1
Ὄφελον ἀνείχεσθέ μου μικρόν τι ἀφροσύνης· ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀνέχεσθέ μου.
I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness — but indeed you do bear with me.
Paul opens the so-called 'fool's speech' (11:1–12:13) with a wish-particle: would that they would tolerate a little of his folly. The corrective ἀλλά softens it — in fact they do bear with him, so he may proceed.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
Ὄφελονwould that / I wishparticle of unattainable wish (+ imperfect)ὄφελον: fixed particle (frozen aor. of ὀφείλω) introducing a wish, 'would that'; here governing the imperfect ἀνείχεσθε.
ἀνείχεσθέyou would bear withImpf Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἀνέχομαιmain verb (in a wish construction)→ imperfect of unrealized wishἀνέχομαι: 'bear with, put up with, endure' (ἀνά + ἔχω, middle); takes a genitive of the person tolerated — the keyword of vv.1, 4, 19, 20.
μουme / with meGenitivegenitive object of ἀνέχομαι
μικρόνa littleAccusativeaccusative of extent / adverbialμικρός: 'small, little'; μικρόν τι, 'a little something,' tempers the request — only a small dose of folly is asked.
τι(some)thingAccusativeindefinite pronoun (w/ μικρόν)
ἀφροσύνηςof foolishnessGenitivepartitive / epexegetic genitiveἀφροσύνη: 'folly, senselessness' (ἀ- + φρήν, 'mind'); the leitmotif Paul ironically adopts for his enforced self-commendation (vv.1, 17, 21; 12:11).
ἀλλὰbutadversative / corrective conjunctionἀλλά: strong adversative; here corrective — overturning the hypothetical wish with present reality.
καὶindeedadverbial / ascensive καί
ἀνέχεσθέyou do bear withPres Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἀνέχομαιmain verb (indicative, real)→ stative/iterative presentἀνέχομαι: see v.1 above; the shift from imperfect-wish to present-indicative asserts they actually do tolerate him.
μουme / with meGenitivegenitive object of ἀνέχομαι
2
ζηλῶ γὰρ ὑμᾶς θεοῦ ζήλῳ· ἡρμοσάμην γὰρ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἀνδρὶ παρθένον ἁγνὴν παραστῆσαι τῷ Χριστῷ·
For I am jealous over you with a jealousy of God, for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Paul grounds the plea: his 'folly' springs from a divine jealousy. He is the father who betrothed the church-bride to one husband, Christ, and means to present her chaste at the wedding.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ζηλῶI am jealous overPres Act Indic 1 Sg · ζηλόωmain verb (+ acc. of object)→ stative presentζηλόω: 'be zealous/jealous for'; here the protective, exclusive jealousy proper to betrothal, not envy.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source/qualityθεός: God; θεοῦ ζῆλος = a jealousy that is God's own — like the LXX portrayal of YHWH as a jealous husband to Israel (Hos 2; Ezek 16).
ζήλῳwith a jealousyDativecognate dative (of manner)ζῆλος: 'zeal, jealousy'; the cognate dative ζηλῶ … ζήλῳ intensifies — 'I am jealous with a jealousy.'
ἡρμοσάμηνI betrothedAor Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἁρμόζωmain verb→ constative aoristἁρμόζω (mid.): 'join, fit together'; in the middle, of a father giving a daughter in marriage — 'I betrothed.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἑνὶto oneDativeattributive adjective (w/ ἀνδρί)εἷς: 'one'; the emphasis on a single husband stresses exclusive fidelity.
ἀνδρὶhusbandDativedat. of recipient (betrothed to)ἀνήρ: 'man, husband'; the one bridegroom is Christ.
παρθένονa virginAccusativeobject complement (w/ ὑμᾶς)παρθένος: 'virgin'; the church's undefiled fidelity to Christ pictured as bridal chastity.
ἁγνὴνpureAccusativeattributive adjectiveἁγνός: 'pure, chaste'; moral and spiritual purity — the bride kept undefiled.
παραστῆσαιto presentAor Act Inf · παρίστημιinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristπαρίστημι: 'present, set beside'; of presenting the bride at the wedding (the parousia) — eschatological in force.
τῷtoDativearticle
ΧριστῷChristDativedat. of recipient (the bridegroom)Χριστός: 'Anointed,' the Messiah; the one husband to whom the church is pledged.
3
φοβοῦμαι δὲ μή πως, ὡς ὁ ὄφις ἐξηπάτησεν Εὕαν ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτοῦ, φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἁπλότητος καὶ τῆς ἁγνότητος τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστόν.
But I fear lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be corrupted from the sincerity and purity that is toward Christ.
The jealous father's fear: the Eden typology warns that just as the serpent seduced Eve, false teaching may corrupt the Corinthians' single-minded devotion to Christ.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
φοβοῦμαιI fearPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · φοβέομαιmain verb (+ μή clause)→ stative presentφοβέομαι: 'fear, be afraid'; here apprehension, taking μή πως, 'lest somehow.'
δὲbutadversative/developmental conjunction
μήlestnegative particle (introduces fear clause)μή πως: 'lest somehow,' the standard construction after verbs of fearing.
πωςsomehowindefinite particle
ὡςascomparative conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
ὄφιςserpentNominativesubject (of comparison clause)ὄφις: 'serpent'; the Genesis 3 tempter, identified with Satan (cf. v.14; Rev 12:9).
ἐξηπάτησενdeceivedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξαπατάωverb of the comparison clause→ constative aoristἐξαπατάω: 'deceive thoroughly' (ἐκ-intensive of ἀπατάω); the total seduction of Eve (cf. 1 Tim 2:14).
