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.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
you that I may not
G3361
μὴ
you that I may not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
παρὼν
when I am present
G3918
παρὼν
when I am present
Strong's:
G3918
Word #:
5 of 20
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾗ
wherewith
G3739
ᾗ
wherewith
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λογιζομένους
I think
G3049
λογιζομένους
I think
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
10 of 20
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
τολμῆσαι
to be bold
G5111
τολμῆσαι
to be bold
Strong's:
G5111
Word #:
11 of 20
to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous
ἐπί
against
G1909
ἐπί
against
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λογιζομένους
I think
G3049
λογιζομένους
I think
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
15 of 20
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
17 of 20
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
18 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.2 Corinthians 13:2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
Historical Context
Corinth prized sophistic rhetoric, philosophical eloquence, and displays of wisdom. Paul's deliberate rejection of such methods (1 Cor 2:1-5) was misinterpreted as lack of ability or confidence. His opponents likely boasted superior credentials, impressive speaking ability, and perhaps miraculous signs to validate their authority.
Questions for Reflection
- What fleshly methods are you tempted to employ when spiritual weapons seem too slow or ineffective?
- How can you distinguish between godly boldness (Spirit-empowered confrontation of sin) and fleshly aggression?
- When others misinterpret your Spirit-led gentleness as weakness, how do you resist the urge to prove yourself by worldly means?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence (τὸ μὴ παρὼν θαρρῆσαι)—Paul hopes to avoid confrontation but will not shrink from it if necessary. Tharrēsai (θαρρῆσαι, "to be bold/confident") appears four times in this chapter (vv. 1-2, 7), showing the tension between pastoral gentleness and apostolic authority.
Which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh (κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας)—His opponents accused him of operating by fleshly methods—worldly wisdom, manipulation, or cowardice. Paul will demonstrate that his warfare is spiritual (kata sarka vs. kata pneuma), his weapons divine (v. 4), and his authority from God, not human credentials. The contrast between "walking" (daily conduct) and "warring" (v. 3) shows the comprehensive spiritual nature of apostolic ministry.