2 Corinthians 11:19
For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀνέχεσθε
ye suffer
G430
ἀνέχεσθε
ye suffer
Strong's:
G430
Word #:
3 of 7
to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀφρόνων
fools
G878
ἀφρόνων
fools
Strong's:
G878
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:10We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.1 Corinthians 8:1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.1 Corinthians 10:15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church's location in a sophisticated commercial center and their attraction to eloquent teachers like Apollos (1 Cor 1:12; 3:4) fostered intellectual pride. They valued Greek philosophical wisdom (sophia) and rhetorical skill (logos) over the 'foolishness' of the cross (1 Cor 1:18-23). This cultural captivity made them vulnerable to impressive-sounding false teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- How does intellectual pride or attraction to sophisticated-sounding teaching make churches vulnerable to false teachers today?
- In what ways might valuing education, eloquence, and cultural relevance actually work against discerning biblical truth?
- When has your supposed wisdom actually been foolishness—embracing what sounds smart while rejecting simple gospel truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. Paul's biting sarcasm targets the Corinthians' intellectual pride. Hēdeōs gar anechesthe tōn aphronōn (ἡδέως γὰρ ἀνέχεσθε τῶν ἀφρόνων, 'gladly you tolerate the foolish') describes their embrace of the false apostles' boasting. Phronimoi ontes (φρόνιμοι ὄντες, 'being wise/sensible') is heavy irony—they think themselves sophisticated.
The Corinthian church's supposed wisdom (cf. 1 Cor 1:18-25; 3:18-20) made them gullible to false teachers. They prized eloquence, credentials, and philosophical sophistication—exactly what the 'super-apostles' offered. Their intellectual pride blinded them to the difference between worldly wisdom and gospel truth. They tolerated fools gladly while questioning the truly wise apostle.
The irony cuts deeply: truly wise people would reject foolish boasting; the fact that the Corinthians embrace it proves they're not as wise as they think. Their tolerance of the false apostles' self-promotion while resisting Paul's necessary self-defense reveals inverted values—they call evil good and good evil (Isa 5:20).