2 Corinthians 12:6

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but [now] I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or [that] he heareth of me.

For {G1063} though {G1437} I would desire {G2309} to glory {G2744}, I shall {G2071} not {G3756} be {G2071} a fool {G878}; for {G1063} I will say {G2046} the truth {G225}: but {G1161} now I forbear {G5339}, lest {G3361} any man {G5100} should think {G3049} of {G1519} me {G1691} above {G5228} that which {G3739} he seeth {G991} me {G3165} to be, or {G2228} that he heareth {G191} of {G5100}{G1537} me {G1700}.

If I did want to boast, I would not be foolish; because I would be speaking the truth. But, because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, I refrain, so that no one will think more of me than what my words or deeds may warrant.

Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me,

For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of Paul's defense of his apostleship against false teachers in Corinth who were boasting in their own perceived spiritual superiority and worldly credentials. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul reluctantly engages in "foolish" boasting, ironically highlighting his sufferings and weaknesses as true marks of Christ's power working through him. Chapter 12 begins with Paul recounting extraordinary, albeit private, spiritual experiences โ€“ being "caught up to the third heaven" and hearing "unspeakable words" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Verse 6 serves as a crucial pivot, where Paul explains why he chooses not to boast about these profound revelations, even though he legitimately could.

Key Themes

  • Humility and Authenticity: Paul's primary concern is to avoid self-exaltation. He refrains from boasting about his supernatural experiences, not because they are untrue, but because he desires people to evaluate him based on his observable conduct and teaching, rather than extraordinary, unverifiable claims. This emphasizes the importance of a leader's character and actions over sensational spiritual narratives.
  • Guarding Against Spiritual Pride: Paul understands the danger of pride, both for himself and for those who might admire him for such visions. His restraint is a deliberate act of humility, preventing others from placing him on a pedestal based on unique spiritual gifts or experiences. This echoes the sentiment found in 1 Corinthians 4:7, "What do you have that you did not receive?"
  • Truthfulness and Integrity: Paul states, "I will say the truth." While he acknowledges the truth of his experiences, his decision to forbear is also an act of integrity. He doesn't want his ministry to be built on an impression that exceeds the reality of his daily life and service, which is what the Corinthians observed.

Linguistic Insights

The word "glory" here comes from the Greek kauchaomai (ฮบฮฑฯ…ฯ‡ฮฌฮฟฮผฮฑฮน), which means "to boast" or "to glory." Paul uses this term frequently in 2 Corinthians, often ironically or to contrast his "boasting" in weakness with the false apostles' boasting in strength. His declaration, "I shall not be a fool" (aphron, แผ„ฯ†ฯฯ‰ฮฝ), indicates that such boasting, while truthful in content, would be unwise or senseless in its effect, fostering an unhealthy perception of him.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson for believers today, particularly those in leadership or public ministry. It teaches us the importance of:

  1. Living Authentically: Our walk should speak louder than our words or extraordinary claims. True spiritual authority and influence stem from consistent character and faithful service, not from sensational experiences or titles.
  2. Cultivating Humility: Even when blessed with unique gifts or experiences, we are called to remain humble. Boasting, even truthfully, can lead to pride and create unhealthy expectations or admiration in others. Paul's example reminds us to direct glory to God alone (1 Corinthians 10:31).
  3. Focusing on the Observable: People should be able to assess our spiritual genuineness by what they "see" us to be and "hear" from us in our daily lives and teachings, rather than being swayed by spiritual anecdotes or perceived status.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 11:16

    ยถ I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:8

    For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:10

    For [his] letters, say they, [are] weighty and powerful; but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, and [his] speech contemptible.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:11

    ยถ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:31

    The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

  • Job 24:25

    And if [it be] not [so] now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?

  • 2 Corinthians 1:18

    But [as] God [is] true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
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