2 Corinthians 11:19

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye [yourselves] are wise.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For since you yourselves are so wise, you gladly put up with fools!

Berean Standard Bible:

For you gladly tolerate fools, since you are so wise.

American Standard Version:

For ye bear with the foolish gladly, being wise yourselves.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For^{G1063} ye suffer^{G430} fools^{G878} gladly^{G2234}, seeing ye yourselves are^{G5607} wise^{G5429}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 2 Corinthians 11:19

2 Corinthians 11:19 is a verse situated within the broader context of the Apostle Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and his relationship with the Corinthian church. In the surrounding chapters, Paul confronts false apostles who have infiltrated the community, boasting about their credentials and questioning Paul's legitimacy. These interlopers were likely presenting a different version of the gospel and were persuasive and charismatic, possibly claiming superior spiritual experiences and knowledge.

In this particular verse, Paul employs sarcasm to highlight the Corinthians' foolishness in tolerating these false teachers. The phrase "For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye [yourselves] are wise" is ironic; Paul is suggesting that the Corinthians, by allowing themselves to be misled, are demonstrating a lack of discernment. The "fools" here refer to the false apostles who were leading the church astray with their deceitful teachings. Paul's point is that the Corinthians' willingness to accept these teachers into their midst indicates a misplaced sense of wisdom.

The historical context of the verse reflects the challenges early Christian communities faced with maintaining doctrinal purity and recognizing true spiritual authority. The Corinthian church, in particular, was known for its internal divisions and immaturity, which Paul addresses throughout both of his epistles to them. In 2 Corinthians, he is especially concerned with reasserting his role as their spiritual father and with warning them against the dangers of false teachings that could corrupt their understanding of the gospel.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 11:19 encapsulates Paul's frustration with the Corinthians for their gullibility in embracing false teachers who threatened the integrity of their faith. It underscores the themes of apostolic authority, discernment, and the defense of true doctrine within the early church, while also reflecting the pastoral challenges Paul faced in guiding a young and impressionable Christian community.

*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: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G430
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀνέχομαι
   Transliteration: anéchomai
   Pronunciation: an-ekh'-om-ahee
   Description: middle voice from ἀνά and ἔχω; to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with:--bear with, endure, forbear, suffer.
   
3. Strong's Number: G878
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄφρων
   Transliteration: áphrōn
   Pronunciation: af'-rone
   Description: from Α (as a negative particle) and φρήν; properly, mindless, i.e. stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving:--fool(-ish), unwise.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2234
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἡδέως
   Transliteration: hēdéōs
   Pronunciation: hay-deh'-oce
   Description: adverb from a derivative of the base of ἡδονή; sweetly, i.e. (figuratively) with pleasure:--gladly.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5607
   There are 154 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὤν
   Transliteration: ṓn
   Pronunciation: on
   Description: present participle of εἰμί; being:--be, come, have.
   
6. Strong's Number: G5429
   There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φρόνιμος
   Transliteration: phrónimos
   Pronunciation: fron'-ee-mos
   Description: from φρήν; thoughtful, i.e. sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while σοφός denotes practical skill or acumen; and συνετός indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative):--wise(-r).