King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:6 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:6 in the King James Version says “But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

2 Corinthians 11:6 · KJV


Context

4

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. with him: or, with me

5

For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

6

But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

7

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

8

I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge: but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. Paul concedes the charge leveled against him: idiōtēs tō logō (ἰδιώτης τῷ λόγῳ, 'unskilled/untrained in speech'). He was no polished Greco-Roman orator like Apollos (1 Cor 2:1-5; 2 Cor 10:10). His opponents valued rhetorical sophistication; Paul valued gospel truth.

Yet not in knowledge (ou tē gnōsei, οὐ τῇ γνώσει)—Paul possessed the true knowledge of Christ and the gospel mysteries revealed by the Spirit. The contrast is crucial: eloquence without truth is empty; truth clumsily expressed is still powerful (1 Cor 1:17-25). The Corinthians prized speech; God prizes substance.

The perfect passive phanerōthentes (φανερωθέντες, 'having been made manifest') asserts that Paul's ministry among them demonstrated genuine apostolic authority through changed lives, not impressive rhetoric. In all things (en pasin, ἐν πᾶσιν) emphasizes comprehensive validation—signs, wonders, endurance, Christ-like character, sacrificial love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture prized rhetorical skill highly. Sophists commanded enormous fees for teaching oratory. The Corinthian church, influenced by this cultural value, measured Paul against professional orators and found him wanting. Paul deliberately avoided rhetorical manipulation to let the gospel's power speak (1 Cor 2:1-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does contemporary Christianity sometimes value eloquence, charisma, and stage presence over biblical knowledge and godly character?
  2. In what ways might emphasis on professional ministry training and communication skills inadvertently devalue Spirit-empowered but less polished servants?
  3. How can we discern whether a speaker's effectiveness comes from rhetorical manipulation or the Spirit's power accompanying truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
εἰ1 of 18
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 18

But

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 18
G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδιώτης4 of 18

I be rude

G2399

a private person, i.e., (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot")

τῷ5 of 18
G3588

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

λόγῳ6 of 18

in speech

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἀλλ'7 of 18

but

G235

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

οὐ8 of 18

not

G3756

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

τῇ9 of 18
G3588

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

γνώσει10 of 18

in knowledge

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

ἀλλ'11 of 18

but

G235

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

ἐν12 of 18

in

G1722

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

πᾶσιν13 of 18

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

φανερωθέντες14 of 18

made manifest

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

ἐν15 of 18

in

G1722

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

πᾶσιν16 of 18

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

εἰς17 of 18

among

G1519

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

ὑμᾶς18 of 18

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)


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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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