2 Corinthians 11:11

KJV

Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:11, the Apostle Paul rhetorically challenges a potential misinterpretation of his refusal to accept financial support from the Corinthian church. He asks if his self-sufficiency implies a lack of love for them, immediately and emphatically refuting this notion by appealing to God's perfect knowledge of his genuine affection and pure motives. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of Paul's sincere love for the Corinthians amidst accusations and misunderstandings regarding his apostolic ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's "fool's speech" (2 Corinthians 11:1-12:13), a section where he reluctantly engages in self-commendation to defend his apostolic authority against "super-apostles" (or "false apostles") who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. These rivals boasted of their eloquence, demanded financial support, and subtly undermined Paul by contrasting his humble demeanor and non-remunerated ministry with their own perceived superiority. Paul's rhetorical question in [2 Corinthians 11:11](/2_corinthians/11-11 "2 Corinthians 11:11 - Paul's Love for the Corinthians") directly follows his defense in [2 Corinthians 11:7-10](/2_corinthians/11-7-10 "2 Corinthians 11:7-10 - Paul's Refusal of Support") regarding his choice to preach the gospel free of charge, even "robbing" other churches to serve the Corinthians without burden. The verse underscores his motivation for this seemingly unusual practice: not indifference, but profound love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, a vibrant but often problematic community, was susceptible to charismatic and eloquent speakers, a common feature of Greco-Roman society. Itinerant philosophers and rhetoricians typically expected financial remuneration for their teaching. Paul's refusal of support was counter-cultural and could easily be misconstrued as a sign that he did not value the Corinthians or that his message was not worth paying for, unlike the "super-apostles" who demanded their due. Furthermore, the Corinthian church itself struggled with divisions and a tendency to judge spiritual leaders based on worldly standards, making Paul's defense of his integrity and motives particularly crucial in this setting. His appeal to God's knowledge was a common and powerful rhetorical device in ancient discourse, signifying the ultimate truth of a claim.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. It highlights **Paul's genuine love and pastoral heart** for the Corinthian believers, a love that transcends their misunderstandings and accusations, echoing his earlier expressions of affection in [2 Corinthians 6:11-13](/2_corinthians/6-11-13 "2 Corinthians 6:11-13 - Paul's Affection for the Corinthians"). It powerfully demonstrates the theme of **integrity and pure motives in ministry**, contrasting Paul's selfless service with the self-serving agenda of the false apostles. Paul consistently emphasizes that his ministry is not for personal gain but for the sake of the gospel and the spiritual well-being of the church, as seen in [2 Corinthians 4:1-2](/2_corinthians/4-1-2 "2 Corinthians 4:1-2 - Paul's Sincere Ministry"). Finally, the phrase "God knoweth" underscores the theme of **divine vindication and reliance on God's omniscience**, a recurring motif for Paul who often faced human judgment but sought God's approval above all, as he states in [1 Corinthians 4:3-5](/1_corinthians/4-3-5 "1 Corinthians 4:3-5 - Paul's Indifference to Human Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** From G25, this verb signifies a deep, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. Unlike other Greek words for love (like _phileo_ for brotherly affection), _agapáō_ often denotes a volitional, principled love, often associated with divine love. Paul's use here emphasizes that his affection for the Corinthians is not superficial or conditional, but a profound, Christ-like commitment that drove his actions, including his refusal of financial support.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** From G2316, this refers to the supreme Divinity. Paul's appeal to "God" is not a casual expression but a solemn invocation of the ultimate authority and witness. It signifies that the truth of his love is not dependent on human perception or judgment, but on the perfect, all-knowing understanding of the divine.
* **knoweth (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb, used here in the perfect tense, implies a deep, intuitive, and certain knowledge, not merely a factual awareness. It suggests complete understanding and full comprehension. When Paul says "God knoweth," he is asserting that God possesses an intimate, infallible knowledge of his heart, motives, and the sincerity of his love, a knowledge that transcends any human misunderstanding or accusation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore?"**: Paul opens with a rhetorical question, directly addressing the implicit accusation or misunderstanding that might arise from his actions. This "wherefore" (Greek: _diatí_) probes the reason or cause behind his seemingly contradictory behavior of not accepting support. He anticipates the logical leap some might make: if he truly loved them, wouldn't he accept their support like other apostles?
* **"because I love you not?"**: This is the core of the rhetorical question, presenting the very conclusion Paul wishes to emphatically deny. He frames the perceived reason for his actions (lack of love) as a question, inviting the audience to consider the absurdity of such a notion in light of his demonstrated commitment and sacrifice for them. It's a sharp, almost sarcastic challenge to his accusers, forcing them to confront the true implications of their suspicions.
* **"God knoweth."**: This short, powerful statement serves as Paul's irrefutable answer and ultimate vindication. It is an appeal to the divine omniscience, a solemn oath that God Himself is the witness to the truth of Paul's heart. This phrase refutes the false premise of the rhetorical question, affirming that his love is indeed genuine and known perfectly by God, regardless of human misunderstanding or malicious accusation. It shifts the judgment from the fickle opinions of men to the infallible knowledge of God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. Primarily, it is a **Rhetorical Question**, "Wherefore? because I love you not?". This is a question posed not to elicit an answer, but to make a point more forcefully than a direct statement. Paul uses it to highlight the absurdity of the accusation that his refusal of support stems from a lack of love, thereby drawing the Corinthians into his argument and challenging their assumptions. Following this, he uses **Apostrophe** by directly appealing to God ("God knoweth"). This is a sudden turn from addressing the Corinthians to addressing an absent third party, in this case, God, who is invoked as the ultimate witness and arbiter of truth. This appeal lends immense weight and solemnity to his claim, elevating it beyond mere human dispute. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the broader context of the "fool's speech." Paul is forced to "boast" of his true motives and love, which he considers foolish, yet he does so to expose the false boasts of his rivals and to protect the Corinthians from deception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of authentic Christian love and ministry. Paul's appeal to God's knowledge underscores the theological truth of divine omniscience – God's perfect and complete understanding of all things, including the deepest motives of the human heart. For Paul, this divine knowledge is his ultimate vindication against human misunderstanding and false accusation. It teaches us that true love, _agape_, is not always expressed in conventional ways and may even involve actions that appear counter-intuitive to others, but its sincerity is always known to God. This principle challenges believers to live with integrity, knowing that their true intentions are transparent before their Creator, and to trust in God's judgment rather than seeking human approval. It also highlights the sacrificial nature of genuine love, mirroring Christ's own selfless service.

