2 Corinthians 11:16

KJV

¶ I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

KJV (with Strong's)

I say {G3004} again {G3825}, Let {G1380} no {G3361} man {G5100} think {G1380} me {G1511}{G3165} a fool {G878}; if otherwise {G1490}, yet {G2579} as {G5613} a fool {G878} receive {G1209} me {G3165}, that {G2443} I {G2504} may boast myself {G2744} a {G5100} little {G3397}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I repeat: don’t let anyone think I am a fool. But even if you do, at least receive me as a fool; so that I too may do a little boasting!

Berean Standard Bible

I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.

American Standard Version

I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but ifye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:16, the Apostle Paul, facing persistent challenges to his apostolic authority and the integrity of his ministry, reluctantly adopts a "fool's speech" persona. He invites the Corinthian believers to tolerate his seemingly foolish boasting, which he undertakes not out of pride, but as a necessary rhetorical strategy to defend the true gospel and his legitimate apostleship against the deceptive influence of false teachers who were undermining the church. This verse marks a pivotal moment where Paul, in a deeply ironic tone, prepares to engage in a form of self-commendation that he otherwise abhors, all for the sake of protecting the Corinthians from spiritual deception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of Paul's highly ironic and impassioned "fool's speech" (2 Corinthians 11:1-12:13). Having previously defended his ministry and character (2 Corinthians 1:12-7:16) and addressed the collection for Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15), Paul now directly confronts the "super-apostles" (as he sarcastically labels them in [2 Corinthians 11:5](/2_corinthians/11-5 "Paul's Sarcasm Towards False Apostles")) who have infiltrated the Corinthian church. He sets the stage for this uncomfortable discourse by asking the Corinthians to "bear with me in a little foolishness" ([2 Corinthians 11:1](/2_corinthians/11-1 "Paul's Request for Tolerance of His 'Foolishness'")), signaling that his ensuing self-commendation is a deviation from his usual practice and a concession to the worldly standards of his opponents. The immediate verses leading up to 11:16 highlight Paul's deep pastoral concern, likening his relationship with the Corinthians to a father presenting a pure virgin to Christ ([2 Corinthians 11:2](/2_corinthians/11-2 "Paul's Jealousy for the Corinthians' Purity")), and expressing fear that their minds might be led astray from their sincere devotion to Christ ([2 Corinthians 11:3](/2_corinthians/11-3 "Paul's Concern About Deception")). His subsequent "boasting" is thus a desperate measure to preserve their spiritual integrity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic community, situated in a major Roman port city known for its diverse population, wealth, and moral laxity. The city's culture valued rhetoric, eloquence, and outward displays of status and power. False teachers, often characterized by their impressive oratorical skills, claims of spiritual superiority, and demands for financial support, had gained a foothold in Corinth. These "super-apostles" likely contrasted sharply with Paul's often humble demeanor, lack of sophisticated rhetoric (by worldly standards), and his refusal to accept financial support from the Corinthians ([2 Corinthians 11:7](/2_corinthians/11-7 "Paul's Refusal of Financial Support")). In the Greco-Roman world, boasting (καυχάομαι - _kaucháomai_) was a common practice, especially among philosophers and rhetoricians, to establish credibility and authority. However, Paul's Christian ethic generally condemned boasting in oneself, advocating instead for boasting in the Lord ([1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "Boasting in the Lord")). Paul's decision to engage in this "fool's speech" is therefore a strategic and culturally resonant, albeit ironic, concession to the expectations of his audience and opponents, designed to expose the folly of worldly wisdom and self-promotion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. The theme of **Apostolic Authority and Authenticity** is paramount, as Paul is constantly defending his legitimate call and ministry against those who questioned it. His "fool's speech" is a direct challenge to the superficial criteria by which the Corinthians were evaluating spiritual leaders, redirecting their focus to the true marks of apostleship: suffering, weakness, and faithfulness to Christ, rather than worldly charisma or success. The theme of **Weakness and Strength** is also central, as Paul will later famously declare, "For when I am weak, then I am strong" ([2 Corinthians 12:10](/2_corinthians/12-10 "Paul's Strength in Weakness")). Here, his willingness to appear "foolish" for the sake of the gospel foreshadows this paradox. Furthermore, the theme of **Discernment** is crucial, as Paul urges the Corinthians to distinguish between true and false teachers, between genuine spiritual power and mere human eloquence or self-aggrandizement. His ironic boasting serves to highlight the deceptive nature of the false apostles and to re-establish the true standard for evaluating ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **think (Greek, _dokéō'_):** (G1380) This verb means "to think," "to seem," or "to be accounted." Here, Paul uses it to address the Corinthians' perception of him. He is challenging their judgment, implying that their assessment of him as a "fool" might be based on superficial criteria, or he is preemptively acknowledging that his upcoming "boasting" will indeed appear foolish by worldly standards. The word highlights the subjective nature of perception and Paul's awareness of how he is being viewed.
* **fool (Greek, _áphrōn'_):** (G878) This term describes someone who is "mindless," "stupid," "unwise," or "lacking in sound judgment." It carries a connotation of practical folly or moral senselessness, rather than intellectual deficiency. Paul uses this term with heavy irony. He is not genuinely a fool, but he is willing to adopt this label for the sake of his argument, to expose the true folly of those who boast in themselves and to demonstrate the paradoxical wisdom of God's ways, which often appear foolish to the world.
