2 Corinthians 9:4
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 22
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔλθωσιν
come
G2064
ἔλθωσιν
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
4 of 22
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
Μακεδόνες
they of Macedonia
G3110
Μακεδόνες
they of Macedonia
Strong's:
G3110
Word #:
6 of 22
a macedon (macedonian), i.e., inhabitant of macedonia
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταισχυνθῶμεν
should be ashamed
G2617
καταισχυνθῶμεν
should be ashamed
Strong's:
G2617
Word #:
11 of 22
to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush
μή
G3361
μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
λέγωμεν
we say
G3004
λέγωμεν
we say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑποστάσει
confident
G5287
ὑποστάσει
confident
Strong's:
G5287
Word #:
19 of 22
a setting under (support), i.e., (figuratively) concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance (objectively or subjectively)
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
20 of 22
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Historical Context
Honor-shame dynamics dominated Greco-Roman culture far more than modern Western guilt-innocence cultures. Public disgrace could destroy social standing, business relationships, and community influence. Paul's gentle threat of "shame" before Macedonian witnesses would powerfully motivate action. Yet he redeems this cultural value: shame is reoriented from peer approval to covenant faithfulness and Christ's honor (10:17-18).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the presence of witnesses affect your faithfulness to commitments—and should it?
- When has fear of disappointing others (whether healthy or unhealthy) motivated your obedience?
- How do you balance appropriate concern for reputation with freedom from people-pleasing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me—Paul plans to travel with Macedonian delegates who will witness Corinth's response. And find you unprepared (εὕρωμεν ὑμᾶς ἀπαρασκευάστους) uses the negated form of the readiness word from v. 2-3: from paraskeuazō (prepared) to aparaskeuastos (unprepared). The irony is stark: those Paul praised for readiness might be found unready.
We (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed (καταισχυνθῶμεν ἡμεῖς, ἵνα μὴ λέγωμεν ὑμεῖς) reveals Paul's pastoral delicacy. The verb kataischynō (καταισχύνω) means "put to shame, disgrace, humiliate." Paul says he ("we") would be embarrassed—having boasted of them—but the parenthetical "that we say not, ye" hints that Corinthians themselves would bear the greater shame. This tactful construction spares their feelings while making the point.
In this same confident boasting (ἐν τῇ ὑποστάσει ταύτῃ τῆς καυχήσεως)—hypostasis (ὑπόστασις) means "confidence, assurance, substantial reality." Paul's boasting wasn't empty rhetoric but confident assertion based on their commitment. Failure to perform would make that confidence groundless.