2 Corinthians 11:17
That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
That which
G3739
ὃ
That which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
κύριον
the Lord
G2962
κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
8 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀφροσύνῃ
G877
ἀφροσύνῃ
Strong's:
G877
Word #:
10 of 16
senselessness, i.e., (euphemistically) egotism; (morally) recklessness
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
12 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑποστάσει
confidence
G5287
ὑποστάσει
confidence
Strong's:
G5287
Word #:
14 of 16
a setting under (support), i.e., (figuratively) concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance (objectively or subjectively)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:12But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.2 Corinthians 9:4Lest 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.
Historical Context
Jewish culture valued humility (Prov 27:2), while Greco-Roman culture valued self-promotion. Paul navigates between these cultures, adopting Gentile methods temporarily while maintaining Jewish-Christian values. His disclaimer protects against canonizing boasting while permitting necessary self-defense in extreme circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between necessary self-defense and ungodly self-promotion—where is the line?
- In what circumstances might we need to adopt cultural methods we personally find distasteful for strategic gospel purposes?
- How does Paul's self-awareness and disclaimer about speaking 'foolishly' model healthy self-examination for Christian leaders?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Paul's disclaimer is crucial: ho lalō, ou kata kyrion lalō (ὃ λαλῶ, οὐ κατὰ κύριον λαλῶ, 'what I speak, I speak not according to the Lord'). This is not divine revelation but strategic irony. Kata kyrion (κατὰ κύριον) means 'in accordance with the Lord's manner/command'—Jesus didn't boast but humbled himself (Phil 2:6-8).
But as it were foolishly (all' hōs en aphrosynē, ἀλλ᾽ ὡς ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ) acknowledges the worldly foolishness of self-promotion. In this confidence of boasting (en tautē tē hypostasei tēs kauchēseōs, ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ ὑποστάσει τῆς καυχήσεως) describes entering the arena of confident self-praise that characterizes worldly rhetoric and the false apostles.
Paul's careful distinction between apostolic teaching ('according to the Lord') and strategic irony ('as foolishly') prevents misunderstanding. He's not claiming divine sanction for boasting itself but for the ironic strategy of boasting in weakness to expose the folly of boasting in strength. His self-awareness contrasts sharply with the false apostles' shameless self-promotion.