ΕὕανEveAccusativedirect objectΕὕα: Eve; the prototype of the bride seduced from her husband by the serpent's word.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (means)
τῇtheDativearticle
πανουργίᾳcunningDativedat. of meansπανουργία: 'craftiness, cunning' (lit. 'ready to do anything'); the unscrupulous shrewdness of the deceiver (cf. 4:2).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
φθαρῇmay be corruptedAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · φθείρωverb of the fear clause (subjunctive)→ ingressive aoristφθείρω: 'corrupt, ruin, seduce'; the passive of moral/spiritual ruin — the bride's mind led astray.
τὰtheNominativearticle
νοήματαminds / thoughtsNominativesubject of φθαρῇνόημα: 'thought, mind, design'; a Corinthian keyword (cf. 2:11; 3:14; 4:4) — here the faculty Satan targets.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἁπλότητοςsincerity / single-mindednessGenitiveobject of ἀπό (separation)ἁπλότης: 'singleness, sincerity, simplicity'; undivided devotion (cf. 1:12; 8:2).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἁγνότητοςpurityGenitiveobject of ἀπό (coordinate)ἁγνότης: 'purity, chastity'; resumes the παρθένον ἁγνήν of v.2 — the bride's undefiled allegiance.
τῆςthe (that is)Genitivearticle (substantizes prep. phrase)
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction)
τὸν—Accusativearticle
ΧριστόνChristAccusativeobject of εἰς (the goal of devotion)Χριστός: the bridegroom; devotion is directed exclusively toward him.
4
εἰ μὲν γὰρ ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἄλλον Ἰησοῦν κηρύσσει ὃν οὐκ ἐκηρύξαμεν, ἢ πνεῦμα ἕτερον λαμβάνετε ὃ οὐκ ἐλάβετε, ἢ εὐαγγέλιον ἕτερον ὃ οὐκ ἐδέξασθε, καλῶς ἀνέχεσθε.
For if the one who comes proclaims another Jesus whom we did not proclaim, or you receive a different spirit which you did not receive, or a different gospel which you did not accept, you bear with it well enough!
The fear of v.3 is justified: the Corinthians too easily tolerate intruders who preach a counterfeit Jesus, spirit, and gospel. The καλῶς ('finely, well enough') is biting irony.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
εἰifconditional conjunction (first class)εἰ: 'if'; with the indicative, a first-class condition assuming the case for argument's sake.
μὲνindeedparticle (μέν solitarium)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἐρχόμενοςwho comesPres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary/gnomic presentἔρχομαι: 'come'; ὁ ἐρχόμενος, 'the comer,' the typical intruding missionary arriving in Corinth.
ἄλλονanotherAccusativeattributive adjectiveἄλλος: 'another (of the same kind)'; rhetorically pointed — a Jesus other than the one preached.
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativedirect objectἸησοῦς: Jesus; the counterfeit 'Jesus' of the rivals' preaching.
κηρύσσειproclaimsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κηρύσσωmain verb (protasis)→ customary presentκηρύσσω: 'proclaim, herald'; the verb of public gospel announcement.
ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐκηρύξαμεν)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐκηρύξαμενwe proclaimedAor Act Indic 1 Pl · κηρύσσωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aorist
ἢordisjunctive conjunction
πνεῦμαa spiritAccusativedirect objectπνεῦμα: 'spirit'; a counterfeit 'spirit' received alongside the false gospel.
ἕτερονdifferentAccusativeattributive adjectiveἕτερος: 'another of a different kind'; sharper than ἄλλος — a spirit qualitatively other (cf. Gal 1:6).
λαμβάνετεyou receivePres Act Indic 2 Pl · λαμβάνωmain verb (protasis)→ customary presentλαμβάνω: 'take, receive'; of receiving the spirit (cf. Gal 3:2).
ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐλάβετε)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐλάβετεyou receivedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · λαμβάνωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aorist
ἢordisjunctive conjunction
εὐαγγέλιονa gospelAccusativedirect objectεὐαγγέλιον: 'good news, gospel'; the counterfeit message (cf. Gal 1:6–9).
ἕτερονdifferentAccusativeattributive adjectiveἕτερος: 'of a different kind'; a gospel that is no gospel.
ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐδέξασθε)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐδέξασθεyou acceptedAor Mid Indic 2 Pl · δέχομαιmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristδέχομαι: 'receive, welcome'; of welcoming a message — distinct from the bare λαμβάνω, with the nuance of glad reception.
καλῶςwell (enough)adverb (ironic)καλῶς: 'finely, well'; here sarcastic — 'you put up with it splendidly!'
ἀνέχεσθεyou bear with itPres Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἀνέχομαιmain verb (apodosis)→ iterative presentἀνέχομαι: 'bear with, tolerate'; the keyword turned against them — they tolerate the wrong things (cf. v.1, 19–20).
5
λογίζομαι γὰρ μηδὲν ὑστερηκέναι τῶν ὑπερλίαν ἀποστόλων·
For I reckon that I have fallen short in nothing of the super-apostles.
Paul advances his claim: he is in no way inferior to the self-styled 'superlative apostles' — the sarcastic title for the intruders (or those they invoke).
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
λογίζομαιI reckonPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · λογίζομαιmain verb (+ inf. clause)→ stative presentλογίζομαι: 'reckon, consider, calculate'; a verb of reasoned conclusion, not mere opinion.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
μηδὲνin nothingAccusativeaccusative of respect / adverbialμηδείς: 'no one, nothing'; here adverbial, 'in no respect.'
