2 Corinthians 11:18

KJV

Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seeing that {G1893} many {G4183} glory {G2744} after {G2596} the flesh {G4561}, I will glory {G2744} also {G2504}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Since many people boast in a worldly way, I too will boast this way.

Berean Standard Bible

Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast.

American Standard Version

Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:18, the Apostle Paul reluctantly adopts the rhetorical strategy of his opponents in Corinth, who boast in their human credentials and worldly achievements. This verse marks a pivotal moment in his "fool's speech," where he ironically agrees to engage in the very act of self-commendation he typically despises, aiming to expose the superficiality of their claims and, by contrast, highlight the genuine, suffering-laden nature of his true apostolic ministry, which finds its strength in weakness rather than fleshly pride.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's impassioned defense of his apostleship against "super-apostles" and false teachers who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. The immediate preceding verses, [2 Corinthians 11:16-17](/2_corinthians/11-16-17 "2 Corinthians 11:16-17 - Paul's Reluctant Boasting"), introduce Paul's ironic "fool's speech," where he explicitly states his intention to speak as a fool, thereby signaling to his readers that his subsequent boasting is not genuine self-exaltation but a strategic rhetorical device. He is mimicking his opponents' foolish behavior to expose its emptiness, setting the stage for his own "boasting" which will paradoxically highlight his weaknesses and sufferings for Christ's sake, rather than worldly strengths.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions and influences from various external groups, including those who challenged Paul's authority and legitimacy. These "false apostles" ([2 Corinthians 11:13](/2_corinthians/11-13 "2 Corinthians 11:13 - False Apostles")) likely boasted of their Jewish heritage, eloquent oratory skills, impressive human credentials, and perhaps even their ability to perform miracles or their perceived spiritual superiority. In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and self-promotion were common, and these opponents were likely employing such tactics to gain influence. Paul, by contrast, often presented himself in weakness and humility, which the Corinthians, influenced by worldly standards, might have perceived as a lack of authority or power. This cultural backdrop explains why Paul felt compelled to engage in this ironic boasting, to counter the prevailing worldly metrics of success.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from this verse and its surrounding context is the stark **contrast between worldly boasting and true glory in Christ**. Paul's opponents valued outward appearances and human accomplishments, which Paul terms "glorying after the flesh." This stands in direct opposition to Paul's consistent teaching that true glory is found not in human strength or achievement, but in Christ alone, particularly in His cross and in one's weakness for His sake ([1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Glorying in the Lord")). Another key theme is **apostolic defense and authority**. Paul is not boasting out of pride but out of pastoral necessity to protect the Corinthian believers from the harmful influence of those who preached a different gospel and undermined genuine Christian ministry. Finally, **irony and sarcasm** are prominent literary themes, as Paul employs these devices to expose the folly of his opponents and to reframe the understanding of true spiritual strength and authority. His "boasting" in [2 Corinthians 11:23-33](/2_corinthians/11-23-33 "2 Corinthians 11:23-33 - Paul's Sufferings") serves as the ultimate ironic counter-narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Greek, _kaucháomai'_):** From G2744, this verb means "to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)," encompassing concepts like "boast, glory, joy, rejoice." In this context, it carries the negative connotation of self-exaltation or boasting in human achievements, contrasting sharply with Paul's preferred "glorying in the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Glorying in the Lord")).
* **After (Greek, _katá'_):** From G2596, this preposition is highly versatile, meaning "down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case...)." When combined with "flesh" (sárx) in the accusative case, as it is here, _katá_ signifies "according to," "in the manner of," or "in conformity with." Thus, "after the flesh" means "according to fleshly standards" or "in a fleshly manner."
* **Flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** From G4561, this term primarily refers to "flesh (as stripped of the skin)" but extends to "the body," "human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions)," or "a human being (as such)." In Paul's theology, "flesh" often denotes the fallen, unredeemed human nature, prone to sin and worldly desires, standing in opposition to the Spirit. Here, it specifically refers to human, worldly standards, achievements, and pride, as opposed to divine power or spiritual realities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seeing that many glory after the flesh":** This opening clause establishes the premise for Paul's subsequent action. "Many" refers to the false apostles and their followers in Corinth who were boasting in their human credentials, worldly wisdom, Jewish heritage, eloquence, or other external attributes. The phrase "glory after the flesh" (Greek: _kauchaomai kata sarka_) precisely defines the nature of their boasting: it is based on human, worldly standards and achievements, rather than on spiritual realities or divine approval. This type of boasting is inherently self-centered and lacks true spiritual value in God's eyes.
* **"I will glory also":** This is Paul's ironic declaration. By saying "also," he signals his reluctant agreement to participate in this foolish game of self-commendation, not because he genuinely endorses such behavior, but because it is the only way to expose the emptiness of his opponents' claims and to defend his legitimate apostleship. His "glorying" will, however, be fundamentally different: it will be a "boasting in weakness" ([2 Corinthians 11:30](/2_corinthians/11-30 "2 Corinthians 11:30 - Paul's Boasting in Weakness")), highlighting his sufferings, persecutions, and reliance on God's power, thereby subverting the worldly standards of his adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Irony** in this verse and the broader "fool's speech" ([2 Corinthians 11:16-12:10](/2_corinthians/11-16-12-10 "2 Corinthians 11:16-12:10 - Paul's Fool's Speech")). By stating "I will glory also," he mimics the very behavior he condemns, using their own foolish rhetoric against them. This is not genuine self-exaltation but a strategic rhetorical move to expose the absurdity of boasting in the flesh. Furthermore, there is an element of **Antithesis** at play. The "glorying after the flesh" of his opponents stands in stark contrast to Paul's subsequent "boasting" in his weaknesses and sufferings, which paradoxically reveals the true nature of divine power and authentic apostolic ministry. This deliberate contrast serves to highlight the spiritual bankruptcy of worldly pride versus the strength found in God's grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of [2 Corinthians 11:18](/2_corinthians/11-18 "2 Corinthians 11:18 - Paul's Boasting") are profound, underscoring a fundamental tension in Christian theology: the contrast between human pride and divine glory. Paul consistently teaches that true wisdom and strength are found not in human accomplishments or worldly status, but in Christ crucified and in humble reliance on God. Boasting "after the flesh" represents a reliance on human ability, lineage, or external accolades, which ultimately detracts from God's glory. The cross of Christ stands as the ultimate repudiation of such fleshly boasting, demonstrating that God's power is made perfect in weakness. Paul's willingness to engage in this ironic boasting serves to reorient the Corinthians' understanding of true spiritual authority and value, shifting their focus from outward show to inward transformation and humble service to Christ.

