2 Corinthians 11:29

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

Who {G5101} is weak {G770}, and {G2532} I am {G770} not {G3756} weak {G770}? who {G5101} is offended {G4624}, and {G2532} I {G1473} burn {G4448} not {G3756}?

Who is weak without my sharing his weakness? Who falls into sin without my burning inside?

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is caused to stumble, and I burn not?

In 2 Corinthians 11:29, the Apostle Paul continues his reluctant "fool's speech," a section where he defends his apostolic authority and genuine ministry against the accusations and boasts of false apostles in Corinth. Having just detailed his extensive list of sufferings and trials for the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), he now reveals an even deeper dimension of his pastoral heart: his profound empathy and burden for the spiritual well-being of the believers.

Context of 2 Corinthians 11:29

This verse concludes Paul's catalog of hardships and sacrifices endured for Christ, contrasting his authentic, suffering-laden ministry with the self-serving, worldly boasting of those who challenged his authority in the Corinthian church. While the false apostles boasted of their eloquence, status, or material gains, Paul boasted in his weaknesses and the persecutions he faced. Here, he pivots from external afflictions to internal, emotional burdens, demonstrating that his commitment wasn't just physical endurance but also a deep spiritual and emotional identification with the flock.

Meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:29

Paul's rhetorical questions reveal his immense pastoral burden and sensitivity:

  • "Who is weak, and I am not weak?"

    This statement reflects Paul's profound empathy with believers who were struggling. "Weak" here can refer to various forms of vulnerability: those weak in faith, those facing persecution or temptation, or those who felt spiritually inadequate. Paul didn't stand aloof; he genuinely shared in their struggles, feeling their burdens as his own. This aligns with his broader teaching that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and he understood true pastoral leadership meant identifying with the fragile members of the community.

  • "Who is offended, and I burn not?"

    The term "offended" (from the Greek skandalizetai) means to stumble, to be led into sin, or to be caused to fall from faith. Paul is expressing his intense anguish and indignation ("burn not" from the Greek pyroumai, meaning to be inflamed or on fire) when any believer is tripped up, led astray, or has their faith compromised. This isn't mere sympathy but a fervent, righteous anger or deep grief over spiritual harm. It underscores his zeal for the purity of the Gospel and the spiritual integrity of the church, highlighting the importance of avoiding being a stumbling block to others.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Empathy and Compassion: Paul's words reveal a shepherd's heart, deeply connected to the spiritual and emotional struggles of those he served. He didn't just teach; he felt with them.
  • The Burden of True Leadership: Authentic Christian leadership involves more than just teaching or administration; it demands a readiness to bear the burdens and share in the weaknesses of the flock.
  • Zeal for God's People: Paul's "burning" indignation when believers stumble shows his fierce protectiveness and passion for their spiritual well-being, reflecting a heart aligned with God's own concern for His children.
  • Apostolic Authenticity: This verse further distinguishes Paul from the false apostles. While they sought self-glory, Paul found his glory in identification with the weak and anguish over the fallen, demonstrating genuine love and selfless service.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "offended" is skandalizetai (σκανδαλίζεται), from which we get "scandal." It literally means "to put a snare or stumbling block in the way," or "to cause to stumble or fall." Paul's concern is for those whose faith or conduct is compromised.
  • The Greek word for "burn" is pyroumai (πυροῦμαι), meaning "to be set on fire," "to be inflamed." Here, it signifies intense emotional heat, whether of grief, anger, or fervent zeal. Paul's heart was afire with concern for those who stumbled.

Practical Application

Paul's example in 2 Corinthians 11:29 challenges believers and leaders alike to cultivate a similar spirit:

  • Embrace Empathy: We are called to share in the burdens of others, feeling their weaknesses and struggles as if they were our own, rather than judging or distancing ourselves.
  • Guard Against Stumbling Blocks: We should be acutely aware of how our actions, words, or teachings might cause others to stumble in their faith, and we should burn with righteous concern when spiritual harm occurs.
  • Serve with a Shepherd's Heart: True Christian service, whether in formal leadership or everyday relationships, involves a deep, compassionate commitment to the spiritual health and growth of others, even to the point of personal anguish.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:22

    To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:13

    Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
  • Galatians 4:8

    ¶ Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
  • Galatians 4:20

    I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:5

    For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:8

    For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:4

    For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

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