2 Corinthians 10:11
Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
Original Language Analysis
λογιζέσθω
Let
G3049
λογιζέσθω
Let
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
2 of 17
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιοῦτοι
such
G5108
τοιοῦτοι
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
4 of 17
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἷοί
such as
G3634
οἷοί
such as
Strong's:
G3634
Word #:
6 of 17
such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγῳ
in word
G3056
λόγῳ
in word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
9 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοιοῦτοι
such
G5108
τοιοῦτοι
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
13 of 17
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
καὶ
will we be also
G2532
καὶ
will we be also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρόντες
when we are present
G3918
παρόντες
when we are present
Strong's:
G3918
Word #:
15 of 17
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:20For 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:2 Corinthians 13:10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Historical Context
Accusations of inconsistency were serious in the ancient world—integrity required alignment between public and private, absent and present behavior. Paul's opponents suggested he was all talk, no action. He refutes this: his apostolic authority will be exercised forcefully in person if the situation requires it (cf. his confrontation of Peter in Gal 2:11-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How can you ensure your private convictions and public actions align—avoiding the hypocrisy of being bold at a distance but cowardly in person?
- When is patient forbearance wise pastoral care, and when does it become failure to confront sin decisively?
- What does Paul's consistency between words and deeds teach about integrity in Christian leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present (τοῦτο λογιζέσθω ὁ τοιοῦτος, ὅτι οἷοί ἐσμεν τῷ λόγῳ δι' ἐπιστολῶν ἀπόντες, τοιοῦτοι καὶ παρόντες τῷ ἔργῳ)—Logizesthō (λογιζέσθω, "let him reckon/consider") is imperatival: Paul commands sober reflection. Logos (λόγῳ, "word") by letters will match ergō (ἔργῳ, "deed") in person. Paul isn't two-faced—bold at a distance, timid face-to-face. His written authority will be enforced in person if repentance doesn't occur.
This warns both the congregation and the false teachers: Paul's patience shouldn't be mistaken for weakness. He prefers gentle persuasion but will exercise apostolic discipline when necessary (13:2, 10). The consistency between letters and presence proves integrity—his authority derives from Christ, not rhetorical manipulation or personal charisma.