2 Corinthians 11:6
But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδιώτης
I be rude
G2399
ἰδιώτης
I be rude
Strong's:
G2399
Word #:
4 of 18
a private person, i.e., (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot")
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγῳ
in speech
G3056
λόγῳ
in speech
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
6 of 18
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γνώσει
in knowledge
G1108
γνώσει
in knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
10 of 18
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
φανερωθέντες
made manifest
G5319
φανερωθέντες
made manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
14 of 18
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Ephesians 3:4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)1 Corinthians 1:17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.2 Corinthians 4:2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.1 Corinthians 2:13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.2 Corinthians 5:11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.2 Corinthians 10:10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.2 Corinthians 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.2 Corinthians 7:2Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture prized rhetorical skill highly. Sophists commanded enormous fees for teaching oratory. The Corinthian church, influenced by this cultural value, measured Paul against professional orators and found him wanting. Paul deliberately avoided rhetorical manipulation to let the gospel's power speak (1 Cor 2:1-5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemporary Christianity sometimes value eloquence, charisma, and stage presence over biblical knowledge and godly character?
- In what ways might emphasis on professional ministry training and communication skills inadvertently devalue Spirit-empowered but less polished servants?
- How can we discern whether a speaker's effectiveness comes from rhetorical manipulation or the Spirit's power accompanying truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge: but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. Paul concedes the charge leveled against him: idiōtēs tō logō (ἰδιώτης τῷ λόγῳ, 'unskilled/untrained in speech'). He was no polished Greco-Roman orator like Apollos (1 Cor 2:1-5; 2 Cor 10:10). His opponents valued rhetorical sophistication; Paul valued gospel truth.
Yet not in knowledge (ou tē gnōsei, οὐ τῇ γνώσει)—Paul possessed the true knowledge of Christ and the gospel mysteries revealed by the Spirit. The contrast is crucial: eloquence without truth is empty; truth clumsily expressed is still powerful (1 Cor 1:17-25). The Corinthians prized speech; God prizes substance.
The perfect passive phanerōthentes (φανερωθέντες, 'having been made manifest') asserts that Paul's ministry among them demonstrated genuine apostolic authority through changed lives, not impressive rhetoric. In all things (en pasin, ἐν πᾶσιν) emphasizes comprehensive validation—signs, wonders, endurance, Christ-like character, sacrificial love.