2 Corinthians 12:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
Γέγονα
I am become
G1096
Γέγονα
I am become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 23
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἄφρων
a fool
G878
ἄφρων
a fool
Strong's:
G878
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὤφειλον
ought
G3784
ὤφειλον
ought
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
9 of 23
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
ὑφ'
of
G5259
ὑφ'
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
10 of 23
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 (
συνίστασθαι·
to have been commended
G4921
συνίστασθαι·
to have been commended
Strong's:
G4921
Word #:
12 of 23
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
οὐδέν
in nothing
G3762
οὐδέν
in nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
13 of 23
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὑστέρησα
am I behind
G5302
ὑστέρησα
am I behind
Strong's:
G5302
Word #:
15 of 23
to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπερ
G5228
ὑπερ
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
17 of 23
"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
ἀποστόλων
apostles
G652
ἀποστόλων
apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
19 of 23
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The "super-apostles" were likely Jewish Christian teachers who came to Corinth with impressive credentials, eloquent speech, and possibly connections to the Jerusalem church. They questioned Paul's legitimacy, forcing the Corinthian congregation to adjudicate. Paul's hurt that they didn't defend him reveals the emotional cost of pastoral ministry among fickle congregations.
Questions for Reflection
- When is self-defense appropriate for Christian leaders, and how does Paul model defending ministry without defending ego?
- How can Paul simultaneously claim equality with the "chiefest apostles" yet insist "I be nothing"—is this contradiction or gospel paradox?
- What does "ye have compelled me" teach about congregations' responsibility to defend faithful pastors against slander?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul concludes his "fool's speech" (begun at 11:1) with gentle rebuke: ye have compelled me—their tolerance of false apostles forced him into self-defense he finds distasteful. The phrase I ought to have been commended of you isn't wounded pride but pastoral correction: the Corinthians should have defended Paul against slanderers, not required him to defend himself.
The contrast is cutting: in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles (tōn hyperlian apostolōn, τῶν ὑπερλίαν ἀποστόλων, "super-apostles"—dripping with sarcasm), though I be nothing (ei kai ouden eimi, εἰ καὶ οὐδέν εἰμι). Paul isn't inferior to the false teachers in credentials they value (visions, eloquence, letters of recommendation), yet in himself he's "nothing"—all ministry flows from Christ, not apostolic résumé.
This verse models the balance between appropriate self-defense (when gospel truth is at stake) and radical humility ("I be nothing"). Paul defends his apostleship not for ego but because rejecting him means rejecting the gospel he proclaims (Galatians 1:8-9).