But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
But {G1161} be it so {G2077}, I {G1473} did {G2599} not {G3756} burden {G2599} you {G5209}: nevertheless {G235}, being {G5225} crafty {G3835}, I caught {G2983} you {G5209} with guile {G1388}.
Let it be granted, then, that I was not a burden to you; but, crafty fellow that I am, I took you with trickery!
Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery.
But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
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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 Thessalonians 2:3
For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: -
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 10:3
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: -
2 Corinthians 7:2
Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. -
2 Corinthians 12:13
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. -
1 Thessalonians 2:5
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness:
In 2 Corinthians 12:16, the Apostle Paul continues his robust defense against accusations from certain individuals within the Corinthian church. This verse is best understood as Paul employing sarcasm or irony, echoing the very slanders leveled against him. He addresses the insinuation that even though he did not directly burden them financially, he was somehow "crafty" and used "guile" to manipulate them or gain an advantage indirectly.
Context
This verse is part of Paul's extended apologia (defense) in 2 Corinthians chapters 10-13, where he confronts "super-apostles" or false apostles who challenged his authority and integrity. A key point of contention was Paul's refusal to accept financial support from the Corinthians, unlike other churches. While Paul viewed this as a demonstration of his selfless ministry and a desire not to be a burden (2 Corinthians 11:7-9, 2 Corinthians 12:13), his detractors twisted this, suggesting he had ulterior, deceptive motives. Here, Paul sarcastically adopts their accusation, "But be it so, I did not burden you," then immediately refutes the implied "craftiness" of his methods.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today: