2 Corinthians 11:17
That which I speak, I speak [it] not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
That which {G3739} I speak {G2980}, I speak {G2980} it not {G3756} after {G2596} the Lord {G2962}, but {G235} as {G5613} it were foolishly {G1722}{G877}, in {G1722} this {G5026} confidence {G5287} of boasting {G2746}.
What I am saying is not in accordance with the Lord; rather, this conceited boasting is spoken as a fool would speak.
In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool.
That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.
Cross-References
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1 Corinthians 7:12 (6 votes)
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. -
Philippians 3:3 (3 votes)
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. -
Philippians 3:6 (3 votes)
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. -
2 Corinthians 9:4 (3 votes)
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. -
1 Corinthians 7:25 (2 votes)
¶ Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. -
1 Corinthians 7:6 (1 votes)
But I speak this by permission, [and] not of commandment. -
2 Corinthians 11:18 (1 votes)
Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
Commentary
2 Corinthians 11:17 (KJV)
That which I speak, I speak [it] not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
Commentary
This verse is part of a section where the Apostle Paul is reluctantly defending his apostleship against false teachers in Corinth who are undermining his authority and ministry. They likely boasted about their credentials, eloquence, or spiritual experiences, causing the Corinthians to question Paul, who often appeared less impressive by worldly standards.
Paul feels forced to adopt a style of speaking that is contrary to his usual approach and, more importantly, "not after the Lord." This phrase (οὐ κατὰ Κύριον - ou kata Kyrion) means not in accordance with the Lord's usual method, standard, or command. Boasting is generally discouraged for believers (1 Corinthians 1:31, 2 Corinthians 10:17).
He says he speaks "as it were foolishly" (ἀφροσύνῃ - aphrosynē). Worldly boasting is foolishness from God's perspective. Paul is sarcastically adopting the "foolish" posture of his opponents to expose their folly and to defend his legitimate ministry, which they have forced him to do by their own boasting. The phrase "in this confidence of boasting" (ταύτῃ τῇ ὑποστάσει τῆς καυχήσεως - tautē tē hypostasei tēs kauchēseōs) refers to the basis or substance of his boasting – the necessity that compels him to boast.
The key theme is the tension between worldly standards of leadership and spiritual authority versus true, Christ-like humility and strength found in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Paul's "boasting" in the following verses is often about his sufferings and weaknesses for the gospel, which is the opposite of worldly boasting and aligns with boasting in the Lord.
Practically, this reminds us that sometimes circumstances may force us to assert truth or defend ourselves in ways that feel uncomfortable or contrary to our usual humble demeanor. However, our ultimate confidence and basis for standing should always be in Christ, not in our own achievements or merits.
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