ὑστερηκέναιto have fallen shortPerf Act Inf · ὑστερέωinfinitive (indirect statement)→ intensive perfect (settled result)ὑστερέω: 'lack, fall short, be inferior'; the perfect stresses an abiding state of no deficiency.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ὑπερλίανsuper- / superlativeadverb (attributive, 'exceedingly')ὑπερλίαν: 'beyond measure, exceedingly' (ὑπέρ + λίαν); the coined, mocking epithet — 'the super-duper apostles' (also 12:11).
ἀποστόλωνapostlesGenitivegenitive of comparison (after ὑστερέω)ἀπόστολος: 'one sent, apostle'; here ironic of the rivals' inflated self-estimate.
6
εἰ δὲ καὶ ἰδιώτης τῷ λόγῳ, ἀλλ' οὐ τῇ γνώσει, ἀλλ' ἐν παντὶ φανερώσαντες ἐν πᾶσιν εἰς ὑμᾶς.
But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not in knowledge; rather, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
Paul concedes the rivals' charge that he is no orator, but denies any deficiency in knowledge — and appeals to their own experience of his manifest understanding.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
εἰifconditional conjunction (concessive)εἰ … καί: 'even if,' a concessive condition granting the point.
δὲbutdevelopmental conjunction
καὶevenadverbial/concessive καί
ἰδιώτηςunskilled / a laymanNominativepredicate nominative (verbless)ἰδιώτης: 'private person, untrained amateur'; here 'unskilled in rhetoric' (whence 'idiot'), conceding he lacks professional oratory.
τῷinDativearticle
λόγῳspeechDativedat. of respectλόγος: 'word, speech, eloquence'; the rhetorical polish prized at Corinth (cf. 10:10; 1 Cor 2:1).
ἀλλ'yetadversative conjunctionἀλλά: strong 'but, yet'; the answering clause of the εἰ-concession.
οὐnotnegative particle
τῇinDativearticle
γνώσειknowledgeDativedat. of respectγνῶσις: 'knowledge'; the apostolic understanding of the gospel — in which Paul yields to none (cf. 1 Cor 8:1).
ἀλλ'but ratheradversative conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
παντὶevery wayDativeobject of ἐν (substantival)πᾶς: 'every, all'; ἐν παντί, 'in every way' (cf. 4:8; 6:4).
φανερώσαντεςhaving made plainAor Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · φανερόωparticiple (anacoluthon; supply 'we are/did')→ constative aoristφανερόω: 'make manifest, reveal'; the nominative plural participle stands loosely (a broken construction common in this passage).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
πᾶσινall thingsDativeobject of ἐν (substantival)
εἰςto(ward)preposition + accusative (reference)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of εἰς
7
Ἢ ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησα ἐμαυτὸν ταπεινῶν ἵνα ὑμεῖς ὑψωθῆτε, ὅτι δωρεὰν τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ εὐαγγέλιον εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν;
Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
Paul turns to the support issue: was it a 'sin' to refuse pay, lowering himself by manual labor so they might be lifted up? The irony exposes the rivals' value system.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
Ἢordisjunctive (introduces objection)ἤ: 'or'; opening a rhetorical question that draws out an absurd alternative.
ἁμαρτίανa sinAccusativedirect object (cognate w/ ἐποίησα)ἁμαρτία: 'sin'; ἁμαρτίαν ποιέω, 'commit sin' — the ironic charge.
ἐποίησαdid I commitAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (interrogative)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do, make'; with ἁμαρτίαν, 'commit a sin.'
ἐμαυτὸνmyselfAccusativeobject of ταπεινῶνἐμαυτοῦ: reflexive 'myself.'
ταπεινῶνhumblingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ταπεινόωadverbial ptc. (means)→ present (concurrent)ταπεινόω: 'humble, lower'; Paul's self-abasement through manual labor and refusal of patronage.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
ὑψωθῆτεmight be exaltedAor Pass Subj 2 Pl · ὑψόωverb of purpose clause→ constative aoristὑψόω: 'lift up, exalt'; the deliberate antithesis to ταπεινόω — his lowering effected their raising (cf. 8:9).
ὅτιbecause / in thatcausal/epexegetic conjunction
δωρεὰνfree of chargeAccusativeadverbial accusativeδωρεάν: 'as a gift, gratis, freely' (acc. of δωρεά); without payment — the heart of the matter.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source/authorθεός: God; 'the gospel of God,' its divine origin underscoring the irony of refusing pay for it.
εὐαγγέλιονgospelAccusativedirect objectεὐαγγέλιον: 'gospel'; the object of the cognate verb that follows.
εὐηγγελισάμηνI preached as good newsAor Mid Indic 1 Sg · εὐαγγελίζομαιmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ constative aoristεὐαγγελίζομαι: 'announce good news, evangelize'; cognate with εὐαγγέλιον — 'I gospelled the gospel.'
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of indirect object
8
ἄλλας ἐκκλησίας ἐσύλησα λαβὼν ὀψώνιον πρὸς τὴν ὑμῶν διακονίαν,
I robbed other churches, taking wages from them in order to serve you,
A deliberately shocking word: Paul 'plundered' other churches — i.e. accepted their support — so he could minister to Corinth at no cost to them. The military metaphor dramatizes his self-denial.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
ἄλλαςotherAccusativeattributive adjectiveἄλλος: 'other'; churches other than Corinth — chiefly the Macedonians (v.9).
ἐκκλησίαςchurchesAccusativedirect objectἐκκλησία: 'assembly, church'; the gathered congregations.
ἐσύλησαI robbed / plunderedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · συλάωmain verb→ constative aorist (hyperbolic)συλάω: 'rob, despoil' (esp. plunder in war); a startling overstatement for accepting another's gifts.
λαβὼνtaking / having takenAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λαμβάνωadverbial ptc. (means/manner)→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: 'take, receive'; explains in what the 'robbery' consisted — taking wages.
