2 Corinthians 12:13

KJV

For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except [it be] that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} what {G5101} is it {G2076} wherein {G3739} ye were inferior {G2274} to {G5228} other {G3062} churches {G1577}, except {G1508} it be that {G3754} I {G1473} myself {G846} was {G2655} not {G3756} burdensome {G2655} to you {G5216}? forgive {G5483} me {G3427} this {G5026} wrong {G93}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Is there any way in which you have been behind any of the other congregations, other than in my not having been a burden to you? For this unfairness, please forgive me!

Berean Standard Bible

In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

American Standard Version

For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except it be that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul employs sharp irony in this verse, rhetorically asking the Corinthian church what deficiency they experienced compared to other congregations, sarcastically concluding that their only "inferiority" was his deliberate choice not to accept financial support from them. He then mockingly asks for forgiveness for this "wrong," highlighting the absurdity of their criticism and underscoring his selfless commitment to the gospel and their spiritual well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's impassioned and often painful defense of his apostleship in [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense and Comfort"). Chapters 10-13 form a distinct section where Paul directly confronts the "super-apostles" and false teachers who had infiltrated the Corinthian church, undermining his authority and maligning his character. He has just concluded a section (chapters 11-12) where he reluctantly "boasts" of his sufferings, visions, and weaknesses to counter their worldly boasts of strength and credentials. Verse 13 serves as a sarcastic climax to his defense concerning his financial independence, a point of contention often used by his adversaries to discredit him. He is preparing for his third visit, and this passage sets the stage for a firm confrontation, urging them to examine themselves before he arrives, as seen in [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2_corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, philosophers, rhetoricians, and religious teachers often charged fees for their instruction, and it was common for patrons to support their chosen teachers. However, some itinerant teachers were viewed with suspicion for exploiting their followers. Paul, as an apostle, certainly had the right to receive support, as he argues in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Rights as an Apostle"). Yet, in Corinth specifically, he chose to forgo this right, working as a tentmaker ([Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul's Tentmaking")) to avoid being a financial burden. This decision was strategic, aimed at removing any potential accusation that he was preaching for personal gain or that the gospel was a commodity. His opponents, the "super-apostles," likely boasted of their ability to command support, implicitly or explicitly criticizing Paul's self-sufficiency as a sign of weakness or inferiority, thus making his refusal to accept funds a point of contention rather than commendation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several recurring themes in Paul's Corinthian correspondence. One dominant theme is **Apostolic Authority and Integrity**, as Paul consistently defends his legitimate call and selfless service against those who questioned his credentials. His refusal to be a financial burden, though a right, was a deliberate act to demonstrate his pure motives and distinguish his ministry from those who exploited believers, as highlighted in [2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "2 Corinthians 11:7-9 - Paul's Financial Independence"). Another crucial theme is **Discerning True Ministry**. Paul challenges the Corinthians to look beyond superficial appearances and worldly standards of success (like financial independence or impressive rhetoric) to recognize genuine spiritual leadership characterized by humility, sacrifice, and a focus on the gospel's purity. Finally, the verse showcases Paul's masterful use of **Irony and Sarcasm** as a rhetorical tool to expose the foolishness and misguided priorities of his critics, forcing them to confront the absurdity of their accusations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **inferior (Greek, _hēttáō'_):** From the same root as "less" or "worse," this verb means "to make worse," "to vanquish," or "to rate lower." Paul uses it here to highlight the absurd accusation that the Corinthian church was somehow "worse off" or "rated lower" than other churches, simply because he did not take financial support from them. The implication is that their "inferiority" was not a real spiritual or moral failing, but a perceived lack based on a worldly standard.
* **burdensome (Greek, _katanarkáō'_):** This word literally means "to grow utterly torpid" or "to be numb," and by implication, "to be slothful" or "expensive/chargeable." Paul uses it to describe his deliberate choice not to be a financial "weight" or "cost" to the Corinthians. This term underscores his commitment to self-sufficiency in ministry, contrasting sharply with those who might have exploited the church for personal gain, making his self-support an act of love rather than a deficiency.
* **wrong (Greek, _adikía'_):** This noun signifies "injustice," "unrighteousness," or "wrongfulness" (of character, life, or act). Paul's use of "wrong" here is profoundly ironic. He is sarcastically asking for forgiveness for an act (not being a financial burden) that was, in fact, an act of selfless love and integrity, not an injustice. This highlights the twisted perspective of his critics, who viewed his virtuous conduct as a fault.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches,"**: Paul opens with a rhetorical question, challenging the Corinthians to identify any legitimate way in which they were disadvantaged compared to other congregations. The implied answer is "nothing," setting the stage for his ironic follow-up. He is pushing them to see the absurdity of their complaints.
* **"except [it be] that I myself was not burdensome to you?"**: This is the core of Paul's sarcasm. He provides the only "exception" or "deficiency" he can conceive of: his deliberate choice not to be a financial burden upon them. This statement turns their criticism on its head, implying that his selfless service, which should have been a commendation, was instead being twisted into a fault by his detractors and possibly by some in the church.
* **"forgive me this wrong."**: The final clause is a cutting, sarcastic apology. Paul is not genuinely asking for forgiveness; rather, he is highlighting the ridiculousness of the accusation that his financial independence was a "wrong" or "injustice." This rhetorical flourish underscores the depth of his frustration with the Corinthians' misguided judgments and the malicious slander of his opponents.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's communication in this verse is rich with **Irony** and **Sarcasm**. He employs a **Rhetorical Question** ("For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except [it be] that I myself was not burdensome to you?") which expects no literal answer but serves to make a point. The entire statement is steeped in irony, where Paul says the opposite of what he means for emphasis. His "apology" – "forgive me this wrong" – is deeply sarcastic, as he is apologizing for an act of selfless love and integrity, not a genuine offense. This use of irony and sarcasm serves to expose the foolishness and distorted values of his critics, forcing them to confront the absurdity of their accusations and their misjudgment of his motives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the tension between worldly expectations and kingdom values within ministry. Paul's refusal to be a financial burden was not a sign of weakness or inferiority, but a profound demonstration of his commitment to the purity of the gospel and his selfless love for the Corinthians. Theologically, it underscores the principle that true spiritual leadership prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the flock over personal gain, embodying a sacrificial posture. It challenges believers to discern genuine ministry by its fruit and character, rather than by external displays of wealth or power. Paul's actions here serve as a timeless model for those in ministry to guard against covetousness and to remove any potential stumbling blocks that might hinder the spread of the gospel.

