2 Corinthians 11:16
I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
Original Language Analysis
Πάλιν
again
G3825
Πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 21
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μήγε
no
G3361
μήγε
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δόξῃ
Let
G1380
δόξῃ
Let
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
6 of 21
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ἄφρονα
a fool
G878
ἄφρονα
a fool
Strong's:
G878
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving
μήγε
no
G3361
μήγε
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἄφρονα
a fool
G878
ἄφρονα
a fool
Strong's:
G878
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving
δέξασθέ
receive
G1209
δέξασθέ
receive
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
15 of 21
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:1Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.2 Corinthians 12:6For 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.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture valued self-promotion highly. Sophists, politicians, and philosophers boasted of their accomplishments, ancestry, and credentials. The 'super-apostles' adopted this cultural practice. Paul must temporarily enter their arena to expose its foolishness, yet he does so with evident discomfort that marks his difference from them.
Questions for Reflection
- When might it be necessary to 'play the fool' and defend yourself or your ministry, even though you find self-promotion distasteful?
- How does Paul's self-conscious discomfort with boasting differ from the confident self-promotion common in modern ministry and leadership?
- In what ways might we need to meet people on their own terms while ultimately subverting their value system?
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Analysis & Commentary
I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. Paul returns to the 'fool's speech' after the digression on false apostles. The repetition palin legō (πάλιν λέγω, 'I say again') echoes verse 1. Mē tis me doxē aphrona einai (μή τίς με δόξῃ ἄφρονα εἶναι, 'let no one think me foolish') acknowledges that worldly boasting is foolishness—but circumstances require it.
Ei de mē ge (εἰ δὲ μή γε, 'if otherwise/but if indeed') introduces a concession: even if you consider my self-defense foolish, as a fool receive me (kan hōs aphrona dexasthe me, κἂν ὡς ἄφρονα δέξασθέ με)—tolerate it because necessity demands it. The purpose clause hina kagō mikron ti kauchēsōmai (ἵνα κἀγὼ μικρόν τι καυχήσωμαι, 'that I also may boast a little') is dripping with irony given the extensive catalog of sufferings to follow.
Paul's self-consciousness about boasting reveals his pastoral sensitivity. He knows he's playing the fool's game, but he must expose the foolishness of worldly boasting by temporarily adopting it. His 'little' boasting will actually be extensive (11:21b-12:10), but it will subvert rather than confirm worldly values by boasting in weakness rather than strength.