ὀψώνιονwages / provisionsAccusativeobject of λαβώνὀψώνιον: 'soldier's pay, rations, wages'; continues the military image — support as a stipend (cf. Luke 3:14; Rom 6:23).
πρὸςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive (objective: service to you)
διακονίανservice / ministryAccusativeobject of πρός (purpose)διακονία: 'service, ministry'; Paul's diaconal labor among them.
9
καὶ παρὼν πρὸς ὑμᾶς καὶ ὑστερηθεὶς οὐ κατενάρκησα οὐθενός· τὸ γὰρ ὑστέρημά μου προσανεπλήρωσαν οἱ ἀδελφοὶ ἐλθόντες ἀπὸ Μακεδονίας· καὶ ἐν παντὶ ἀβαρῆ ἐμαυτὸν ὑμῖν ἐτήρησα καὶ τηρήσω.
and when I was present with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need; and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will keep myself so.
Concrete proof of his policy: even when destitute among them he burdened no one; Macedonian brothers filled the gap. He pledges to maintain this independence.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παρὼνbeing presentPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · πάρειμιadverbial ptc. (temporal)→ present (concurrent)πάρειμι: 'be present, be at hand' (παρά + εἰμί); of Paul's physical stay in Corinth.
πρὸςwithpreposition + accusative (association)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὑστερηθεὶςbeing in needAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ὑστερέωadverbial ptc. (concessive/temporal)→ constative aoristὑστερέω (pass.): 'lack, fall into want'; even in real destitution he held his policy.
οὐnotnegative particle
κατενάρκησαI was a burdenAor Act Indic 1 Sg · καταναρκάωmain verb→ constative aoristκαταναρκάω: 'burden, weigh down' (lit. 'benumb'); a rare word, peculiar to this letter (cf. 12:13–14).
οὐθενόςanyoneGenitivegenitive object of κατενάρκησαοὐθείς (= οὐδείς): 'no one'; the later spelling with -θ-.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὑστέρημάneed / lackAccusativedirect object of προσανεπλήρωσανὑστέρημα: 'lack, deficiency, need'; what was wanting was made up by others (cf. 8:14; 9:12).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
προσανεπλήρωσανsupplied / made upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · προσαναπληρόωmain verb (γάρ clause)→ constative aoristπροσαναπληρόω: 'fill up in addition, supply fully' (a double-compound); thoroughly making up the deficit (cf. 9:12).
οἱtheNominativearticle
ἀδελφοὶbrothersNominativesubjectἀδελφός: 'brother'; fellow believers, here the Macedonian co-workers (perhaps Silas and Timothy, Acts 18:5).
ἐλθόντεςhaving comeAor Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἔρχομαιattributive/adverbial ptc.→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; their arrival relieved his want.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)
ΜακεδονίαςMacedoniaGenitiveobject of ἀπό (place of origin)Μακεδονία: Macedonia; the northern province (Philippi, Thessalonica), whose churches supported Paul (cf. Phil 4:15).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
παντὶeverythingDativeobject of ἐν (substantival)ἐν παντί: 'in everything, in every way.'
ἀβαρῆunburdensomeAccusativeobject complement (w/ ἐμαυτόν)ἀβαρής: 'weightless, not burdensome' (ἀ- + βάρος); kept himself a non-burden.
ἐμαυτὸνmyselfAccusativedirect objectἐμαυτοῦ: reflexive 'myself.'
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of disadvantage/reference
ἐτήρησαI keptAor Act Indic 1 Sg · τηρέωmain verb→ constative aoristτηρέω: 'keep, guard, maintain'; he kept himself in this state.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τηρήσωI will keepFut Act Indic 1 Sg · τηρέωmain verb (coordinate)→ predictive futureτηρέω: see above; the future pledges continued independence.
10
ἔστιν ἀλήθεια Χριστοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ ὅτι ἡ καύχησις αὕτη οὐ φραγήσεται εἰς ἐμὲ ἐν τοῖς κλίμασιν τῆς Ἀχαΐας.
As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
A solemn asseveration ('the truth of Christ is in me') guarantees the resolve: his boast of preaching free of charge will not be muzzled anywhere in Achaia.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ἔστινis / there isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (asseverative formula)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; the formula functions like an oath, 'as surely as the truth of Christ is in me.'
ἀλήθειαtruthNominativesubjectἀλήθεια: 'truth'; the truthfulness that comes from Christ and dwells in Paul.
Χριστοῦof ChristGenitivegenitive of sourceΧριστός: Christ; the source/guarantor of the truth invoked.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)
ἐμοὶmeDativeobject of ἐν
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of the oath)
ἡtheNominativearticle
καύχησιςboastingNominativesubject of φραγήσεταικαύχησις: 'boasting, the act of boasting'; the boast of preaching gratis — the dominant theme-word of the chapter (cf. 1:12).
αὕτηthisNominativedemonstrative (attributive)
οὐnotnegative particle
φραγήσεταιwill be silenced / stoppedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · φράσσωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ predictive futureφράσσω: 'block, fence, stop (the mouth)'; the boast will not be 'fenced off' or muzzled (cf. Rom 3:19).
εἰςas regardspreposition + accusative (reference)
ἐμὲmeAccusativeobject of εἰς (reference)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
κλίμασινregionsDativedat. of placeκλίμα: 'region, district' (lit. a 'slope/zone' of the earth); the territories of Achaia (cf. Gal 1:21).
τῆςofGenitivearticle
ἈχαΐαςAchaiaGenitivegenitive of place (partitive)Ἀχαΐα: Achaia; the southern Roman province of Greece, with Corinth as its capital.
11
διὰ τί; ὅτι οὐκ ἀγαπῶ ὑμᾶς; ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν.
Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
Paul forestalls a misreading: his refusal of pay is not coldness. The terse 'God knows' is an appeal to the divine witness of his affection.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
διὰforpreposition + accusative (cause)διὰ τί: 'on account of what?', i.e. 'why?'
τίwhat / whyAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (object of διά)
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (in a question)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἀγαπῶI lovePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀγαπάωmain verb (interrogative)→ stative presentἀγαπάω: 'love'; the self-giving love whose denial Paul rejects.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: God; invoked as the omniscient witness of Paul's true love.
οἶδενknowsPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect with present force (stative)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present meaning); 'God knows' — an oath-like appeal (cf. 11:31; 12:2–3).
12
ὃ δὲ ποιῶ καὶ ποιήσω, ἵνα ἐκκόψω τὴν ἀφορμὴν τῶν θελόντων ἀφορμήν, ἵνα ἐν ᾧ καυχῶνται εὑρεθῶσιν καθὼς καὶ ἡμεῖς.
But what I do, I will also keep doing, in order to cut off the opportunity of those who desire an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in what they boast about.
Paul reveals the strategy behind his policy: by refusing pay he denies the rivals any ground to claim parity with him in the very thing they boast of.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ὃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ποιῶ)
δὲbutdevelopmental/adversative conjunction
ποιῶI doPres Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary presentποιέω: 'do'; Paul's ongoing practice of self-support.
καὶalsoadverbial καί
ποιήσωI will doFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (coordinate)→ predictive futureποιέω: see above; the future affirms persistence.
ἵναin order thatconjunction (purpose)
ἐκκόψωI may cut offAor Act Subj 1 Sg · ἐκκόπτωverb of purpose clause→ constative aoristἐκκόπτω: 'cut off/out, cut down' (ἐκ + κόπτω); to sever the rivals' pretext at the root.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀφορμὴνopportunity / pretextAccusativedirect object of ἐκκόψωἀφορμή: 'occasion, base of operations, pretext'; a launching-point for a claim (cf. Rom 7:8).
τῶνof thoseGenitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
θελόντωνwho desirePres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · θέλωsubstantival participle (genitive)→ customary presentθέλω: 'will, wish, desire'; the rivals' craving for a pretext.
ἀφορμήνan opportunityAccusativeobject of θελόντωνἀφορμή: see above; repeated for emphasis on what they hunt for.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose, of the rivals)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (reference)
ᾧwhatDativerelative pronoun (object of ἐν)
καυχῶνταιthey boastPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · καυχάομαιmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary presentκαυχάομαι: 'boast, glory'; the rivals' self-vaunting (the verb that dominates the fool's speech).
εὑρεθῶσινthey may be foundAor Pass Subj 3 Pl · εὑρίσκωverb of purpose clause→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω (pass.): 'be found, be shown to be'; they wish to be 'found' equal to Paul.
καθὼςjust ascomparative conjunction
καὶalsoadverbial καί
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (supply 'are found'); emphatic
13
οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι ψευδαπόστολοι, ἐργάται δόλιοι, μετασχηματιζόμενοι εἰς ἀποστόλους Χριστοῦ.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
The mask comes off: the rivals are exposed in three damning terms — false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as Christ's apostles.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
οἱtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
τοιοῦτοιsuch menNominativesubject (demonstrative, substantival)τοιοῦτος: 'such, of such a kind'; 'people like that.'
ψευδαπόστολοιfalse apostlesNominativepredicate nominativeψευδαπόστολος: 'false apostle' (ψευδ- + ἀπόστολος); a Pauline coinage — apostles only in pretense.
ἐργάταιworkersNominativepredicate nominative (apposition)ἐργάτης: 'worker, laborer'; ironic — they 'work' the gospel for gain (cf. Phil 3:2).
δόλιοιdeceitfulNominativeattributive adjectiveδόλιος: 'deceitful, treacherous' (from δόλος, 'bait, guile'); their labor is fraud.
μετασχηματιζόμενοιmasquerading / disguising themselvesPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · μετασχηματίζωadverbial/attributive participle→ customary presentμετασχηματίζω: 'change the outward form, disguise' (μετά + σχῆμα); a mere change of guise, not of nature — the keyword of vv.13–15.
εἰςas / intopreposition + accusative (transformation)
ἀποστόλουςapostlesAccusativeobject of εἰς (the assumed guise)ἀπόστολος: 'apostle'; the disguise they put on.
Χριστοῦof ChristGenitivegenitive of relationship/sourceΧριστός: Christ; the authority they falsely claim to represent.
14
καὶ οὐ θαῦμα, αὐτὸς γὰρ ὁ Σατανᾶς μετασχηματίζεται εἰς ἄγγελον φωτός.
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
The unmasking is grounded in the archetype: the servants imitate their master. Satan himself disguises as light, so his agents disguise as righteousness.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐnonegative particle
θαῦμαwonderNominativepredicate nom. (verbless, 'it is no wonder')θαῦμα: 'marvel, wonder'; οὐ θαῦμα, 'no surprise.'
αὐτὸςhimselfNominativeintensive pronoun (w/ ὁ Σατανᾶς)αὐτός: intensive 'himself'; even Satan personally does this.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
ΣατανᾶςSatanNominativesubjectΣατανᾶς: 'Satan, the adversary' (Aramaic); the serpent of v.3, master of the false apostles.
μετασχηματίζεταιmasqueradesPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · μετασχηματίζωmain verb→ gnomic presentμετασχηματίζω: 'disguise oneself' (see v.13); a habitual stratagem stated as a general truth.
εἰςas / intopreposition + accusative (transformation)
ἄγγελονan angelAccusativeobject of εἰς (assumed guise)ἄγγελος: 'messenger, angel'; the radiant disguise (cf. Jewish traditions on Satan appearing as a glorious angel).
