2 Corinthians 11:6

KJV

But though [I be] rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} though {G1499} I be rude {G2399} in speech {G3056}, yet {G235} not {G3756} in knowledge {G1108}; but {G235} we have been throughly {G1722}{G3956} made manifest {G5319} among {G1519} you {G5209} in {G1722} all things {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I may not be a skilled speaker, but I do have the knowledge; anyhow, we have made this clear to you in every way and in every circumstance.

Berean Standard Bible

Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.

American Standard Version

But though I be rude in speech, yet am I not in knowledge; nay, in every way have we made this manifest unto you in all things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:6, the Apostle Paul defends his apostolic authority and ministry against criticisms from false apostles in Corinth. He concedes that his speaking style may lack the rhetorical polish favored by some, but he adamantly asserts that he is not deficient in divine knowledge. Paul emphasizes that his true credentials and the authenticity of his ministry have been thoroughly and openly demonstrated to the Corinthians through his actions, teachings, and the evident power of God at work among them, proving his legitimacy far beyond mere oratorical skill.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's impassioned and somewhat ironic "fool's speech" (often referred to from [2 Corinthians 11:1](/2_corinthians/11-1 "2 Corinthians 11:1 - Paul's 'Fool's Speech' Introduction")), where he reluctantly boasts about his sufferings and apostolic credentials to expose the deceitful nature of the "super-apostles" (a sarcastic term from [2 Corinthians 11:5](/2_corinthians/11-5 "2 Corinthians 11:5 - Paul's Irony Regarding Super-Apostles")) who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. Paul's defense in this chapter is deeply personal, driven by his "godly jealousy" for the Corinthians' spiritual purity and their susceptibility to false teaching ([2 Corinthians 11:2-3](/2_corinthians/11-2-3 "2 Corinthians 11:2-3 - Paul's Concern for the Corinthians")). He contrasts his genuine, self-sacrificing ministry with the self-serving motives of those who preached "another Jesus" or "a different gospel" ([2 Corinthians 11:4](/2_corinthians/11-4 "2 Corinthians 11:4 - The Danger of False Gospels")). Verse 6 specifically addresses the criticism regarding his speaking ability, a point of contention that the false apostles likely exploited to undermine his credibility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a major Roman city, a bustling commercial hub known for its diverse population, wealth, and a strong appreciation for rhetoric and philosophy. Greek culture, with its emphasis on eloquent public speaking (rhetoric), heavily influenced the intellectual and social landscape. Orators and sophists, skilled in persuasive speech, were highly esteemed and often commanded significant fees. The Corinthian church, reflecting its cultural environment, appears to have valued polished communication over substance, making them susceptible to the charismatic yet superficial presentations of the false apostles. Paul, by contrast, deliberately chose a more direct and unadorned style of preaching, not relying on "persuasive words of human wisdom" but on the "demonstration of the Spirit and of power" ([1 Corinthians 2:4](/1_corinthians/2-4 "1 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Preaching in Power")). This cultural backdrop explains why Paul's "rudeness in speech" was a point of criticism and why he felt compelled to address it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. One prominent theme is the **authenticity of true apostleship versus deceptive appearances**. Paul consistently argues that genuine ministry is validated not by human commendation or outward impressiveness, but by divine power, suffering for Christ, and the fruit of transformed lives ([2 Corinthians 4:7-12](/2_corinthians/4-7-12 "2 Corinthians 4:7-12 - Treasure in Jars of Clay")). Another key theme is the **priority of divine knowledge and truth over human eloquence**. Paul asserts that his "knowledge" (divine insight and understanding) far surpasses any deficiency in oratorical skill, emphasizing that the message's content and divine origin are paramount. This aligns with his earlier teaching in [1 Corinthians 1:17-25](/1_corinthians/1-17-25 "1 Corinthians 1:17-25 - The Wisdom of God and the Folly of Man"), where he contrasts the wisdom of the world with the "foolishness" of the cross, which is God's true power and wisdom. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **manifestation and transparency in ministry**. Paul insists that his ministry was "throughly made manifest" among them, implying that his life, character, and the divine power at work through him were openly visible and undeniable proof of his legitimate calling, contrasting sharply with the hidden motives and deceptive practices of his opponents.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rude (Greek, _idiṓtēs'_):** This term, from which we derive "idiot," does not mean "ignorant" or "foolish" in this context. Rather, it refers to a "private person," someone without professional training or skill, particularly in the art of rhetoric. Paul is admitting that he was not a formally trained orator or a professional rhetorician in the classical Greek sense, which was highly valued in Corinthian society. He was a "layman" when it came to sophisticated public speaking.