* [Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Boasting in the Cross")
* [Philippians 3:3](/philippians/3-3 "Philippians 3:3 - True Circumcision")
* [1 Corinthians 1:29-31](/1_corinthians/1-29-31 "1 Corinthians 1:29-31 - Glorying in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 11:18](/2_corinthians/11-18 "2 Corinthians 11:18 - Paul's Boasting") serves as a timeless warning and a call to self-examination for believers today. In a world that constantly pressures us to compare ourselves with others based on outward success, material possessions, social media influence, or professional achievements, Paul's words challenge us to scrutinize the source and object of our own "glorying." Are we tempted to find our worth and identity in human credentials, accolades, or the approval of others? Do we subtly boast about our spiritual disciplines, theological knowledge, or ministry successes, rather than humbly acknowledging God's grace? This verse reminds us that true value in God's kingdom is not measured by worldly metrics but by humble service, reliance on Christ, and a willingness to embrace weakness so that God's strength can be made manifest. It calls us to guard our hearts against the subtle allure of pride and to continually reorient our boasting to the Lord alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to "glory after the flesh," seeking validation from human standards rather than God's approval?**
* **How does understanding Paul's ironic "fool's speech" challenge my own perceptions of strength and weakness in Christian ministry and daily life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to shift my focus from self-promotion or comparison to genuinely "glorying in the Lord" in all circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "glory after the flesh" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: "Glory after the flesh" refers to boasting or finding pride in human, worldly achievements, characteristics, or external advantages. In the context of [2 Corinthians 11](/2_corinthians/11 "2 Corinthians 11 - Paul's Defense"), this likely included things like Jewish lineage, rhetorical eloquence, perceived social status, or even outward displays of spiritual power, all of which were valued by Paul's opponents in Corinth. It stands in contrast to boasting in God or in one's weaknesses, which Paul champions.

**Why does Paul say "I will glory also" if he condemns such boasting?**

Answer: Paul's statement "I will glory also" is deeply ironic and sarcastic. He explicitly states in [2 Corinthians 11:16-17](/2_corinthians/11-16-17 "2 Corinthians 11:16-17 - Paul's Reluctant Boasting") that he is speaking "as a fool." He adopts the rhetorical style of his opponents, not because he genuinely believes in boasting in the flesh, but to expose the emptiness and folly of their approach. His subsequent "boasting" will highlight his immense sufferings and weaknesses for Christ's sake ([2 Corinthians 11:23-33](/2_corinthians/11-23-33 "2 Corinthians 11:23-33 - Paul's Sufferings")), which paradoxically reveal the true power of God working through him, thereby subverting the worldly standards of his adversaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 11:18](/2_corinthians/11-18 "2 Corinthians 11:18 - Paul's Boasting") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodied the antithesis of "glorying after the flesh." While humanity, in its fallen state, constantly seeks to exalt itself based on worldly metrics, Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). He did not boast in His divine prerogatives or human accomplishments, but consistently pointed to the Father's will and glory. His ministry was characterized by weakness in the eyes of the world, culminating in the scandal of the cross, which the world deemed foolishness but is, in fact, the power and wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Wisdom of God")). Jesus' life and sacrifice demonstrate that true glory is found not in human strength or self-exaltation, but in humble obedience, suffering love, and complete reliance on God. Therefore, our "boasting" is rightly redirected from ourselves to Christ alone, for in Him, God has provided the only true and eternal basis for glory, making Him our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30-31](/1_corinthians/1-30-31 "1 Corinthians 1:30-31 - Christ Our Wisdom")).

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

Jeremiah 9:23

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Jeremiah 9:24

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

1 Peter 1:24

¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

2 Corinthians 12:5

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

2 Corinthians 12:6

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 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.

1 Corinthians 4:10

We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised.