2 Corinthians 12:6
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
though
G1437
ἐὰν
though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θελήσω
I would desire
G2309
θελήσω
I would desire
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
3 of 26
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἄφρων
a fool
G878
ἄφρων
a fool
Strong's:
G878
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐρῶ·
I will say
G2046
ἐρῶ·
I will say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
10 of 26
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
φείδομαι
now I forbear
G5339
φείδομαι
now I forbear
Strong's:
G5339
Word #:
11 of 26
to be chary of, i.e., (subjectively) to abstain or (objectively) to treat leniently
μή
lest
G3361
μή
lest
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
of
G1519
εἰς
of
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
λογίσηται
should think
G3049
λογίσηται
should think
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
17 of 26
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
ὑπὲρ
above
G5228
ὑπὲρ
above
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
18 of 26
"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
ὃ
that which
G3739
ὃ
that which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:16I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.2 Corinthians 11:31The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.2 Corinthians 12:11I 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.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture prized rhetorical self-promotion; philosophers and sophists built reputations on dramatic conversion stories and divine encounters. Paul's refusal to exploit his paradise vision—though it would "win" the argument with false apostles—demonstrates that gospel ministry operates by completely different values: humility, weakness, and transparent accountability to observable fruit rather than marketed credentials.
Questions for Reflection
- How can even truthful claims about spiritual experiences become "foolish" if they cause people to evaluate ministry by wrong standards?
- What's the difference between credibility based on "what you see and hear" in present ministry versus credibility based on past dramatic experiences?
- In what ways might contemporary Christian culture pressure leaders to "not forbear"—to market their spiritual experiences despite Paul's example?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. Paul insists that boasting in the paradise vision wouldn't be aphron (ἄφρων, "foolish")—because it's objectively true ("I will say the truth")—yet he forbears (pheidomai, φείδομαι, "I spare," "I refrain") precisely because factual boasting still produces wrong evaluation.
The pastoral wisdom is profound: even true claims can mislead if they cause people to think of me above that which he seeth me to be. Paul wants judgment based on observable reality—his ministry marked by suffering (11:23-29), his physical presence "weak" and speech "contemptible" (10:10). Spectacular past visions don't define present ministry; cruciform weakness does.
This verse strikes at Christian celebrity culture: Paul could legitimately promote his extraordinary experiences (they're true!), but refuses because it would create false impressions. Ministry credibility rests on what people see (observable fruit, Christlike character) and hear (gospel proclamation), not marketing mystical résumés.