2 Corinthians 10:10

KJV

For [his] letters, say they, [are] weighty and powerful; but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, and [his] speech contemptible.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} his letters {G1992}{G3303}, say they {G5346}, are weighty {G926} and {G2532} powerful {G2478}; but {G1161} his bodily {G4983} presence {G3952} is weak {G772}, and {G2532} his speech {G3056} contemptible {G1848}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Someone says, “His letters are weighty and powerful, but when he appears in person he is weak, and as a speaker he is nothing.”

Berean Standard Bible

For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”

American Standard Version

For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a specific criticism leveled against the Apostle Paul by some in the Corinthian church, highlighting a stark contrast between the perceived power and authority of his written letters and the perceived weakness and insignificance of his physical presence and spoken word. This accusation served as an attempt to undermine his apostolic legitimacy, forcing Paul to defend his ministry not on the basis of human charisma but on divine power and spiritual authenticity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of [2 Corinthians (chapters 10-13)](/2_corinthians/10-13 "2 Corinthians 10-13 - Paul's Defense of his Apostleship"), where Paul vigorously defends his apostolic authority and ministry methods against challenging opponents in Corinth. Having addressed various issues in the earlier chapters, Paul now directly confronts those who questioned his legitimacy, integrity, and effectiveness as an apostle. These chapters are characterized by Paul's impassioned and sometimes sarcastic defense, where he contrasts his humble approach with the self-exalting methods of his detractors, often referred to as "super-apostles." The criticism in [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Critics") is a direct quote of his opponents' assessment, which Paul then uses as a springboard to articulate the true nature of spiritual authority and warfare, emphasizing that his power comes from God, not from human eloquence or imposing presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan center, deeply influenced by Greek culture, which highly valued rhetoric, eloquence, and philosophical discourse. Public speakers and sophists, known for their persuasive oratory and impressive presence, were highly esteemed. In this environment, Paul, who intentionally chose not to preach with "excellency of speech or of wisdom" ([1 Corinthians 2:1](/1_corinthians/2-1 "1 Corinthians 2:1 - Paul's Preaching Not with Eloquence")), would have appeared unimpressive to those accustomed to such standards. The "false apostles" or "super-apostles" who had infiltrated the Corinthian church likely embodied these Hellenistic ideals of charisma and rhetorical skill, making Paul's perceived lack of these qualities a point of attack. Their criticism was designed to diminish his influence by contrasting his perceived physical and oratorical weakness with the strength of his written word, which they could not deny.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Critics") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Apostolic Authority**, as Paul's defense throughout this letter is rooted in the divine source of his authority, not human accolades or outward appearances. The accusation was a direct attempt to diminish his standing. Secondly, it vividly illustrates the theme of **Perception vs. Reality**, showcasing the disconnect between outward appearance and spiritual substance. Critics judged Paul by human standards of charisma and eloquence, missing the divine power that genuinely accompanied his ministry. This aligns with the biblical principle that "man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")). Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, this criticism ironically aligns with Paul's own theology of **Strength in Weakness**, a foundational concept articulated most clearly in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness"), where he declares that God's power is "made perfect in weakness." His "weak" presence allowed God's strength to be more evident, demonstrating that true spiritual power is not of human origin but divine. Lastly, the verse implicitly underscores **The Power of the Written Word**, as even Paul's critics acknowledged the "weighty and powerful" nature of his letters, demonstrating the enduring impact of divinely inspired Scripture.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **weighty (Greek, _barýs_):** From G926, meaning "heavy, burdensome, grave." In this context, it refers to the substantial, serious, and impactful nature of Paul's written communication. His letters carried significant theological depth, moral authority, and spiritual force, making them "heavy" in their content and effect, not easily dismissed.
* **weak (Greek, _asthenḗs_):** From G772, meaning "strengthless, feeble, sickly, or lacking strength." This term could refer to Paul's physical stature, health, or a perceived lack of imposing presence or physical vigor. It suggests a contrast with the robust, commanding presence expected of a leader or orator in the Greco-Roman world.
