King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:9 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:9 in the King James Version says “And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren w... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

2 Corinthians 11:9 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

10

As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. no man: Gr. this boasting shall not be stopped in me

11

Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. Paul's determination appears in the perfect tense katenarekēsa (κατενάρκησα, 'I was burdensome') negated—and future tērēsō (τηρήσω, 'I will keep').

Hysterētheis (ὑστερηθείς, 'being in want/need') acknowledges Paul experienced genuine material lack while in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). Yet rather than burden the Corinthians, he worked with his hands and accepted help from the brethren which came from Macedonia (likely Silas and Timothy, Acts 18:5, bringing the Philippian gift, Phil 4:15).

The emphatic in all things (en panti, ἐν παντί) and so will I keep myself shows Paul's unwavering commitment to financial independence from the Corinthians. This wasn't ascetic self-sufficiency but strategic gospel defense. His policy prevented false apostles from claiming he was in it for money and demonstrated that true apostolic ministry serves rather than exploits.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's tentmaking trade (Acts 18:3) allowed him to support himself while planting churches. The arrival of Silas and Timothy with financial support from Macedonia (Acts 18:5) enabled him to devote himself fully to preaching. Yet he continued refusing Corinthian support to maintain his distinctive witness against the mercenary false teachers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's willingness to experience want rather than compromise his witness challenge modern expectations of ministerial comfort?
  2. In what situations might accepting or refusing financial support be strategically important for gospel credibility?
  3. What motivates your ministry—the people you serve or the support you receive? How would you know the difference?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

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

παρὼν2 of 28

when I was present

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property

πρὸς3 of 28

with

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς4 of 28

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ5 of 28

And

G2532

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

ὑστερηθεὶς6 of 28

wanted

G5302

to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)

οὐ7 of 28

I was

G3756

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

κατενάρκησα8 of 28

chargeable

G2655

to grow utterly torpid, i.e., (by implication) slothful (figuratively, expensive)

οὐδενός·9 of 28

to no man

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

τὸ10 of 28
G3588

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

γὰρ11 of 28

for

G1063

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

ὑστέρημά12 of 28

that which was lacking

G5303

a deficit; specially, poverty

μου13 of 28

to me

G3450

of me

προσανεπλήρωσαν14 of 28

supplied

G4322

to fill up further, i.e., furnish fully

οἱ15 of 28
G3588

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

ἀδελφοὶ16 of 28

the brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐλθόντες17 of 28

which came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἀπὸ18 of 28

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Μακεδονίας19 of 28

Macedonia

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

καὶ20 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἐν21 of 28

in

G1722

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

παντὶ22 of 28

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀβαρῆ23 of 28

from being burdensome

G4

weightless, i.e., (figuratively) not burdensome

ὑμῖν24 of 28

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐμαυτὸν25 of 28

myself

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

τηρήσω26 of 28

so will I keep

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

καὶ27 of 28

And

G2532

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

τηρήσω28 of 28

so will I keep

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892


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 11:9 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 11:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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