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** (G1209) This verb means "to receive," "to accept," or "to welcome." Paul's plea to "receive me" is not merely about physical hospitality but about accepting his message and his person, even if his methods (boasting) seem unconventional or "foolish." It implies an openness of mind and heart to what he is about to say, despite the apparent absurdity of his request. He asks them to set aside their preconceived notions and to hear him out.
* **boast myself (Greek, _kaucháomai'_):** (G2744) This verb means "to vaunt," "to glory," or "to make boast." It can be used in both a positive sense (boasting in the Lord) and a negative sense (self-glory). Here, Paul is about to engage in the latter, but with a crucial difference: his boasting is not for self-exaltation but is a strategic, defensive, and ironic maneuver. He is forced into this uncharacteristic behavior to counteract the false apostles' self-promotion and to highlight the true nature of his ministry, which is marked by suffering and service rather than worldly credentials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I say again, Let no man think me a fool;":** Paul reiterates his plea from [2 Corinthians 11:1](/2_corinthians/11-1 "Paul's Plea for Tolerance"), emphasizing his desire that the Corinthians not misjudge his motives or character. He wants to avoid being genuinely perceived as senseless or unwise, even as he prepares to act in a way that might appear so by worldly standards. This is a direct challenge to their perception and a call for discerning judgment.
* **"if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me,":** This clause introduces the deep irony. Paul anticipates that, despite his plea, some may still consider him foolish. In such a case, he paradoxically asks them to "receive" or "accept" him *as* a fool. He is willing to play this role, to descend to the level of his opponents' rhetoric, in order to expose their emptiness and to communicate a deeper truth. It's a strategic concession, not a genuine admission of folly.
* **"that I may boast myself a little.":** This final clause reveals Paul's purpose for adopting the "fool" persona. His "boasting" is not for self-aggrandizement but is a limited, necessary, and temporary act ("a little"). He is forced to engage in this unpalatable behavior to defend his apostolic legitimacy and the gospel message, which were under attack. This boasting will ironically highlight his weaknesses and sufferings, contrasting sharply with the worldly boasts of the false apostles.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Irony** throughout this verse and the entire "fool's speech." He adopts the very persona ("a fool") and practice ("boasting") that he typically condemns, turning them on their head to expose the superficiality of his opponents and the misguided judgment of the Corinthians. This creates a sharp contrast between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom, where what appears foolish to the world is often wise in God's eyes. The phrase "if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me" is a prime example of **Sarcasm**, where Paul's words convey a meaning opposite to their literal sense, implicitly criticizing the Corinthians' inability to discern true spiritual leadership. There is also an element of **Rhetorical Concession**, where Paul seemingly yields to the Corinthians' (or the false apostles') terms of engagement, only to subvert them for his own persuasive purposes. This strategic use of language allows Paul to engage his opponents on their own turf while simultaneously elevating the discourse to a higher, spiritual plane.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the profound theological truth that God's ways often confound human wisdom, and true spiritual authority is frequently manifested not in worldly power or eloquence, but in humility, suffering, and faithfulness. Paul's willingness to be perceived as a "fool" for Christ's sake echoes the broader New Testament theme that the gospel itself is "foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "The Foolishness of the Cross")). His "boasting" in weakness and suffering directly contrasts with the self-aggrandizement of the false apostles, revealing that genuine ministry is rooted in Christ's power, not human ability. This passage challenges believers to re-evaluate their criteria for spiritual leadership, aligning them with divine values rather than secular ones.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")
* [Romans 15:17-19](/romans/15-17-19 "Paul's Boasting in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's uncomfortable embrace of the "fool" persona in 2 Corinthians 11:16 offers a powerful challenge to contemporary believers and church leaders. It compels us to examine the standards by which we evaluate spiritual authenticity. In a world that often values charisma, outward success, and polished presentation, Paul reminds us that true faithfulness to the gospel may sometimes require us to appear "foolish" by worldly metrics. This verse calls us to cultivate discernment, looking beyond superficial appearances to the fruit of a ministry, its adherence to sound doctrine, and its willingness to embrace suffering for Christ's sake. It encourages us to be wary of those who boast in themselves or their achievements, and instead to honor those who, like Paul, are willing to humble themselves and even suffer reproach for the sake of Christ and His church. Our ultimate boast should always be in the Lord, not in ourselves or our perceived strengths.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to evaluate spiritual leaders or ministries based on worldly standards of success, eloquence, or popularity, rather than biblical faithfulness?**
* **When has my commitment to Christ or the gospel made me feel "foolish" or out of step with cultural norms, and how did I respond?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to distinguish between true, Christ-centered ministry and self-serving, deceptive leadership?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul call himself a "fool" and then proceed to boast, when he usually condemns boasting?**