* **contemptible (Greek, _exouthenéō_):** From G1848, meaning "despised, insignificant, or treated with contempt." This word indicates that Paul's public speaking style or manner was considered unimpressive, perhaps even beneath contempt, failing to meet the sophisticated rhetorical standards valued by his critics in Corinth. It implies a sense of disdain or dismissal regarding his oral communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [his] letters, say they, [are] weighty and powerful;":** This clause reveals the critics' grudging admission that Paul's written correspondence possessed significant authority and impact. The words "weighty" (barýs) and "powerful" (ischyrós) acknowledge the substantial, forceful, and effective nature of his epistles. This suggests that even his detractors felt the force of his arguments and the spiritual authority conveyed through his writings, perhaps finding them difficult to refute. The phrase "say they" (phēmí) highlights that this is a direct quote or summary of their specific accusation.
* **"but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, ":** This part introduces a sharp contrast using the particle "but" (dé). The critics claim that Paul's physical presence (parousía) lacked impressiveness or authority. The term "weak" (asthenḗs) could allude to his physical appearance, stature, or perhaps a perceived lack of charisma or commanding demeanor when he was present in person. This suggests that he did not fit the mold of the imposing, charismatic leader admired in their culture.
* **"and [his] speech contemptible.":** This final clause further elaborates on the perceived deficiency in Paul's oral communication. His "speech" (lógos), referring to his spoken word or preaching, was deemed "contemptible" (exouthenéō), meaning despised, insignificant, or utterly unimpressive. This likely refers to his lack of rhetorical flair, eloquent delivery, or philosophical sophistication that was highly valued in Corinthian society, leading his opponents to dismiss his verbal ministry as unworthy of serious consideration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Antithesis**, creating a sharp contrast between two opposing perceptions of Paul's ministry: the perceived strength and impact of his written word versus the perceived weakness and insignificance of his physical presence and spoken word. This stark juxtaposition highlights the critics' double standard and their reliance on outward appearances. There is also a subtle layer of **Irony** at play, as the very weakness and lack of worldly eloquence that his critics derided were precisely what Paul embraced as the means through which God's power was made manifest ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). The critics' words, intended to discredit Paul, inadvertently confirm the spiritual potency of his letters and set the stage for Paul to articulate his profound theology of strength in weakness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of true spiritual authority and the methods of God's kingdom. It challenges the human tendency to evaluate spiritual effectiveness based on outward charisma, eloquence, or impressive physical presence, rather than on the anointing of the Holy Spirit and faithfulness to divine truth. Paul's experience demonstrates that God often chooses to work through seemingly weak or unimpressive vessels, precisely so that the power displayed is clearly recognized as God's and not man's. This divine strategy ensures that all glory redounds to God, preventing human pride and fostering a reliance on His strength rather than our own. The enduring impact of Paul's "weighty and powerful" letters, despite his perceived personal deficiencies, underscores the timeless and transformative power of God's inspired Word, which transcends human limitations.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak"): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness"): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart"): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Critics") offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today, challenging our often superficial evaluations of spiritual leadership and personal ministry. It calls us to look beyond outward charisma, eloquence, or impressive physical presence, and instead discern true spiritual power by its fruit, its faithfulness to God's Word, and its reliance on the Holy Spirit. We are reminded that God frequently chooses and empowers those whom the world might deem "weak" or "contemptible," precisely to demonstrate that the power is His alone. This should encourage humility in those who serve and discernment in those who observe. Furthermore, it invites us to embrace our own perceived weaknesses, knowing that these very areas can become conduits for God's strength and glory, just as they were for Paul. The verse also reinforces the enduring authority and transformative power of the written Word of God, which continues to be "weighty and powerful" across generations, speaking truth and building up the church regardless of the human messenger's outward presentation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to evaluate spiritual leaders or ministries? By outward charisma, rhetorical skill, or by spiritual fruit, faithfulness to God's Word, and reliance on divine power?**
* **In what areas of my own life do I feel "weak," "inadequate," or even "contemptible" in the eyes of the world? How might God intend to use these very areas to display His power and grace?**
* **Considering the "weighty and powerful" nature of Paul's letters, how can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for and submission to the enduring authority and transformative power of God's written Word in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why were Paul's letters considered "weighty and powerful" but his presence "weak" and his speech "contemptible"?**

