2 Corinthians 12:20

KJV

For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and [that] I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest [there be] debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I fear {G5399}, lest {G3381}{G4458}, when I come {G2064}, I shall {G2147} not {G3756} find {G2147} you {G5209} such as {G3634} I would {G2309}, and that I {G2504} shall be found {G2147} unto you {G5213} such as {G3634} ye would {G2309} not {G3756}: lest {G3381}{G4458} there be debates {G2054}, envyings {G2205}, wraths {G2372}, strifes {G2052}, backbitings {G2636}, whisperings {G5587}, swellings {G5450}, tumults {G181}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For I am afraid of coming and finding you not the way I want you to be, and also of not being found the way you want me to be. I am afraid of finding quarreling and jealousy, anger and rivalry, slander and gossip, arrogance and disorder.

Berean Standard Bible

For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.

American Standard Version

For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul expresses profound pastoral concern for the Corinthian church, fearing that upon his anticipated third visit, he will discover persistent disunity, moral decay, and unrepentant sin among them. His apprehension stems from the possibility that their continued indulgence in destructive behaviors like debates, envy, strife, and arrogance would necessitate him exercising his apostolic authority in a confrontational manner, a scenario he earnestly wishes to avoid for the spiritual health of both himself and the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter part of 2 Corinthians, where Paul is defending his apostolic authority and preparing the Corinthians for his third visit. Chapters 10-13 form a distinct section where Paul addresses challenges to his authority and the spiritual state of the church. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul recounts his extraordinary visions and revelations, including being caught up to the third heaven, yet also humbly speaks of his "thorn in the flesh" given to keep him from exalting himself ([2 Corinthians 12:1-10](/2_corinthians/12-1-10 "Paul's Visions and Thorn in the Flesh")). This personal vulnerability highlights his genuine pastoral heart, contrasting with the self-aggrandizing behavior of the false apostles. His fear in [2 Corinthians 12:20](/2_corinthians/12-20 "Paul's Fear of Corinthian Disunity") underscores that his authority, though divinely given, is intended for the church's edification, not its destruction, a point he reiterates in [2 Corinthians 13:10](/2_corinthians/13-10 "Paul's Purpose for Apostolic Authority"). The list of vices serves as a stark warning, indicating that the spiritual health of the community is paramount to his visit's success.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub in ancient Greece, known for its wealth, diverse population, and notorious moral laxity. Its strategic location made it a center for trade and various philosophical schools, which often fostered intellectual pride and factionalism. The Corinthian church, a young community, struggled significantly with internal divisions, spiritual immaturity, and ethical compromises, as evidenced throughout Paul's two letters to them. Issues such as schisms based on loyalty to different leaders ([1 Corinthians 1:10-13](/1_corinthians/1-10-13 "Divisions in the Corinthian Church")), lawsuits among believers ([1 Corinthians 6:1-8](/1_corinthians/6-1-8 "Lawsuits Among Believers")), and various forms of immorality ([1 Corinthians 5:1-13](/1_corinthians/5-1-13 "Sexual Immorality in the Church")) were prevalent. The vices listed in [2 Corinthians 12:20](/2_corinthians/12-20 "Paul's Fear of Corinthian Disunity")—"debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults"—reflect the persistent challenges of maintaining unity and holiness within a church influenced by a contentious and morally ambiguous surrounding culture. These behaviors were not merely minor disagreements but symptoms of deep-seated pride, selfishness, and a lack of Christ-like love that threatened the very fabric of the Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 12:20](/2_corinthians/12-20 "Paul's Fear of Corinthian Disunity") powerfully articulates several key themes central to Paul's ministry and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Pastoral Concern and Apostolic Responsibility**. Paul's "fear" is not personal timidity but a deep, loving apprehension for the spiritual well-being of his flock. He dreads having to exercise stern discipline, preferring to find them in a state of repentance and order, demonstrating that true apostolic authority is wielded for edification, not destruction, as he states in [2 Corinthians 13:10](/2_corinthians/13-10 "Paul's Purpose for Apostolic Authority"). Secondly, the verse underscores the critical importance of **Church Purity and Unity**. The catalogue of vices directly undermines the peace and fellowship that should characterize the body of Christ. Paul consistently calls for unity, as seen in his earlier plea in [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "Paul's Plea for Unity"). Thirdly, the passage implicitly calls for **Repentance and Self-Examination**. Paul's fear serves as a warning, urging the Corinthians to address these issues themselves before his arrival, thereby emphasizing personal and communal accountability before God. Finally, the list of sins, particularly "swellings" (pride) and "strifes" (selfish ambition), points to the pervasive theme of **Humility versus Pride**, a recurring tension in Paul's letters, where he champions Christ-like humility as the antidote to destructive self-exaltation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Greek, _phobéō_):** This word, while often meaning "to be afraid," also carries the nuance of "to be in awe of" or "revere." Here, it signifies Paul's profound apprehension and deep pastoral concern. It's not a fear for his own safety, but a dread of finding the church in a condition that would necessitate harsh discipline, which would be grievous for both him and them. It reflects his earnest desire for their spiritual flourishing and his heavy responsibility as their spiritual father.