φωτόςof lightGenitiveattributive/descriptive genitiveφῶς: 'light'; the disguise of luminous holiness cloaking the prince of darkness.
15
οὐ μέγα οὖν εἰ καὶ οἱ διάκονοι αὐτοῦ μετασχηματίζονται ὡς διάκονοι δικαιοσύνης, ὧν τὸ τέλος ἔσται κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν.
So it is no great thing if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
The conclusion: if the master disguises, his servants' disguise is unremarkable. Paul seals it with a verdict — their final destiny will fit their deeds.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
οὐnotnegative particle
μέγαgreat thingNominativepredicate nom. (verbless, 'it is no great thing')μέγας: 'great'; οὐ μέγα, 'nothing remarkable.'
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunction
εἰifconditional conjunction
καὶalsoadverbial καί
οἱtheNominativearticle
διάκονοιservantsNominativesubjectδιάκονος: 'servant, minister'; Satan's agents — set against the true διάκονοι of v.23 and ch. 3.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
μετασχηματίζονταιmasqueradePres Mid Indic 3 Pl · μετασχηματίζωmain verb (protasis)→ customary presentμετασχηματίζω: see vv.13–14; the third occurrence, binding servants to master.
ὡςascomparative particle
διάκονοιservantsNominativepredicate nom. (assumed guise)διάκονος: see above; the guise of 'ministers of righteousness.'
δικαιοσύνηςof righteousnessGenitiveobjective/descriptive genitiveδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; the cloak of moral and gospel rectitude they assume.
ὧνwhoseGenitiverelative pronoun (possession)
τὸtheNominativearticle
τέλοςendNominativesubject (rel. clause)τέλος: 'end, outcome, final destiny'; their eschatological fate (cf. Phil 3:19).
ἔσταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'be'; the certain future of judgment.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἔργαworksAccusativeobject of κατά (standard of judgment)ἔργον: 'work, deed'; judgment by deeds, the consistent NT principle (cf. Rom 2:6).
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
16
Πάλιν λέγω, μή τίς με δόξῃ ἄφρονα εἶναι· εἰ δὲ μή γε, κἂν ὡς ἄφρονα δέξασθέ με, ἵνα κἀγὼ μικρόν τι καυχήσωμαι.
I say again, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, then receive me even as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
Returning to the 'fool' theme of v.1, Paul asks not to be reckoned senseless — but if they will, then let them grant the fool his turn to boast a little.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
Πάλινagainadverb (resumptive)πάλιν: 'again, once more'; marks the return to the fool's-speech frame.
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ stative presentλέγω: 'say, speak.'
μήnot / let notnegative particle (w/ subjunctive)
τίςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite)τις: 'someone, anyone.'
μεmeAccusativeaccusative subject of εἶναι
δόξῃshould thinkAor Act Subj 3 Sg · δοκέωmain verb (prohibitive subjunctive)→ ingressive aoristδοκέω: 'think, suppose, seem'; 'let no one form the opinion.'
ἄφροναfoolishAccusativepredicate accusative (w/ εἶναι)ἄφρων: 'foolish, senseless' (ἀ- + φρήν); the adjective answering to ἀφροσύνη (v.1).
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive (indirect statement)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be.'
εἰifconditional conjunctionεἰ δὲ μή γε: a fixed idiom, 'but if not, otherwise.'
δὲbutadversative conjunction
μήnotnegative particle (in idiom)
γεat least / indeedemphatic particleγε: limiting/emphatic particle, sharpening the conditional clause.
κἂνevencrasis (καὶ ἄν / καὶ ἐάν), concessiveκἄν: 'even if, at least even'; here 'even (as a fool).'
ὡςascomparative particle
ἄφροναa foolAccusativepredicate acc. (as which they receive him)ἄφρων: see above.
δέξασθέreceiveAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · δέχομαιmain verb (imperative)→ ingressive aorist (command)δέχομαι: 'receive, welcome'; let them grant him a hearing as the fool.
μεmeAccusativedirect object
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
κἀγὼI tooNominativesubject (crasis καὶ ἐγώ), emphaticκἀγώ: 'I also'; Paul claims the same boasting-turn the rivals take.
μικρόνa littleAccusativeadverbial accusative (extent)μικρός: 'little'; echoes v.1 — only a small boast.
τι(some)thingAccusativeindefinite pronoun
καυχήσωμαιI may boastAor Mid Subj 1 Sg · καυχάομαιverb of purpose clause→ ingressive aoristκαυχάομαι: 'boast'; the very thing the speech enacts under protest.
17
ὃ λαλῶ οὐ κατὰ κύριον λαλῶ, ἀλλ' ὡς ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ, ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ ὑποστάσει τῆς καυχήσεως.
What I am saying, I say not according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
Paul brackets the boast: it is not spoken with the Lord's authority but adopted as a 'foolish' posture, a calculated rhetorical stance forced on him by the situation.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ὃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of λαλῶ)
λαλῶI am sayingPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (rel. clause)→ progressive presentλαλέω: 'speak, utter'; of the act of speaking the boast.
οὐnotnegative particle
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
κύριονthe LordAccusativeobject of κατά (standard)κύριος: 'Lord'; κατὰ κύριον, 'in keeping with the Lord('s example/authority)' — which this boast is not.
λαλῶI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λαλέωmain verb→ progressive presentλαλέω: see above; repeated for the contrast not/but.
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction
ὡςascomparative particle
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
ἀφροσύνῃfoolishnessDativedat. of mannerἀφροσύνη: 'folly'; the assumed mode of the speech (cf. v.1).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ταύτῃthisDativedemonstrative (attributive)
τῇtheDativearticle
ὑποστάσειconfidence / undertakingDativedat. of sphereὑπόστασις: 'confidence, assurance, undertaking' (lit. 'that which stands under'); here the confident project of boasting (cf. 9:4).
