2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Original Language Analysis
Αὐτὸς
myself
G846
Αὐτὸς
myself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
4 of 25
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
παρακαλῶ
beseech
G3870
παρακαλῶ
beseech
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
5 of 25
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 25
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιεικείας
gentleness
G1932
ἐπιεικείας
gentleness
Strong's:
G1932
Word #:
11 of 25
suitableness, i.e., (by implication) equity, mildness
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κατὰ
in
G2596
κατὰ
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
15 of 25
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πρόσωπον
presence
G4383
πρόσωπον
presence
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
16 of 25
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
μὲν
am base
G3303
μὲν
am base
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
17 of 25
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ταπεινὸς
G5011
ταπεινὸς
Strong's:
G5011
Word #:
18 of 25
depressed, i.e., (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition)
Cross References
Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.2 Corinthians 10:10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.Galatians 5:2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.1 Corinthians 2:3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.2 Corinthians 11:30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
Historical Context
Written from Macedonia (AD 55-56), this letter addresses ongoing opposition to Paul's authority in Corinth. His opponents—likely Judaizing teachers claiming superior apostolic credentials—contrasted Paul's unimpressive physical presence with their own eloquence. In Greco-Roman culture, rhetorical skill and commanding presence signaled authority; Paul's weakness appeared to discredit his message.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's appeal to Christ's 'meekness and gentleness' challenge worldly models of leadership that value forcefulness over humility?
- When have you mistaken someone's gentleness for weakness, or conversely, confused harshness with strength?
- What would change in church leadership if we measured authority by Christlike meekness rather than commanding presence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς διὰ τῆς πραΰτητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—Paul begins this defense of his apostleship by grounding his appeal in Christ's character, not his own authority. Prautēs (πραΰτης, "meekness") denotes strength under control, while epieikeia (ἐπιείκεια, "gentleness") suggests forbearance and reasonableness. These qualities characterized Christ's earthly ministry (Matthew 11:29) and must mark authentic apostolic leadership.
Who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you—Paul quotes his critics' accusation ironically. They claimed he was tapeinos (ταπεινός, "humble/lowly") in person but bold at a distance. Paul will turn this perceived weakness into proof of Christlike ministry. The "super-apostles" (11:5) valued impressive rhetoric and commanding presence; Paul embodied cruciform leadership—power perfected in weakness (12:9).