2 Corinthians 12:19
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
Original Language Analysis
Πάλιν
Again
G3825
Πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 19
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
δοκεῖτε
think ye
G1380
δοκεῖτε
think ye
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
2 of 19
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀπολογούμεθα
we excuse ourselves
G626
ἀπολογούμεθα
we excuse ourselves
Strong's:
G626
Word #:
5 of 19
to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e., exculpate (self)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
16 of 19
"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
Cross References
Romans 9:1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,1 Corinthians 14:26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.2 Corinthians 10:8For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:1 Corinthians 10:14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Historical Context
Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul balances firm rebuke with pastoral affection (see 6:11-13, 7:2-4). The Corinthians needed correction but also reassurance of Paul's love. By clarifying that his defense serves their edification (not his ego), Paul models how to confront error without abandoning love—speaking truth for people, not just to them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does "we speak before God in Christ" reframe ministry communication—not as rhetoric to persuade audiences but as transparent speech accountable to God?
- What's the difference between self-defense for ego protection versus self-defense for congregational edification—how do motives transform identical words?
- Why does Paul call them "dearly beloved" even while rebuking their gullibility and disloyalty—how does pastoral affection survive congregational betrayal?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. Paul anticipates misunderstanding: his self-defense (chapters 10-12) might seem like excuse ourselves (apologoumetha, ἀπολογούμεθα, "making defense," "apologizing")—mere self-justification. He corrects this: we speak before God in Christ (katenanti theou en Christō laloumen, κατενάντι θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ λαλοῦμεν)—his audience isn't ultimately the Corinthians but God; his context is in Christ (union with Christ, accountability to Christ).
This reframes everything: Paul's "fool's speech" wasn't to win arguments or salvage reputation but for your edifying (hyper tēs hymōn oikodoumēs, ὑπὲρ τῆς ὑμῶν οἰκοδομῆς). The Greek oikodoumē means "building up," "spiritual construction." Paul's defense serves the Corinthians' spiritual growth: if they reject him, they reject the gospel; if they embrace false apostles, they embrace a counterfeit Christ (11:4). So defending his ministry is edifying them by protecting them from deception.
The address dearly beloved (agapētoi, ἀγαπητοί) is tender—despite their waywardness, Paul still loves them. Ministry isn't about winning debates but about loving people toward maturity in Christ.