2 Corinthians 12:20

Authorized King James Version

For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
φοβοῦμαι
G5399
I fear
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
μήπως
G3381
lest
lest somehow
#4
ἐλθὼν
G2064
when I come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
οἷον
G3634
such as
such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so
#7
θέλετε·
G2309
I would
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#8
εὑρεθῶ
G2147
I shall
to find (literally or figuratively)
#9
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#10
κἀγὼ
G2504
and that I
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
#11
εὑρεθῶ
G2147
I shall
to find (literally or figuratively)
#12
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#13
οἷον
G3634
such as
such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so
#14
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
θέλετε·
G2309
I would
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#16
μήπως
G3381
lest
lest somehow
#17
ἔρεις
G2054
there be debates
a quarrel, i.e., (by implication) wrangling
#18
ζῆλοι,
G2205
envyings
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
#19
θυμοί
G2372
wraths
passion (as if breathing hard)
#20
ἐριθείαι
G2052
strifes
properly, intrigue, i.e., (by implication) faction
#21
καταλαλιαί
G2636
backbitings
defamation
#22
ψιθυρισμοί
G5587
whisperings
whispering, i.e., secret detraction
#23
φυσιώσεις
G5450
swellings
inflation, i.e., (figuratively) haughtiness
#24
ἀκαταστασίαι·
G181
tumults
instability, i.e., disorder

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection