2 Corinthians 11:1
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
Original Language Analysis
ἀνέχεσθέ
bear
G430
ἀνέχεσθέ
bear
Strong's:
G430
Word #:
2 of 10
to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀφροσύνη
in my folly
G877
ἀφροσύνη
in my folly
Strong's:
G877
Word #:
6 of 10
senselessness, i.e., (euphemistically) egotism; (morally) recklessness
ἀλλὰ
indeed
G235
ἀλλὰ
indeed
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:19For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.2 Corinthians 11:4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.2 Corinthians 5:13For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.2 Corinthians 11:21I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
Historical Context
Written around AD 56-57 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth and severe letter. False apostles called 'super-apostles' (11:5) had infiltrated the church, attacking Paul's credentials, demanding financial support, and promoting triumphalistic ministry that valued eloquence, visions, and worldly impressiveness over cruciform weakness.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you had to defend yourself or the gospel in ways that felt uncomfortable or foolish by worldly standards?
- How does Paul's reluctant, self-conscious boasting differ from the confident self-promotion common in modern ministry and leadership?
- What would it look like to adopt Paul's ironic strategy today—boasting in weakness to expose the folly of boasting in strength?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. Paul introduces the 'fool's speech' (aphrosyne, ἀφροσύνη) that will dominate chapters 11-12. The Greek verb anechesthe (ἀνέχεσθε, 'bear with') appears twice—first as wish, then as assertion. Paul must adopt his opponents' foolish boasting strategy to expose its folly.
This ironic request frames what follows: Paul will 'boast' like the false apostles, but his boasting will subvert their entire value system by cataloging weaknesses rather than strengths, sufferings rather than triumphs. The repetition emphasizes both reluctance (he wishes they would tolerate this) and necessity (they must endure it). Paul's self-description as speaking in 'folly' is itself wise—worldly boasting is foolishness, yet he must temporarily adopt it to defend the gospel.
The appeal 'would to God' (ophelon, ὄφελον) expresses strong desire bordering on prayer. Paul's pastoral heart shows through—he hates boasting but loves the Corinthians enough to engage in it for their sake. His self-conscious embarrassment at having to defend himself contrasts sharply with the false apostles' shameless self-promotion.