King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:13 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:13 in the King James Version says “For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.”

2 Corinthians 12:13 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

11

I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles , though I be nothing.

12

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

13

For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

14

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you ; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. for you: Gr. for your souls

Read 2 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. Paul's irony cuts deep: the only way Corinth was "inferior" to other churches was his refusal to accept financial support—which they somehow twisted into evidence of second-class apostleship. The phrase I myself was not burdensome recalls 11:9 where Paul explains he was supported by Macedonian churches, not Corinth, to avoid any accusation of greed.

The sarcastic plea forgive me this wrong (charisasthe moi tēn adikian tautēn, χαρίσασθέ μοι τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην) exposes the absurdity: Paul's generosity (offering the gospel free, 1 Corinthians 9:18) was perceived as insult. Perhaps the Corinthians' patron-client culture interpreted refusing financial support as rejection of relationship, or false apostles suggested Paul knew he wasn't a real apostle, hence didn't dare charge fees like legitimate teachers.

This verse reveals how gospel freedom challenges social conventions: Paul wouldn't be enslaved to patronage systems, even when refusing financial support was misinterpreted as lack of affection or authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture operated on patronage: benefactors supported clients who provided honor and services in return. Refusing patronage could signal social rejection. Paul's tentmaking self-support (Acts 18:3) allowed ministry independence but violated social expectations. The "super-apostles" likely accepted payment, appearing more legitimate by cultural standards—exposing how gospel ministry subverts worldly systems.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's financial independence model ministry freedom, even when congregations misinterpret it as lack of care or authority?
  2. In what ways do contemporary Christians wrongly equate "professional ministry" (paid, full-time) with "legitimate ministry," echoing the Corinthians' error?
  3. What does Paul's sarcasm ("forgive me this wrong") teach about using irony to expose absurd accusations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
τί1 of 22

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γάρ2 of 22

“For”

G1063

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

ἐστιν3 of 22

“is it”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὃ4 of 22

“wherein”

G3739

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

ἡττήθητε5 of 22

“ye were inferior”

G2274

to make worse, i.e., vanquish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to rate lower

ὑπὲρ6 of 22

“to”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τὰς7 of 22
G3588

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

λοιπὰς8 of 22

“other”

G3062

remaining ones

ἐκκλησίας9 of 22

“churches”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

εἰ10 of 22
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ11 of 22
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὅτι12 of 22

“it be that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

αὐτὸς13 of 22

“myself”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐγὼ14 of 22

“I”

G1473

i, me

οὐ15 of 22

“not”

G3756

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

κατενάρκησα16 of 22

“burdensome”

G2655

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

ὑμῶν17 of 22

“to you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

χαρίσασθέ18 of 22

“forgive”

G5483

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

μοι19 of 22

“me”

G3427

to me

τὴν20 of 22
G3588

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

ἀδικίαν21 of 22

“wrong”

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

ταύτην22 of 22
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

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 12:13 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 12:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9:61 Corinthians 9:122 Corinthians 12:142 Corinthians 11:7-91 Corinthians 9:15-18

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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