Answer: Paul's use of "fool" and his subsequent "boasting" in [2 Corinthians 11:16](/2_corinthians/11-16 "Paul's 'Fool's Speech'") is deeply ironic and a strategic rhetorical device. He doesn't genuinely consider himself a fool, nor does he endorse self-glorifying boasting. Instead, he adopts this persona and practice reluctantly, as a necessary evil, to confront the false apostles in Corinth who *were* boasting in worldly credentials and undermining his legitimate ministry. Paul is essentially saying, "If you insist on evaluating me by the foolish standards of these false teachers, then allow me to play the fool for a moment, so I can expose their true folly and defend the authentic gospel." His "boasting" is not about his own achievements but about his sufferings, weaknesses, and faithfulness to Christ, which paradoxically demonstrate the power of God working through him, in stark contrast to the superficial boasts of his opponents. He is willing to appear foolish to rescue the Corinthians from deception, echoing the "foolishness" of the cross itself ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "The Foolishness of the Cross")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's willingness to be perceived as a "fool" and to boast in his weaknesses in [2 Corinthians 11:16](/2_corinthians/11-16 "Paul's 'Fool's Speech'") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, though God incarnate, "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humiliation")). He willingly embraced the ultimate "foolishness" in the eyes of the world by enduring the cross, a scandalous and humiliating death, becoming "a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "Christ Crucified: A Stumbling Block and Foolishness")). Yet, this act of profound humility and apparent weakness was the very means by which God accomplished salvation, demonstrating divine power and wisdom. Paul's "fool's speech" thus mirrors Christ's condescension; just as Christ humbled Himself to save humanity, Paul humbles himself, even appearing foolish, to protect the church from spiritual deception. His "boasting" in suffering and weakness is an echo of Christ's own path to glory through suffering, revealing that true strength and authority in the Kingdom of God are found not in worldly power or self-promotion, but in self-sacrifice and identification with the crucified Christ, who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Incarnation and Poverty")).

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 11:1

¶ Would to God ye could bear with me a little in [my] folly: and indeed bear with me.

2 Corinthians 12:6

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but [now] I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or [that] he heareth of me.

2 Corinthians 11:19

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

2 Corinthians 11:21

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ 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.