whatsoever

τις12 of 18

“any”

G5100

some or any person or object

τολμῶ13 of 18

“I am bold”

G5111

to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous

ἐν14 of 18

“foolishly”

G1722

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

ἀφροσύνῃ15 of 18
G877

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

λέγω16 of 18

“(I speak”

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

τολμῶ17 of 18

“I am bold”

G5111

to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous

κἀγώ18 of 18

“also”

G2504

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

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 11:21 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 11:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 10:102 Corinthians 10:1-22 Corinthians 11:172 Corinthians 11:22-272 Corinthians 13:10Philippians 3:3-6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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