2 Corinthians 7:14
For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὑπὲρ
of
G5228
ὑπὲρ
of
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
5 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
κατῃσχύνθην
I am
G2617
κατῃσχύνθην
I am
Strong's:
G2617
Word #:
9 of 26
to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
11 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καύχησις
boasting
G2746
καύχησις
boasting
Strong's:
G2746
Word #:
20 of 26
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.2 Corinthians 8:24Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.2 Thessalonians 1:4So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
Historical Context
In Greco-Roman rhetoric, kauchēsis (boasting) was often manipulative—patrons boasted to secure clients' loyalty. Paul's boasting to Titus, however, expressed genuine confidence, not manipulation. When leaders speak truthfully about people's weaknesses and strengths, they empower growth. The Corinthians 'proved' Paul's boasting true by their repentance—a powerful validation of pastoral hope grounded in God's transforming power.
Questions for Reflection
- How do I balance honest confrontation of sin with hopeful affirmation of people's potential in Christ?
- Have I ever 'boasted' about someone's spiritual progress to others, and did it prove true or was I naive?
- What does Paul's unwillingness to be 'ashamed' of his confidence in the Corinthians teach about pastoral loyalty during congregational crises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed—Hoti ei ti autō hyper hymōn kekauchaēmai, ou katēschynthēn (ὅτι εἴ τι αὐτῷ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κεκαύχημαι, οὐ κατῃσχύνθην, "if I have boasted anything to him about you, I was not put to shame"). Kataischynō (καταισχύνω, "to shame/disappoint/humiliate") uses the intensive prefix—Paul's confidence in the Corinthians wasn't naive optimism but prophetic insight. Despite their rebellion, Paul defended their potential to Titus, and they vindicated his faith.
But as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth—All' hōs panta en alētheia elalēsamen hymin, houtōs kai hē kauchēsis hēmōn hē epi Titou alētheia egenēthē (ἀλλ' ὡς πάντα ἐν ἀληθείᾳ ἐλαλήσαμεν ὑμῖν, οὕτως καὶ ἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν ἡ ἐπὶ Τίτου ἀλήθεια ἐγενήθη, "but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved true"). Alētheia (ἀλήθεια, "truth") appears twice—Paul's ministry integrates honest confrontation (speaking truth) with hopeful affirmation (boasting in their potential). Pastoral integrity requires both challenge and encouragement rooted in reality, not flattery or cynicism.