* **Debates (Greek, _éris_):** This term denotes "quarrel," "contention," or "wrangling." It speaks to a spirit of discord and argumentativeness, often arising from pride and a desire to assert one's own opinion or position rather than seeking truth, unity, or the common good. It suggests a contentious atmosphere where healthy discussion devolves into divisive disputes.
* **Tumults (Greek, _akatastasía_):** Derived from a word meaning "unstable," this term signifies "instability," "disorder," "confusion," or "commotion." It describes a state of internal chaos and disarray within the community, the natural outcome and culmination of the other vices listed. It paints a picture of a church lacking peace, order, and spiritual equilibrium.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would,"**: Paul expresses a deep, heartfelt apprehension about the state of the Corinthian church. His "fear" is a pastoral dread, not personal timidity, that upon his third visit, he will discover them to be in a condition far from what he desires for them. This desired state would be one of spiritual maturity, unity, and moral purity, reflecting their identity as the body of Christ.
* **"and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not:"**: This clause presents the reciprocal consequence of their unrepentant state. If Paul finds them in disorder, he will be compelled to act with apostolic authority and severity, which would be unwelcome to them. This implies a necessary, though painful, exercise of discipline, contrasting sharply with the gentle, edifying presence he would prefer to manifest. It underscores the principle that their unrepentant sin would dictate the nature of his interaction.
* **"lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:"**: This comprehensive catalogue details the specific destructive behaviors Paul fears finding prevalent among them. These vices are not isolated incidents but represent a pervasive spiritual sickness. "Debates" (wrangling), "envyings" (jealous rivalry), "wraths" (outbursts of anger), and "strifes" (selfish ambition/factionalism) point to internal disunity and contention. "Backbitings" (slander) and "whisperings" (secret gossip) highlight destructive communication. "Swellings" (arrogance/haughtiness) points to pride, while "tumults" (disorder/confusion) is the chaotic outcome of all these unaddressed sins.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [2 Corinthians 12:20](/2_corinthians/12-20 "Paul's Fear of Corinthian Disunity") to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is the **Catalogue** or **List**, where he enumerates eight distinct vices. This extensive list creates a cumulative effect, vividly painting a comprehensive picture of the spiritual disorder plaguing the Corinthian church and emphasizing the widespread nature of their problems. The use of **Antithesis** is also evident, as Paul contrasts his desired outcome ("such as I would") with the feared reality ("such as ye would not"), highlighting the tension between his pastoral heart and the potential necessity for stern discipline. His expression of "fear" injects **Pathos**, appealing to the Corinthians' emotions and underscoring the depth of his genuine concern and sorrow over their potential state. Finally, the term "swellings" (Greek: _physíōsis_) functions as a **Metaphor**, depicting spiritual arrogance or conceit as a puffed-up, inflated state, a vivid image of pride that distorts and disfigures the soul.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's apprehension in [2 Corinthians 12:20](/2_corinthians/12-20 "Paul's Fear of Corinthian Disunity") reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of the church and the destructive power of unrepentant sin. The catalogue of vices—debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, and tumults—are not merely social infractions but direct assaults on the unity, holiness, and witness of the body of Christ. Theologically, these behaviors stem from a failure to live out the new creation reality in Christ, a reversion to fleshly desires rather than walking in the Spirit. They demonstrate a lack of love, humility, and self-control, which are foundational Christian virtues. Paul's willingness to exercise discipline, though reluctantly, underscores the biblical principle that God's people are called to holiness, and that unaddressed sin within the community can hinder its spiritual growth and compromise its testimony. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true spiritual health requires constant vigilance against the insidious nature of sin and a commitment to genuine repentance and reconciliation.

