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.

I speak {G3004} as concerning {G2596} reproach {G819}, as {G5613} though {G3754} we {G2249} had been weak {G770}. Howbeit {G1161} whereinsoever {G1722}{G3739}{G302} any {G5100} is bold {G5111},(I speak {G3004} foolishly {G1722}{G877},) I am bold {G5111} also {G2504}.

To my shame, I must admit that we have been too “weak” to do such things!

But if anyone dares to boast about something — I’m talking like a fool! — I am just as daring.

To my shame I concede that we were too weak for that! Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about.

I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet whereinsoever any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.

Commentary

2 Corinthians 11:21 is a pivotal verse in Paul's defense of his apostleship against rival teachers in Corinth. Here, Paul reluctantly adopts the boastful rhetoric of his opponents, setting the stage for his famous "fool's speech" where he will out-boast them, but in a way that ultimately glorifies God.

Context

The Apostle Paul was facing significant opposition in the Corinthian church from a group he sarcastically refers to as "super-apostles" (though not in this specific verse, it's the broader context of 2 Corinthians 11:5). These individuals boasted of their impressive credentials, eloquent speech, and possibly demanded financial support, portraying Paul as weak, unimpressive, and lacking the same "boldness" or authority. Paul's refusal to accept financial support from the Corinthians, a sign of his genuine love and desire not to burden them, was ironically twisted by his adversaries into a sign of his inferiority.

In this verse, Paul addresses the "reproach" or insult leveled against him, implying that his perceived weakness or humility was a point of criticism. To counter their human-centric boasting, Paul declares that if they are "bold" in their self-commendation, he too can be bold, even if it feels foolish to him to engage in such worldly comparisons. This sets up the detailed list of his sufferings and genuine apostolic credentials in the subsequent verses (2 Corinthians 11:23-33).

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Defense and Authority: Paul is defending his legitimate call and ministry from God against those who sought to undermine it. His "boldness" here is a strategic move to expose the superficiality of his opponents' claims.
  • Boasting and Foolishness: Paul explicitly states, "I speak foolishly," highlighting that boasting in human achievements or credentials is contrary to the gospel. True boasting should be in the Lord alone, as he states elsewhere.
  • Weakness and Strength: The "reproach" concerned Paul's perceived "weakness." This theme is central to 2 Corinthians, where Paul constantly demonstrates that God's power is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Here, he temporarily sets aside his preferred method to confront his adversaries on their own terms.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word translated "reproach" (Greek: atimia) means dishonor, disgrace, or contempt. It underscores the severity of the accusations against Paul.
  • "Bold" (Greek: tolmao) signifies daring, having courage, or venturing. Paul is saying that if his opponents dare to boast, he can also dare to do so, albeit reluctantly and for a higher purpose.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 11:21 offers valuable insights into discerning true spiritual leadership and the nature of authentic ministry:

  • Beware of Self-Promotion: This verse reminds us to be wary of those who primarily promote themselves or their own achievements rather than glorifying God and humbly serving others.
  • God's Strength in Weakness: Paul's eventual boasting in his weaknesses (later in chapter 12) teaches that God often uses seemingly "weak" vessels to display His immense power, challenging our worldly notions of strength and success.
  • Defending Truth Strategically: While not advocating for constant boasting, Paul's example shows that sometimes, engaging with false narratives or confronting error on its own terms (while remaining true to biblical principles) can be a necessary, albeit uncomfortable, part of defending the truth of the gospel.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 10:10

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

  • 2 Corinthians 11:17

    That which I speak, I speak [it] not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1

    ¶ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:2

    But I beseech [you], that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:22

    ¶ Are they Hebrews? so [am] I. Are they Israelites? so [am] I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so [am] I.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:27

    In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10

    Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
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