* **knowledge (Greek, _gnōsis'_):** This word signifies "knowing (the act)" or "knowledge," implying a deep, spiritual understanding and insight. Paul is asserting that while he might lack oratorical finesse, he possesses profound divine knowledge, a direct revelation of God's truth, which is far more valuable than human eloquence. This "knowledge" is not mere intellectual assent but a spiritual apprehension of God's mysteries.
* **made manifest (Greek, _phaneróō'_):** Meaning "to render apparent" or "to show oneself," this verb emphasizes that Paul's ministry, his true character, and the divine power at work through him were not hidden but openly displayed and evident to the Corinthians. His apostleship was not a secret or a claim based on empty words, but a demonstrable reality that they had witnessed "in all things."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But though [I be] rude in speech":** Paul directly addresses the criticism leveled against him regarding his communication style. He concedes that he may not possess the polished, eloquent oratorical skills that the Corinthians admired, acknowledging his lack of formal rhetorical training or natural flair for public speaking. This concession disarms his critics by admitting to their perceived weakness, yet it prepares for a powerful counter-assertion.
* **"yet not in knowledge":** Immediately, Paul pivots from his perceived deficiency in speech to his undeniable strength in knowledge. He asserts that despite any lack of oratorical polish, he is certainly not lacking in profound divine knowledge or spiritual insight. This "knowledge" refers to the revelation of God's truth, the gospel, and the mysteries of Christ, which he received directly from God and faithfully proclaimed. This is a crucial distinction, prioritizing the substance of the message over its delivery.
* **"but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things":** This is Paul's ultimate vindication. He declares that his true apostolic credentials and the authenticity of his ministry have been fully and openly demonstrated to the Corinthians in every possible way. This manifestation includes his consistent teaching, his blameless conduct, the miracles and signs performed through him, his sacrificial service, and the very existence of the Corinthian church as a fruit of his labor. His life and ministry among them were an open book, providing undeniable evidence of God's hand upon him, far outweighing any superficial critique of his speaking style.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse. **Concession** is evident in "But though [I be] rude in speech," where he acknowledges a perceived weakness to his critics. This is immediately followed by **Antithesis**, contrasting his "rudeness in speech" with his strength "not in knowledge," highlighting the qualitative difference between human skill and divine revelation. The phrase "throughly made manifest" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the undeniable and comprehensive nature of the evidence for his apostleship, suggesting that there was no aspect of his ministry that was hidden or unproven. Finally, there is an underlying **Irony** in Paul's entire "fool's speech," as he boasts reluctantly and in a way that exposes the folly of those who value superficiality over spiritual depth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a profound theological truth: God's power and truth are not dependent on human eloquence or impressive outward appearances. Paul's ministry, characterized by weakness in human terms, was precisely where God's strength was most clearly displayed, preventing any boasting in human ability. This principle challenges believers to discern spiritual authority not by charismatic delivery or rhetorical skill, but by the depth of biblical truth, the authenticity of character, and the evident fruit of the Spirit. It champions substance over style, divine revelation over human wisdom, and humble service over self-promotion. The true measure of a messenger lies in the faithfulness to the message and the transformative power of God at work through them.

