2 Corinthians 11:12
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
what
G3739
ᾧ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ποιήσω
I do
G4160
ποιήσω
I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιήσω
I do
G4160
ποιήσω
I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀφορμήν
occasion
G874
ἀφορμήν
occasion
Strong's:
G874
Word #:
9 of 20
a starting-point, i.e., (figuratively) an opportunity
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θελόντων
from them which desire
G2309
θελόντων
from them which desire
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
11 of 20
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἀφορμήν
occasion
G874
ἀφορμήν
occasion
Strong's:
G874
Word #:
12 of 20
a starting-point, i.e., (figuratively) an opportunity
ᾧ
what
G3739
ᾧ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
The false apostles' demand for financial support was likely defended by appealing to Jesus's teaching that laborers deserve their wages (Luke 10:7; cf. 1 Cor 9:14). Paul affirmed this right (1 Cor 9:3-12) but voluntarily forewent it in Corinth for strategic reasons. The false teachers wanted to eliminate this distinction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does our conduct sometimes remove (or provide) excuses for those who would distort the gospel or exploit God's people?
- In what ways might Christian leaders' lifestyles and compensation packages either support or undermine their message and witness?
- What strategic decisions might we need to make, even involving personal sacrifice, to expose false teaching and protect Christ's flock?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. Paul's resolve intensifies: ho de poiō kai poiēsō (ὃ δὲ ποιῶ καὶ ποιήσω, 'what I do, I will also do'). Present and future tenses underscore unwavering commitment to financial independence. The purpose: ekopsō tēn aphormēn (ἐκόψω τὴν ἀφορμήν, 'I may cut off the opportunity/pretext').
Aphormē (ἀφορμή) means 'base of operations, opportunity, pretext.' The false apostles wanted to claim equality with Paul: 'We serve for pay just like Paul!' His refusal of support removed their excuse. That wherein they glory, they may be found even as we exposes their strategy—they wanted Paul to accept support so they could justify their own mercenary approach by pointing to his example.
Paul's tactical brilliance appears here: by maintaining financial independence, he forced the false teachers into the open. If they claimed apostolic authority equal to Paul's, they should serve freely as he did. Their demand for payment while Paul worked exposed their greed. This is spiritual warfare through modeling rather than mere argument.