* [1 Corinthians 13:4-7](/1_corinthians/13-4-7 "The Nature of Love")
* [Romans 8:27](/romans/8-27 "God Knows the Mind of the Spirit")
* [1 Thessalonians 2:3-6](/1_thessalonians/2-3-6 "Paul's Pure Motives in Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's poignant rhetorical question and immediate appeal to God's knowledge offer profound lessons for our lives and ministries today. We are often tempted to seek human validation or to conform to societal expectations in our acts of service or expressions of love. However, Paul reminds us that the ultimate arbiter of our motives is God alone. This calls us to a deep self-examination: are our actions, even those seemingly sacrificial, truly rooted in _agape_ love, or are they tainted by a desire for recognition, control, or personal gain? When we are misunderstood, falsely accused, or our genuine efforts are misconstrued, Paul's example provides immense comfort. We can rest in the assurance that "God knoweth" our hearts, our intentions, and the truth of our love, even when others cannot or will not see it. This frees us from the burden of constantly defending ourselves and allows us to focus on serving God and others with pure hearts, trusting Him for vindication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry might your actions be misunderstood, and how does "God knoweth" offer you comfort or challenge?**
* **How does Paul's example of sacrificial love (refusing support) challenge your own understanding of what it means to truly love others in practical ways?**
* **What steps can you take to ensure your motives in serving God and others are pure, rather than driven by external validation or personal gain?**
* **When faced with accusations or misunderstandings, how can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's knowledge of your heart, rather than seeking to defend yourself to others?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul refuse financial support from the Corinthians, and how does this relate to his love for them?**

Answer: Paul's refusal to accept financial support from the Corinthian church, unlike other apostles or itinerant teachers, was a deliberate strategic choice rooted in his deep love and concern for their spiritual well-being and the integrity of the gospel message. He explains in [2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "2 Corinthians 11:7-9 - Paul's Self-Sufficiency") that he did so to avoid burdening them and to prevent any accusation that he was preaching for personal gain. This was particularly important in Corinth, where false apostles were likely demanding payment and potentially exploiting the church. By supporting himself, often through tentmaking (as mentioned in [Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul the Tentmaker")), Paul demonstrated the freeness of the gospel and his pure motives, ensuring that nothing would hinder the spread of Christ's message. His rhetorical question in [2 Corinthians 11:11](/2_corinthians/11-11 "2 Corinthians 11:11 - Paul's Love for the Corinthians") directly addresses the potential misinterpretation that his refusal implied a lack of love, emphatically stating, "God knoweth" his genuine affection.

**What is the significance of Paul saying "God knoweth" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "God knoweth" (Greek: _Theos oiden_) is a powerful and solemn affirmation of Paul's integrity and the sincerity of his love. It serves as an appeal to divine omniscience, meaning God's perfect and complete knowledge of all things, including the innermost thoughts and motives of the human heart. In a context where Paul was being slandered and his motives questioned by false apostles, this statement functions as his ultimate vindication. He is essentially saying, "You may doubt my love, you may accuse me, but God, who knows all things perfectly, is my witness that my love for you is real and my motives are pure." This highlights Paul's reliance on God's judgment over human opinion and underscores the truth that true character and motive are ultimately transparent before God, as also seen in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "All Things Open Before God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 11:11, with Paul's declaration of love and appeal to God's knowledge, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's sacrificial refusal of support, motivated by _agape_ love for the Corinthians, mirrors the infinitely greater self-emptying love of Christ. Jesus, though rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His entire earthly ministry, culminating in His death on the cross, was the supreme demonstration of love, a love whose motives were perfectly pure and fully known by the Father. Just as Paul appealed to "God knoweth" for vindication, Jesus' perfect obedience and sinless life were always in full view of God, who declared Him "My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "God's Affirmation of Jesus")). Christ's love was never conditional or self-serving; it was the ultimate _agape_, freely given, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Paul's integrity and sacrificial love, while commendable, point us to the flawless and ultimate love of our Savior, who perfectly fulfilled the law of love and whose motives were always perfectly aligned with the Father's will.

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

2 Corinthians 12:15

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

2 Corinthians 7:3

I speak not [this] to condemn [you]: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with [you].

2 Corinthians 6:11

¶ O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

2 Corinthians 6:12

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

2 Corinthians 11:31

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Revelation 2:23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.