2 Corinthians 11:11

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Why won’t I ever accept your support? Is it that I don’t love you? God knows I do!

Berean Standard Bible:

Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

American Standard Version:

Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Wherefore^{G1302}? because^{G3754} I love^{G25} you^{G5209} not^{G3756}? God^{G2316} knoweth^{G1492}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 2 Corinthians 11:11

2 Corinthians 11:11 reads: "Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth." This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, a community he founded during his second missionary journey. In the broader context of the letter, Paul is defending his apostolic authority and his right to be heard among the Corinthians, who have been influenced by false apostles questioning his legitimacy and character.

In this particular verse, Paul is responding to the accusation that he is somehow inferior to these false teachers because he does not demand financial support from the Corinthians for his ministry among them. The phrase "Wherefore? because I love you not?" is a rhetorical question expressing Paul's astonishment that the Corinthians might think his refusal of support indicates a lack of love or commitment to them. Paul is asserting that his actions are not driven by a lack of affection but by a desire to avoid any suspicion that he is preaching the gospel for personal gain, which would undermine the integrity of his message.

The latter part of the verse, "God knoweth," underscores the fact that Paul's motives are ultimately known to God, and therefore, he is answerable to a higher authority than human judgment. It reflects Paul's confidence in God's awareness of his true intentions and his unwillingness to be seen as just another itinerant preacher seeking financial profit rather than the spiritual welfare of his congregation.

The themes of this verse include sincere love, integrity in ministry, and the importance of divine approval over human approval. Historically, this verse reflects the challenges Paul faced in maintaining his apostolic authority amidst competing influences and the tension between providing for one's material needs and upholding the purity of the gospel message. It also highlights the early church's struggle with the proper support of church leaders, a topic Paul addresses with sensitivity and conviction throughout his epistles.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1302
   There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: διατί
   Transliteration: diatí
   Pronunciation: dee-at-ee'
   Description: from διά and τίς; through what cause ?, i.e. why?:--wherefore, why.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3754
   There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅτι
   Transliteration: hóti
   Pronunciation: hot'-ee
   Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
   
3. Strong's Number: G25
   There are 5851 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀγαπάω
   Transliteration: agapáō
   Pronunciation: ag-ap-ah'-o
   Description: perhaps from (much) (or compare עֲגַב); to love (in a social or moral sense):--(be-)love(-ed). Compare φιλέω.
   
4. Strong's Number: G5209
   There are 388 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑμᾶς
   Transliteration: hymâs
   Pronunciation: hoo-mas'
   Description: accusative case of ὑμεῖς; you (as the objective of a verb or preposition):--ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).
   
5. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2316
   There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θεός
   Transliteration: theós
   Pronunciation: theh'-os
   Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
   
7. Strong's Number: G1492
   There are 626 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἴδω
   Transliteration: eídō
   Pronunciation: i'-do
   Description: a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent ὀπτάνομαι and ὁράω; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.