* [Romans 13:13](/romans/13-13 "Walk Properly, Not in Quarrels and Jealousy")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Works of the Flesh")
* [James 3:14-16](/james/3-14-16 "Earthly Wisdom and Disorder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's deep concern for the Corinthian church in [2 Corinthians 12:20](/2_corinthians/12-20 "Paul's Fear of Corinthian Disunity") offers a powerful mirror for contemporary Christian communities and individual believers. The vices he lists are not archaic sins but persistent challenges that threaten the health and witness of the church today. This passage compels us to engage in honest self-examination: Do "debates" rooted in pride or a desire to win arguments rather than seek truth characterize our interactions? Are "envyings" and "strifes" subtly undermining our unity, stemming from comparison or selfish ambition? Do "backbitings" and "whisperings" erode trust and fellowship through gossip and slander? Are "swellings" of arrogance preventing us from serving humbly and loving genuinely? Paul’s pastoral heart urges us to proactively address these destructive patterns, both personally and communally, cultivating a spirit of humility, love, and genuine reconciliation. The goal is not to avoid an unpleasant confrontation with a spiritual leader, but to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel, fostering an environment where the Spirit of God can flourish, and Christ is glorified through our unity and holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Which of the vices listed in 2 Corinthians 12:20 do you most frequently observe in your own life or within your church community?**
* **How does a spirit of "swellings" (arrogance/pride) manifest in modern church contexts, and what steps can be taken to cultivate genuine humility?**
* **What practical actions can believers take to counter "backbitings" and "whisperings" and instead promote edifying speech within the church?**
* **If Paul were to visit your church today, what would he find, and would his "fear" be realized or alleviated?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul so afraid of what he might find in Corinth?**

Answer: Paul's "fear" was not personal timidity but a deep pastoral apprehension. He had previously addressed significant issues of division, immorality, and spiritual immaturity in his first letter to the Corinthians, and some of these problems persisted. He feared that upon his third visit, he would find them still unrepentant and embroiled in the very vices he lists—debates, envy, wrath, strife, backbiting, whispering, swelling, and tumults. This would necessitate him exercising his apostolic authority in a severe, disciplinary manner, which would be painful for both him and them. His fear stemmed from a profound love for their spiritual well-being and a desire for them to be found in a state of repentance and order, rather than requiring confrontation.

**What do the specific vices listed in this verse reveal about the Corinthian church?**

Answer: The catalogue of vices—"debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults"—reveals a church struggling deeply with internal disunity, pride, and a lack of Christ-like love. "Debates" and "strifes" point to factionalism and contentious arguments, often driven by selfish ambition. "Envyings" and "wraths" indicate unresolved bitterness and uncontrolled anger. "Backbitings" and "whisperings" highlight the destructive power of gossip and slander, eroding trust. "Swellings" (haughtiness or arrogance) suggests a pervasive issue of pride, where individuals were "puffed up" rather than humble. Finally, "tumults" signifies the overall disorder and confusion that these individual sins collectively created within the community. These issues indicate a failure to live out the unity and holiness called for in the Gospel, despite their spiritual gifts and knowledge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The catalogue of destructive behaviors in [2 Corinthians 12:20](/2_corinthians/12-20 "Paul's Fear of Corinthian Disunity") vividly portrays the brokenness of humanity apart from Christ and the ongoing struggle against the flesh even within the believing community. However, the ultimate fulfillment and remedy for these spiritual maladies are found in Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace, who breaks down dividing walls of hostility, making one new humanity through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). Where there are "debates" and "strifes," Christ calls us to unity in the Spirit, urging us to be of one mind and purpose, just as He prayed for His disciples' unity in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "Jesus' Prayer for Unity"). The "envyings" and "wraths" are overcome by the Spirit's fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Fruit of the Spirit")). "Backbitings" and "whisperings" are silenced by the call to speak truth in love and to build one another up, reflecting the gracious words of Christ ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Edifying Speech")). The "swellings" of pride are directly confronted by Christ's own example of profound humility, who, though in the form of God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility")). Ultimately, the "tumults" and disorder are resolved as the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, strives to live in the order and peace that Christ's reign establishes, looking to Him as the Head who brings all things into proper alignment ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Christ as Head of the Church")). Thus, Christ not only identifies the deep-seated issues that plague human relationships and communities but also provides the transformative power and the perfect example for their complete and lasting resolution.

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 Peter 2:1

¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 1:29

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Galatians 5:15

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

1 Corinthians 1:11

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

Proverbs 16:28

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.