2 Corinthians 11:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:21, the Apostle Paul strategically engages with the criticisms leveled against him by rival teachers in Corinth. He addresses the "reproach" that his perceived humility or lack of worldly assertiveness made him appear "weak," contrasting this with the self-proclaimed "boldness" of his opponents. Paul, with deliberate irony, states that if they are bold in their self-commendation, he too can be bold, even if it means speaking "foolishly" by adopting their worldly standards of boasting, thereby setting the stage for his profound "fool's speech" that paradoxically exalts Christ through weakness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive and passionate defense of his apostolic ministry against the "super-apostles" who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. Chapters 10-13 form a distinct section where Paul directly confronts these false teachers, who were undermining his authority and distorting the gospel. Leading up to this verse, Paul has already begun to contrast his spiritual authority with their worldly boasting, emphasizing that true power comes from God, not from human credentials or eloquent speech ([2 Corinthians 10:1-18](/2_corinthians/10-1-18 "Paul's Defense of His Apostleship")). Verse 21 acts as a pivotal transition, where Paul, with a heavy heart and a touch of sarcasm, announces his intention to stoop to their level of boasting, albeit for a higher, redemptive purpose. This "fool's speech" then unfolds in the subsequent verses ([2 Corinthians 11:22-12:10](/2_corinthians/11-22-12-10 "Paul's Fool's Speech: Boasting in Weakness")), where Paul will ironically boast not in his strengths, but in his sufferings and weaknesses, thereby highlighting God's power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a complex and often problematic community, influenced by the prevailing Hellenistic culture that valued rhetoric, wisdom, and outward displays of power and status. False apostles, likely Jewish Christians with a strong emphasis on their heritage and possibly eloquent speaking skills, had arrived in Corinth, challenging Paul's authority. They probably boasted of their lineage, their direct knowledge of Christ, or their impressive oratorical abilities, presenting themselves as superior to Paul, whom they may have deemed unimpressive in person and speech ([2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "Paul's opponents criticize his presence and speech")). Paul's refusal to accept financial support from the Corinthians, intended as a sign of his selfless service and commitment to not burden them, was ironically twisted by his adversaries into a sign of his inferiority or lack of true apostolic standing. In this cultural milieu, boasting in one's achievements was common, and Paul's counter-boasting, even if ironic, was a necessary rhetorical strategy to engage his audience on terms they understood, before subverting those terms entirely.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is deeply interwoven with several major themes central to 2 Corinthians and Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Apostolic Authority and Defense**, as Paul is compelled to defend his legitimate call and ministry from God against those who sought to undermine it. His "boldness" here is a strategic, albeit reluctant, move to expose the superficiality of his opponents' claims and to re-establish his standing. Secondly, the theme of **Boasting and Foolishness** is explicitly highlighted; Paul's declaration, "I speak foolishly," immediately signals that boasting in human achievements or credentials is contrary to the gospel. True boasting, as Paul consistently teaches, should be [in the Lord alone](/2_corinthians/10-17 "Paul's instruction to boast in the Lord in 2 Corinthians 10:17"), not in oneself. Finally, the verse introduces the pervasive theme of **Weakness and Strength**. The "reproach" concerned Paul's perceived "weakness," a concept he will profoundly redefine throughout the letter, demonstrating that God's power is made perfect in human weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's strength is made perfect in weakness")). Here, Paul temporarily sets aside his preferred method to confront his adversaries on their own terms, preparing the way for his ultimate boast in his infirmities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproach (Greek, _atimía'_):** From G819, meaning "infamy, i.e. (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace." This word highlights the severe nature of the accusations leveled against Paul. His opponents were not merely disagreeing with him; they were actively seeking to dishonor and disgrace his ministry, implying that his perceived lack of worldly assertiveness or his humble demeanor was a mark of shame or inferiority.
* **Bold (Greek, _tolmáō'_):** From G5111, meaning "to venture (objectively or in act); by implication, to be courageous." This term describes the audacious self-commendation of Paul's opponents. They "dared" to boast about their credentials and achievements. Paul, by using this same word, indicates that if they have the audacity to boast in their own strength, he too can "dare" to do so, but with a profoundly different intent and content.
* **Foolishly (Greek, _aphrosýnē'_):** From G877, meaning "senselessness, i.e. (euphemistically) egotism; (morally) recklessness." Paul explicitly labels his impending discourse as "foolishness." This is a crucial self-assessment, indicating that engaging in worldly boasting is inherently irrational and contrary to the wisdom of God. By calling it foolish, Paul simultaneously distances himself from the practice while strategically employing it to expose the true folly of his adversaries' self-exaltation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak."**: Paul begins by acknowledging the specific accusation against him. The "reproach" (G819, _atimía_) refers to the dishonor or disgrace that his opponents sought to cast upon him, specifically by portraying him as "weak" (G770, _asthenéō_). This weakness was likely perceived in his physical presence, his lack of eloquent speech, or his refusal to demand financial support—all perceived as deficiencies by the worldly standards of the "super-apostles." Paul is directly confronting their narrative, setting the stage for his counter-argument.
* **"Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also."**: This is the pivotal turning point of the verse. The conjunction "Howbeit" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a sharp contrast. Paul states that if his opponents ("any") are "bold" (G5111, _tolmáō_) in their self-commendation and boasting, then he, too, can exhibit such "boldness." The parenthetical "I speak foolishly" (G3004, _légō_ G1722, _en_ G877, _aphrosýnē_) is a vital disclaimer. Paul is not endorsing worldly boasting but is adopting this "foolish" rhetoric as a strategic, temporary measure. He is signaling to his readers that he is about to engage in a form of discourse that he himself considers absurd and unspiritual, but which is necessary to expose the true nature of his opponents' claims and to defend the gospel. His "boldness" will ultimately be revealed as a boast in his weakness, not his strength.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Irony**, where Paul states his intention to be "bold" in the same manner as his opponents, knowing full well that his subsequent "boasting" will be the antithesis of theirs—a boast in weakness rather than strength. This sets up the entire "fool's speech" as an extended ironic performance. Closely related is **Sarcasm**, evident in his self-deprecating aside, "I speak foolishly." This is not genuine self-condemnation but a sarcastic jab at the worldly standards that necessitate such a "foolish" display of self-commendation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Rhetorical Question** or a challenge to his opponents, daring them to compare their credentials with his, knowing that his true credentials (suffering for Christ) will far outweigh their superficial ones. This strategic use of language allows Paul to engage his adversaries on their own terms while simultaneously subverting those terms to reveal the profound difference between worldly and divine wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a crucial theological pivot, where Paul, despite his aversion to self-exaltation, strategically descends into the arena of worldly boasting to expose its emptiness and to highlight the true nature of God's power. It underscores that authentic spiritual authority is not found in human eloquence, impressive credentials, or outward displays of strength, but often in humility, suffering, and perceived weakness. Paul's willingness to appear "foolish" for the sake of the gospel demonstrates his unwavering commitment to Christ, even if it means momentarily adopting a posture that is antithetical to his usual teaching, all for the purpose of defending the truth and the integrity of his ministry. This sets the stage for his profound revelation that God's strength is perfected in human weakness, a paradox that challenges all human-centric notions of power and success.

