2 Corinthians 12:11

Authorized King James Version

I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Γέγονα

G1096

I am become

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἄφρων

G878

a fool

properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving

καυχώμενος·

G2744

in glorying

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

με

G3165

ἠναγκάσατε

G315

have compelled

to necessitate

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὤφειλον

G3784

ought

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

#10

ὑφ'

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

#11

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

#12

συνίστασθαι·

G4921

to have been commended

to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co

#13

οὐδέν

G3762

in nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#14

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#15

ὑστέρησα

G5302

am I behind

to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)

#16

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ὑπερ

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

#18

λίαν

G3029

the very chiefest

much (adverbially)

#19

ἀποστόλων

G652

apostles

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

#20

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#21

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

οὐδέν

G3762

in nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#23

εἰμι

G1510

I be

i exist (used only when emphatic)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on glory address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?