2 Corinthians 12:13
For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
Original Language Analysis
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὃ
wherein
G3739
ὃ
wherein
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡττήθητε
ye were inferior
G2274
ἡττήθητε
ye were inferior
Strong's:
G2274
Word #:
5 of 22
to make worse, i.e., vanquish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to rate lower
ὑπὲρ
to
G5228
ὑπὲρ
to
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
6 of 22
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίας
churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίας
churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
9 of 22
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὅτι
it be that
G3754
ὅτι
it be that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτὸς
myself
G846
αὐτὸς
myself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κατενάρκησα
burdensome
G2655
κατενάρκησα
burdensome
Strong's:
G2655
Word #:
16 of 22
to grow utterly torpid, i.e., (by implication) slothful (figuratively, expensive)
χαρίσασθέ
forgive
G5483
χαρίσασθέ
forgive
Strong's:
G5483
Word #:
18 of 22
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.1 Corinthians 9:6Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?2 Corinthians 12:14Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture operated on patronage: benefactors supported clients who provided honor and services in return. Refusing patronage could signal social rejection. Paul's tentmaking self-support (Acts 18:3) allowed ministry independence but violated social expectations. The "super-apostles" likely accepted payment, appearing more legitimate by cultural standards—exposing how gospel ministry subverts worldly systems.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's financial independence model ministry freedom, even when congregations misinterpret it as lack of care or authority?
- In what ways do contemporary Christians wrongly equate "professional ministry" (paid, full-time) with "legitimate ministry," echoing the Corinthians' error?
- What does Paul's sarcasm ("forgive me this wrong") teach about using irony to expose absurd accusations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. Paul's irony cuts deep: the only way Corinth was "inferior" to other churches was his refusal to accept financial support—which they somehow twisted into evidence of second-class apostleship. The phrase I myself was not burdensome recalls 11:9 where Paul explains he was supported by Macedonian churches, not Corinth, to avoid any accusation of greed.
The sarcastic plea forgive me this wrong (charisasthe moi tēn adikian tautēn, χαρίσασθέ μοι τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην) exposes the absurdity: Paul's generosity (offering the gospel free, 1 Corinthians 9:18) was perceived as insult. Perhaps the Corinthians' patron-client culture interpreted refusing financial support as rejection of relationship, or false apostles suggested Paul knew he wasn't a real apostle, hence didn't dare charge fees like legitimate teachers.
This verse reveals how gospel freedom challenges social conventions: Paul wouldn't be enslaved to patronage systems, even when refusing financial support was misinterpreted as lack of affection or authority.