2 Corinthians 10:9
That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δόξω
I may
G1380
δόξω
I may
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
3 of 10
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
4 of 10
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 10
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Historical Context
Letter-writing was a recognized form of authority in the ancient world. Absent leaders governed through correspondence. Paul's extensive letter-writing ministry (13 canonical epistles) exercised apostolic oversight across multiple congregations. His opponents attempted to delegitimize this by contrasting impressive letters with unimpressive personal presence.
Questions for Reflection
- When is confronting sin through writing (letters, emails, texts) appropriate, and when does it become cowardly avoidance of face-to-face accountability?
- How do you respond when corrective words—whether written or spoken—are dismissed as attempts to 'terrify' rather than received as loving discipline?
- What does Paul's willingness to cause 'godly grief' (7:9-10) teach about the place of discomfort in spiritual growth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters (ἵνα μὴ δόξω ὡς ἂν ἐκφοβεῖν ὑμᾶς διὰ τῶν ἐπιστολῶν)—Ekphobein (ἐκφοβεῖν, "to frighten/terrify") suggests his opponents accused Paul of using harsh letters to intimidate from a safe distance. Paul's "severe letter" (2:3-4, 7:8-12) had caused grief but produced godly repentance. He now defends this—not terrorizing but exercising legitimate apostolic authority to protect the congregation from destructive false teaching.
This verse anticipates the critique in verse 10: Paul's letters are "weighty and powerful" but his presence weak. Paul doesn't deny the charge but reframes it: his letters reflect genuine authority, which will be equally evident in person when necessary. He isn't a coward hiding behind correspondence—he's a patient shepherd giving space for repentance before confronting face-to-face.