τῆςofGenitivearticle
καυχήσεωςboastingGenitiveepexegetic genitiveκαύχησις: 'boasting'; defines the confident undertaking — 'this confident venture of boasting.'
18
ἐπεὶ πολλοὶ καυχῶνται κατὰ σάρκα, κἀγὼ καυχήσομαι.
Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
The warrant for the boast: since so many vaunt themselves by worldly standards, Paul will meet them on their own ground — though only to overturn it.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
ἐπεὶsincecausal conjunctionἐπεί: 'since, because'; introduces the ground.
πολλοὶmanyNominativesubject (substantival adj.)πολύς: 'many'; the crowd of self-promoters.
καυχῶνταιboastPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · καυχάομαιmain verb→ customary presentκαυχάομαι: 'boast.'
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
σάρκαthe fleshAccusativeobject of κατά (standard)σάρξ: 'flesh'; here the standard of merely human, worldly credentials (cf. 5:16; 10:2–3).
κἀγὼI tooNominativesubject (crasis), emphaticκἀγώ: 'I also.'
καυχήσομαιwill boastFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · καυχάομαιmain verb→ predictive futureκαυχάομαι: see above; the future commits him to the boast.
19
ἡδέως γὰρ ἀνέχεσθε τῶν ἀφρόνων φρόνιμοι ὄντες·
For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves!
Stinging irony: the Corinthians, so 'wise,' put up gladly with fools — so they should have no trouble tolerating Paul's foolish boast (echoing 1 Cor 4:10).
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
ἡδέωςgladlyadverb (manner)ἡδέως: 'gladly, with pleasure'; their cheerful tolerance of fools is the barb.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἀνέχεσθεyou bear withPres Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἀνέχομαιmain verb (+ gen.)→ customary presentἀνέχομαι: 'bear with, tolerate'; the keyword (vv.1, 4, 20), now turned ironically against them.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀφρόνωνfoolsGenitivegenitive object of ἀνέχομαιἄφρων: 'foolish (one)'; substantival — 'the fools' they so gladly endure.
φρόνιμοιwiseNominativepredicate adj. (w/ ὄντες)φρόνιμος: 'prudent, wise'; ironic — they fancy themselves shrewd (cf. 1 Cor 4:10).
ὄντεςbeingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · εἰμίadverbial ptc. (concessive/causal)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; '(you) being wise' — the heart of the sarcasm.
20
ἀνέχεσθε γὰρ εἴ τις ὑμᾶς καταδουλοῖ, εἴ τις κατεσθίει, εἴ τις λαμβάνει, εἴ τις ἐπαίρεται, εἴ τις εἰς πρόσωπον ὑμᾶς δέρει.
For you bear with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone exalts himself, if someone strikes you in the face.
Five biting clauses expose the abuse the Corinthians endure from the rivals: enslavement, exploitation, plunder, arrogance, and even a slap in the face — yet they tolerate it.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ἀνέχεσθεyou bear with itPres Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἀνέχομαιmain verb (+ conditional clauses)→ customary presentἀνέχομαι: 'bear with, tolerate'; the fourth use of the keyword (vv.1, 4, 19).
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
εἴifconditional conjunction (first class)εἰ: 'if'; the five parallel εἴ τις clauses assume the abuses are real.
τιςsomeoneNominativesubject (indefinite)τις: 'someone'; the typical intruder.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
καταδουλοῖenslavesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · καταδουλόωverb of conditional clause→ customary presentκαταδουλόω: 'enslave, reduce to bondage' (κατά-intensive); reducing them to servitude (cf. Gal 2:4).
εἴifconditional conjunction
τιςsomeoneNominativesubject (indefinite)
κατεσθίειdevoursPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κατεσθίωverb of conditional clause→ customary presentκατεσθίω: 'eat up, devour, consume' (κατά + ἐσθίω); of consuming their resources (cf. Mark 12:40).
εἴifconditional conjunction
τιςsomeoneNominativesubject (indefinite)
λαμβάνειtakes / catchesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωverb of conditional clause→ customary presentλαμβάνω: here 'take advantage of, ensnare, catch' (as prey or in a trap); exploitation by cunning (cf. 12:16).
εἴifconditional conjunction
τιςsomeoneNominativesubject (indefinite)
ἐπαίρεταιexalts himselfPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐπαίρωverb of conditional clause→ customary presentἐπαίρω (mid.): 'lift oneself up, be presumptuous'; the arrogant self-elevation of the rivals (cf. 10:5).
εἴifconditional conjunction
τιςsomeoneNominativesubject (indefinite)
εἰςin / onpreposition + accusative (place)
πρόσωπονthe faceAccusativeobject of εἰς (place struck)πρόσωπον: 'face'; εἰς πρόσωπον, 'in the face' — the ultimate insult (cf. Matt 5:39).
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
δέρειstrikesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δέρωverb of conditional clause→ customary presentδέρω: 'flay, beat, strike'; literally 'skin,' then 'thrash' — a degrading slap (cf. Luke 22:63).
21
κατὰ ἀτιμίαν λέγω, ὡς ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἠσθενήκαμεν· ἐν ᾧ δ' ἄν τις τολμᾷ, ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ λέγω, τολμῶ κἀγώ.
To my shame I say that we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone dares to boast of — I speak in foolishness — I also dare.
