2 Corinthians 11:20
For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
Original Language Analysis
ἀνέχεσθε
ye suffer
G430
ἀνέχεσθε
ye suffer
Strong's:
G430
Word #:
1 of 21
to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κατεσθίει
devour
G2719
κατεσθίει
devour
Strong's:
G2719
Word #:
9 of 21
to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Galatians 2:4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:Galatians 4:3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.2 Corinthians 1:24Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
Historical Context
The false apostles apparently established authoritarian control, demanded financial support, promoted themselves shamelessly, and treated the Corinthians with contempt. Ancient rhetoric valued powerful, dominating speakers. The Corinthians, influenced by this cultural value, mistook abuse for authority and service for weakness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do contemporary Christians sometimes tolerate spiritual abuse, financial exploitation, or authoritarian control from charismatic leaders?
- Why might people submit to domineering leaders while resisting servant-hearted pastors—what cultural values create this inversion?
- What are warning signs that a Christian leader is 'devouring' rather than serving, 'exalting himself' rather than Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. Paul's fivefold catalog of the Corinthians' submission to abuse is devastating. Each ei (εἰ, 'if') clause describes what they tolerate from false apostles while rejecting Paul's loving service. The repetition of tis (τις, 'someone/a man') emphasizes the agents of abuse.
Bring you into bondage (katadouloi, καταδουλοῖ)—enslaving them to legalistic requirements or human authority. Devour you (katesthiei, κατεσθίει)—consuming their resources like predators. Take of you (lambanei, λαμβάνει)—seizing what belongs to them. Exalt himself (epairetai, ἐπαίρεται)—arrogantly promoting himself. Smite you on the face (eis prosōpon derei, εἰς πρόσωπον δέρει)—insulting and humiliating them.
The verbs progress from spiritual enslavement through financial exploitation to personal abuse. This is what the Corinthians 'gladly tolerate' from impressive false teachers while questioning Paul who enslaved himself to serve them freely. The tragic irony: they submit to tyranny disguised as authority while resisting genuine apostolic care.