2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρὼν
when I was present
G3918
παρὼν
when I was present
Strong's:
G3918
Word #:
2 of 28
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 28
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑστερηθεὶς
wanted
G5302
ὑστερηθεὶς
wanted
Strong's:
G5302
Word #:
6 of 28
to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
κατενάρκησα
chargeable
G2655
κατενάρκησα
chargeable
Strong's:
G2655
Word #:
8 of 28
to grow utterly torpid, i.e., (by implication) slothful (figuratively, expensive)
οὐδενός·
to no man
G3762
οὐδενός·
to no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 28
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 28
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὶ
the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
16 of 28
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἐλθόντες
which came
G2064
ἐλθόντες
which came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
17 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
18 of 28
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀβαρῆ
from being burdensome
G4
ἀβαρῆ
from being burdensome
Strong's:
G4
Word #:
23 of 28
weightless, i.e., (figuratively) not burdensome
ἐμαυτὸν
myself
G1683
ἐμαυτὸν
myself
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
25 of 28
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
τηρήσω
so will I keep
G5083
τηρήσω
so will I keep
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
26 of 28
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.1 Thessalonians 2:9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
Historical Context
Paul's tentmaking trade (Acts 18:3) allowed him to support himself while planting churches. The arrival of Silas and Timothy with financial support from Macedonia (Acts 18:5) enabled him to devote himself fully to preaching. Yet he continued refusing Corinthian support to maintain his distinctive witness against the mercenary false teachers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's willingness to experience want rather than compromise his witness challenge modern expectations of ministerial comfort?
- In what situations might accepting or refusing financial support be strategically important for gospel credibility?
- What motivates your ministry—the people you serve or the support you receive? How would you know the difference?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. Paul's determination appears in the perfect tense katenarekēsa (κατενάρκησα, 'I was burdensome') negated—and future tērēsō (τηρήσω, 'I will keep').
Hysterētheis (ὑστερηθείς, 'being in want/need') acknowledges Paul experienced genuine material lack while in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). Yet rather than burden the Corinthians, he worked with his hands and accepted help from the brethren which came from Macedonia (likely Silas and Timothy, Acts 18:5, bringing the Philippian gift, Phil 4:15).
The emphatic in all things (en panti, ἐν παντί) and so will I keep myself shows Paul's unwavering commitment to financial independence from the Corinthians. This wasn't ascetic self-sufficiency but strategic gospel defense. His policy prevented false apostles from claiming he was in it for money and demonstrated that true apostolic ministry serves rather than exploits.