Answer: The contrast described in [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Critics") reflects the differing perceptions of Paul by his critics in Corinth. His letters were "weighty" (barýs, meaning substantial, serious, authoritative) and "powerful" (ischyrós, meaning strong, forceful) because they conveyed profound theological truth, apostolic authority, and the Spirit's anointing. They were carefully crafted, deeply reasoned, and often delivered with a directness that resonated with spiritual force. In contrast, his "bodily presence" was perceived as "weak" (asthenḗs, meaning feeble or lacking strength), possibly referring to his physical stature, health issues (like the "thorn in the flesh" mentioned in [2 Corinthians 12:7](/2_corinthians/12-7 "2 Corinthians 12:7 - Paul's Thorn in the Flesh")), or a general lack of imposing demeanor. His "speech" was deemed "contemptible" (exouthenéō, meaning despised or insignificant) because he intentionally eschewed the eloquent, rhetorical flourishes highly valued in Greek culture, choosing instead to preach "not with words of eloquent wisdom" but "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" ([1 Corinthians 2:1-4](/1_corinthians/2-1-4 "1 Corinthians 2:1-4 - Paul's Preaching in Power")). His critics, valuing human charisma and rhetorical skill, misinterpreted his humble approach as a sign of weakness, failing to recognize the divine power at work through him.

**Who were "they" who said this about Paul, and why were they criticizing him?**

Answer: The "they" in [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Critics") refers to Paul's opponents in the Corinthian church, often identified as "false apostles" or "super-apostles" (as Paul sarcastically calls them in [2 Corinthians 11:5](/2_corinthians/11-5 "2 Corinthians 11:5 - Super-Apostles")). These individuals had infiltrated the Corinthian community and were actively undermining Paul's apostolic authority and ministry. They likely boasted of their own impressive credentials, rhetorical abilities, and perhaps even miraculous signs, presenting themselves as superior to Paul. Their criticism of Paul's physical presence and speaking style was a deliberate tactic to discredit him in the eyes of the Corinthians, who, influenced by their Hellenistic culture, highly valued outward show and eloquent oratory. By highlighting Paul's perceived deficiencies, they sought to draw followers away from him and toward themselves, challenging his legitimacy and the authenticity of his gospel message.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The perceived weakness of Paul's bodily presence and speech, contrasted with the power of his written word, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Himself. Just as Paul's critics judged him by outward appearances, so too was Christ "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")). Jesus did not come with outward pomp or worldly power, but in humility, embodying the very "weakness" that Paul later embraced. His ultimate act of power, the crucifixion, appeared to be the epitome of weakness and defeat to the world, yet it was precisely through this "weakness" that God accomplished the greatest act of salvation and demonstrated His ultimate power and wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). Thus, Paul's experience in [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Critics") is a direct echo of his Lord's ministry: God's power is often revealed not through human strength or worldly impressiveness, but through humble, even "contemptible," means, ensuring that all glory belongs to Him and that the true source of authority and transformation is divine, not human. The "weighty and powerful" truth of the gospel, whether spoken or written, ultimately derives its authority from Christ, the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose power is perfected in weakness for the salvation of all who believe ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 1:17

¶ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

2 Corinthians 11:6

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

Exodus 4:10

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Galatians 4:13

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

Galatians 4:14

And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:5

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.