* [1 Corinthians 2:1-5](/1_corinthians/2-1-5 "1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Paul's Preaching Not in Eloquence")
* [2 Corinthians 4:2](/2_corinthians/4-2 "2 Corinthians 4:2 - Paul's Open Declaration of Truth")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's defense in 2 Corinthians 11:6 offers a powerful mirror for self-reflection and a guide for discerning spiritual leadership today. In an age often captivated by charisma, social media presence, and polished presentations, this verse calls us to prioritize substance over superficiality. It challenges us to ask: Are we more impressed by eloquent speakers or by those who faithfully and deeply convey God's truth, even if their delivery is less refined? Do we value genuine knowledge of God's Word and a life lived in integrity more than outward show? For those who teach or lead, it's a humbling reminder that our effectiveness comes not from our own abilities but from God's power working through us, and that our lives should be an open book, transparently manifesting the truth we proclaim. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep understanding of Scripture and to live out our faith authentically, trusting that God will make His truth manifest through us, regardless of our perceived strengths or weaknesses.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize outward appearances or eloquence over genuine spiritual substance in my own life or in evaluating others?**
* **How does Paul's emphasis on "knowledge" over "speech" challenge my understanding of effective ministry or communication?**
* **What does it mean for my own life and witness to be "throughly made manifest" to those around me?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "rude in speech"?**

Answer: When Paul says he is "rude in speech," he is using the Greek word *idiṓtēs*, which refers to a private person or a layman, specifically someone unskilled or unprofessional in the art of rhetoric. He is admitting that he did not possess the formal training, oratorical flair, or sophisticated speaking style that was highly valued in Greek culture, particularly in Corinth. He was not a polished public speaker in the classical sense, unlike many of the "super-apostles" who likely prided themselves on their eloquence. This was a concession to a criticism leveled against him, but he immediately counters it with his true strength in divine knowledge.

**How can Paul claim to be "not in knowledge" when he admits to being "rude in speech"?**

Answer: Paul is drawing a crucial distinction between human rhetorical skill and divine spiritual knowledge. While he may lack the former ("rude in speech"), he emphatically possesses the latter ("not in knowledge"). His "knowledge" (Greek *gnōsis*) refers to a deep, spiritual understanding of God's revealed truth, the gospel, and the mysteries of Christ, which he received directly from the Lord ([Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Gospel Not from Man")). This spiritual insight is far superior and more valuable than any human eloquence. He wants the Corinthians to understand that the power of his message comes from God's truth, not from his delivery style, as he explains in [1 Corinthians 2:1-5](/1_corinthians/2-1-5 "1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Paul's Preaching in Weakness and Power")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 11:6, while a defense of Paul's apostleship, ultimately points to Christ by highlighting the nature of God's kingdom, which operates on principles contrary to worldly wisdom. Paul's willingness to be perceived as "rude in speech" yet rich in "knowledge" mirrors Christ's own earthly ministry. Jesus, though the embodiment of divine wisdom, did not come with the outward pomp or rhetorical flourishes of the world's powerful figures. His authority was not derived from human eloquence or impressive displays of worldly power, but from the inherent truth of His words and the undeniable manifestation of God's power through His miracles, teachings, and ultimately, His resurrection. The ultimate "manifestation" was Christ Himself, who, though appearing as a humble man, was the very "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")) and the "Word made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Paul's ministry, therefore, was a continuation of this divine pattern: God chooses the "foolish things of the world to shame the wise" and the "weak things of the world to shame the strong" ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak")). In this way, Paul's weakness in speech serves to magnify the power and truth of Christ, ensuring that the glory belongs to God alone ([2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Jars of Clay")).

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

Ephesians 3:4

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

1 Corinthians 1:17

¶ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

2 Corinthians 4:2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

2 Peter 3:15

And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

2 Peter 3:16

As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

1 Corinthians 2:13

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.