2 Corinthians 11:18
Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
Original Language Analysis
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 8
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
4 of 8
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τήν
G3588
τήν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρκα
the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
6 of 8
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
Historical Context
Boasting 'according to flesh' was common in ancient self-commendation letters (periautologia). Politicians, philosophers, and sophists cataloged their accomplishments, ancestry, education, and achievements. The 'super-apostles' likely boasted of Jewish heritage, visions, rhetorical skill, and spiritual experiences. Paul will catalog the opposite—his sufferings for Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What would 'boasting according to flesh' look like in contemporary Christianity—credentials, platforms, influence, numbers?
- How can we adopt worldly forms (like Paul adopting boasting) while subverting worldly content and values?
- In what ways might suffering, weakness, and persecution actually be better credentials for Christian ministry than success and recognition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. Paul's logic: epei polloi kauchaōntai kata sarka (ἐπεὶ πολλοὶ καυχῶνται κατὰ σάρκα, 'since many boast according to flesh'), kagō kauchēsomai (κἀγὼ καυχήσομαι, 'I also will boast'). Kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα, 'according to flesh') means by worldly standards—ancestry, credentials, accomplishments, strength.
The concessive strategy is clear: if you value fleshly boasting, I can play that game. But Paul's coming boast will be ironic—he'll 'boast' of beatings, shipwrecks, stoning, hunger, nakedness, and weakness (vv. 23-33). This inverts kata sarka boasting by presenting sufferings as credentials. The false apostles boast of strength; Paul will boast of weakness. Both use the form of boasting; the content is radically different.
The simple future kauchēsomai (καυχήσομαι, 'I will boast') is emphatic—Paul is committed to this ironic strategy. He will meet his opponents on their chosen battlefield (boasting) but fight by different rules (boasting in weakness rather than strength). This exposes the foolishness of worldly values while defending his apostolic authority.