2 Corinthians 5:12
For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
3 of 23
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
4 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
συνιστάνομεν
we commend
G4921
συνιστάνομεν
we commend
Strong's:
G4921
Word #:
5 of 23
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἀφορμὴν
occasion
G874
ἀφορμὴν
occasion
Strong's:
G874
Word #:
8 of 23
a starting-point, i.e., (figuratively) an opportunity
διδόντες
give
G1325
διδόντες
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
9 of 23
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καυχήματος
to glory
G2745
καυχήματος
to glory
Strong's:
G2745
Word #:
11 of 23
a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense
ὑπὲρ
behalf
G5228
ὑπὲρ
behalf
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
12 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
ἔχητε
ye may have
G2192
ἔχητε
ye may have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
15 of 23
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πρὸς
somewhat to
G4314
πρὸς
somewhat to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
16 of 23
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσώπῳ
appearance
G4383
προσώπῳ
appearance
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
19 of 23
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
καυχωμένους
answer them which glory
G2744
καυχωμένους
answer them which glory
Strong's:
G2744
Word #:
20 of 23
to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
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
Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:1Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?2 Corinthians 1:14As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus.2 Corinthians 10:18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture was intensely competitive, valuing rhetorical skill, impressive presence, and patronage networks. The "super-apostles" (11:5) likely excelled in these areas. Paul's weakness—physical unimpressiveness (10:10), refusal of patronage (11:7-12), suffering (11:23-29)—seemed to disqualify him. Paul inverts cultural values: God's power perfected in weakness (12:9-10).
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to boast in outward appearance (achievements, status, image) rather than heart transformation?
- How do you evaluate ministry and spiritual leaders—by cultural impressiveness or by internal spiritual fruit?
- Can you rejoice in weakness and suffering as authenticating marks of genuine ministry, or do you still crave visible success?
Analysis & Commentary
For we commend not ourselves again unto you—Paul addresses recurring accusations that he engages in self-promotion (heautous synistanom en, ἑαυτοὺς συνιστάνομεν, "we are commending ourselves"). His opponents apparently brought letters of recommendation (3:1) and boasted in credentials. Paul rejects self-commendation as ministry mode.
But give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart—Aphormēn didontes hymin kaucēmatos hyper hēmōn (ἀφορμὴν διδόντες ὑμῖν καυχήματος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, "giving you opportunity for boasting on our behalf"). Paul provides ammunition for the Corinthians to defend him against critics. The contrast: tous en prosōpō kauchōmenous kai mē en kardia (τοὺς ἐν προσώπῳ καυχωμένους καὶ μὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ, "those boasting in face/appearance and not in heart"). Prosōpon (πρόσωπον) means outward appearance—eloquence, presence, status. Kardia (καρδία, "heart") represents internal reality—genuine transformation, authentic motives.
This distinction permeates 2 Corinthians: outward suffering versus inward renewal (4:16), earthly body versus heavenly dwelling (5:1-4), sight versus faith (5:7). Paul stakes authenticity on invisible realities the Spirit produces, not visible credentials culture values.