* [1 Corinthians 9:18](/1_corinthians/9-18 "Paul's Free Gospel")
* [Acts 20:33-35](/acts/20-33-35 "Paul's Example of Self-Sufficiency")
* [Philippians 4:15-17](/philippians/4-15-17 "Paul's Appreciation for Support")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's cutting irony in this verse serves as a powerful mirror for us today, both as those who minister and those who receive ministry. For leaders, it prompts a deep self-examination: Are our motives pure? Do we prioritize the spiritual health of those we serve over our own comfort or gain? Are we willing to make sacrifices, even forgoing legitimate rights, to ensure the gospel is not hindered and our integrity is unquestionable? This passage calls for transparency and a servant's heart, reminding us that true leadership is often characterized by humility and self-denial. For congregants, it challenges us to cultivate discernment. Do we judge our spiritual leaders by worldly metrics, or by their faithfulness, their character, and their sacrificial commitment to Christ and His church? Are we quick to criticize based on superficial perceptions, or do we seek to understand motives and appreciate genuine service? This verse encourages us to value integrity and selfless love above all else, recognizing that true spiritual wealth is not measured in material terms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like the Corinthians, misjudge or undervalue selfless service in others, especially spiritual leaders?**
* **How does Paul's willingness to forgo his rights challenge my own expectations or demands regarding ministry and spiritual leadership?**
* **What "burdens" might I be unintentionally placing on others, or what "burdens" am I unwilling to bear for the sake of the gospel or the community?**

### FAQ
**Was Paul truly asking for forgiveness in this verse?**

Answer: No, Paul was not genuinely asking for forgiveness. His statement, "forgive me this wrong," is a prime example of **sarcasm** and **irony**. He is highlighting the absurdity of the criticism leveled against him by some in the Corinthian church and by the "super-apostles." His "wrong" was his deliberate choice not to be a financial burden to them, an act of selfless love and integrity. By mockingly apologizing for this, Paul underscores how misguided their judgment was, effectively turning their accusation back on them. He had consistently defended his right to receive support ([1 Corinthians 9:1-14](/1_corinthians/9-1-14 "1 Corinthians 9:1-14 - Paul's Defense of Apostolic Rights")), but chose to forgo it in Corinth to avoid any hint of greed or exploitation, thereby making the gospel freely available ([2 Corinthians 11:7](/2_corinthians/11-7 "2 Corinthians 11:7 - Paul's Free Gospel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's willingness to humble himself, forgo his rights, and even endure sarcastic accusations for the sake of the gospel powerfully echoes the ultimate self-emptying of Christ. Just as Paul chose not to be a "burdensome" financial weight on the Corinthians, Christ, though rich in divine glory, "became poor" for our sake, that through His poverty we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Example of Generosity")). The "wrong" Paul sarcastically apologizes for—his selfless service—foreshadows the ultimate "wrong" that Christ bore for humanity: the sin of the world, though He Himself knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Our Righteousness")). Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Paul's ministry, characterized by sacrifice and a refusal to exploit, thus becomes a living parable of the Lord Jesus, who, in His perfect love, bore the ultimate burden of our sin and shame, offering Himself freely and without charge for our salvation.

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

1 Corinthians 9:12

If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:6

Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

2 Corinthians 12:14

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

1 Corinthians 9:15

¶ But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

1 Corinthians 9:18

What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

2 Corinthians 11:7

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].