* [2 Corinthians 10:17](/2_corinthians/10-17 "Boasting in the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God chooses the foolish and weak")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Counting all things as loss for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's reluctant engagement in "foolish" boasting in 2 Corinthians 11:21 offers profound lessons for believers today concerning the nature of true spiritual leadership and the discernment of authentic ministry. In a world that often values outward success, charisma, and self-promotion, Paul's example reminds us to critically examine the sources of authority and commendation. We are challenged to look beyond superficial displays of strength and to recognize that God often works most powerfully through those who embrace humility and weakness, just as Christ Himself did. This verse calls us to be wary of those who primarily promote themselves or their own achievements, and instead to seek out leaders and ministries that consistently glorify God and humbly serve others, even if it means appearing "weak" by worldly standards. It also encourages us to stand firm in defending the truth of the gospel, even if it requires uncomfortable or counter-cultural approaches, always rooted in love and a desire for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to value outward displays of strength or success over genuine humility and service in my own life or in evaluating others?**
* **How does Paul's willingness to appear "foolish" for the sake of the gospel challenge my own comfort zones in defending or living out my faith?**
* **What "reproaches" or criticisms might I face for embracing a Christ-centered life that prioritizes weakness and dependence on God over worldly strength?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul say, "I speak foolishly," if he is defending his apostleship?**

Answer: Paul's statement, "I speak foolishly," is a crucial rhetorical device. He is not genuinely admitting to being foolish, but rather he is adopting the "foolish" method of his opponents—worldly boasting and self-commendation—to expose its absurdity. By calling his own discourse "foolish," Paul signals to the Corinthians that he is engaging in a form of communication that he fundamentally disapproves of, but which he deems necessary to counter the false apostles on their own terms. His ultimate goal is to subvert their worldly boasting by demonstrating that true apostolic credentials lie not in human achievements, but in suffering for Christ and experiencing God's power in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's strength perfected in weakness")). He is playing the "fool" to reveal the true folly of those who boast in themselves.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 11:21, though seemingly about Paul's personal defense, deeply foreshadows the Christ-centered paradox of strength in weakness. Paul's willingness to appear "weak" and to speak "foolishly" for the sake of the gospel mirrors the ultimate "foolishness" of God's plan of salvation through the cross. The world, with its wisdom and standards of power, saw Christ's crucifixion as the ultimate weakness and folly ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing")). Yet, it was precisely through this act of ultimate humility and perceived weakness that God demonstrated His supreme power and wisdom, conquering sin and death. Paul's subsequent "boast" in his sufferings and weaknesses ([2 Corinthians 11:23-33](/2_corinthians/11-23-33 "Paul's list of sufferings")) becomes a living testament to the pattern established by Christ, who "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ emptied himself")). Thus, Paul's strategic "foolishness" is not merely a rhetorical trick, but a profound theological echo of the cross, revealing that God's kingdom operates on principles entirely contrary to the world's, where true strength is found in surrender, and true wisdom in embracing the "foolishness" of Christ.

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 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.