2 Corinthians 12:16
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
Original Language Analysis
ἔστω
be it so
G2077
ἔστω
be it so
Strong's:
G2077
Word #:
1 of 12
be thou; also ??????? <pronunciation strongs="es'-to-san"/>, third person of the same; let them be
ἀλλ'
nevertheless
G235
ἀλλ'
nevertheless
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὑπάρχων
being
G5225
ὑπάρχων
being
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
8 of 12
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
Historical Context
The collection for Jerusalem saints (Romans 15:25-27, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8-9) was a significant financial undertaking. Paul's opponents apparently suggested this was a scam—Paul would pocket the funds. This accusation was particularly vicious because it turned Paul's generous initiative (uniting Gentile and Jewish believers through shared resources) into evidence of greed.
Questions for Reflection
- How should ministers respond when both action and inaction are twisted into accusations—taking support proves greed; refusing support proves manipulation?
- What does this false accusation teach about the impossibility of satisfying critics determined to find fault regardless of behavior?
- How can contemporary church leaders maintain financial transparency to answer charges of "craftiness" in handling congregational funds?
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Analysis & Commentary
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Paul quotes his opponents' accusation: while he didn't take money directly (avoiding the "burden"), he allegedly used guile (dolos, δόλος, "deceit," "trickery") to extract funds indirectly—perhaps through the Jerusalem collection (chapters 8-9) or through Titus and other co-workers. The charge: Paul's financial independence was a deceptive front while he secretly manipulated Corinthians through subordinates.
The phrase being crafty (panougos, πανοῦργος) means "cunning," "unscrupulous"—the same word the serpent uses in Genesis 3:1 LXX. The accusation is serious: Paul is satanically deceptive, pretending selflessness while orchestrating financial exploitation through intermediaries. This shows how comprehensively his opponents attacked his character: if he takes money, he's greedy; if he refuses money, he's manipulative.
Paul's strategy is transparent quotation ("But be it so...") followed by refutation (vv. 17-18). By voicing the accusation directly, he demonstrates its absurdity and prepares to dismantle it with evidence of Titus and others' integrity.