With heavy irony Paul 'confesses' he was too 'weak' to abuse them. Then the pivot: whatever ground anyone dares to take, he dares it too — launching the credentials comparison.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
κατὰto / by way ofpreposition + accusative (manner)
ἀτιμίανshame / dishonorAccusativeobject of κατά (manner)ἀτιμία: 'dishonor, disgrace' (ἀ- + τιμή); κατὰ ἀτιμίαν, 'to my shame' — mock self-deprecation (cf. 6:8).
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ progressive presentλέγω: 'say.'
ὡςasparticle (w/ ὅτι)ὡς ὅτι: 'as that, namely that'; introduces the ironic admission.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content)
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic)
ἠσθενήκαμενwe have been weakPerf Act Indic 1 Pl · ἀσθενέωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ intensive perfect (resultant state)ἀσθενέω: 'be weak, feeble'; ironically, 'too weak' to exploit them — but the word turns into Paul's true boast (cf. vv.29–30; 12:9–10).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (reference)
ᾧwhat(ever)Dativerelative pronoun (object of ἐν)
δ'butadversative conjunction
ἄνevermodal particle (w/ subjunctive)ἄν: marks the generalizing relative clause, 'in whatever.'
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite)
τολμᾷdares (to boast)Pres Act Subj 3 Sg · τολμάωverb of indefinite rel. clause→ customary presentτολμάω: 'dare, be bold'; of daring to boast — the boldness Paul will match.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
ἀφροσύνῃfoolishnessDativedat. of mannerἀφροσύνη: 'folly'; the parenthetical disclaimer recurs (cf. v.17).
λέγωI speakPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (parenthetical)→ progressive presentλέγω: 'say, speak.'
τολμῶI darePres Act Indic 1 Sg · τολμάωmain verb→ futuristic/customary presentτολμάω: see above; Paul matches the boldness clause for clause.
κἀγώI tooNominativesubject (crasis), emphaticκἀγώ: 'I also.'
22
Ἑβραῖοί εἰσιν; κἀγώ. Ἰσραηλῖταί εἰσιν; κἀγώ. σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ εἰσιν; κἀγώ.
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
A staccato triad of question-and-answer: every ethnic-covenantal boast the rivals raise — Hebrew, Israelite, Abraham's seed — Paul answers with a curt 'so am I.'
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἙβραῖοίHebrewsNominativepredicate nominativeἙβραῖος: 'Hebrew'; one of Hebrew language and ancestral observance, not merely a Greek-speaking Jew (cf. Phil 3:5; Acts 22:3).
εἰσινare theyPres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (interrogative)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be.'
κἀγώso am INominativesubject (crasis; supply 'am'), emphaticκἀγώ: 'I also (am)'; the terse rejoinder.
ἸσραηλῖταίIsraelitesNominativepredicate nominativeἸσραηλίτης: 'Israelite'; member of the covenant people of God (cf. Rom 9:4).
εἰσινare theyPres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (interrogative)→ stative present
κἀγώso am INominativesubject (crasis), emphatic
σπέρμαseedNominativepredicate nominativeσπέρμα: 'seed, offspring'; descent from Abraham, the patriarchal pedigree (cf. Rom 11:1).
Ἀβραάμof AbrahamGenitivegenitive of relationship (indeclinable)Ἀβραάμ: Abraham; the father of the covenant people.
εἰσινare theyPres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (interrogative)→ stative present
κἀγώso am INominativesubject (crasis), emphatic
23
διάκονοι Χριστοῦ εἰσιν; παραφρονῶν λαλῶ, ὑπὲρ ἐγώ· ἐν κόποις περισσοτέρως, ἐν φυλακαῖς περισσοτέρως, ἐν πληγαῖς ὑπερβαλλόντως, ἐν θανάτοις πολλάκις·
Are they servants of Christ? — I am out of my mind to speak so — I am more: with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, often near death.
The decisive question, met not with 'so am I' but 'I am more' — and the proof is the opposite of the rivals' glory: a catalogue of labors, prisons, beatings, and deaths.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
διάκονοιservantsNominativepredicate nominativeδιάκονος: 'servant, minister'; the rivals' boldest claim — to serve Christ (contrast v.15).
Χριστοῦof ChristGenitivegenitive of relationshipΧριστός: Christ.
εἰσινare theyPres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (interrogative)→ stative present
παραφρονῶνbeing beside myselfPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · παραφρονέωadverbial ptc. (manner; parenthetical)→ present (concurrent)παραφρονέω: 'be out of one's mind, be insane' (παρά + φρήν); a stronger word than ἀφροσύνη — 'I am talking like a madman.'
λαλῶI speakPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (parenthetical)→ progressive presentλαλέω: 'speak.'
ὑπὲρmore / beyondadverb (elliptical, 'over and above')ὑπέρ: here adverbial, 'beyond (them)' — 'I am more than they.'
ἐγώINominativesubject (emphatic; supply 'am')
ἐνin / withpreposition + dative (respect)
κόποιςlaborsDativedat. of respectκόπος: 'toil, hard labor, hardship'; wearying exertion (cf. 6:5; 1 Cor 15:10).
περισσοτέρωςmore abundantlyadverb (comparative, degree)περισσοτέρως: 'more abundantly, far more'; the comparative adverb that paces the catalogue.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (respect)
φυλακαῖςimprisonmentsDativedat. of respectφυλακή: 'prison, guarding'; repeated incarcerations (cf. 6:5; Acts records several).
περισσοτέρωςmore abundantlyadverb (comparative)
ἐνin / withpreposition + dative (respect)
πληγαῖςbeatings / blowsDativedat. of respectπληγή: 'blow, stripe, wound'; the floggings detailed in vv.24–25 (cf. 6:5).
ὑπερβαλλόντωςbeyond measureadverb (degree)ὑπερβαλλόντως: 'exceedingly, beyond measure'; an intensified step above περισσοτέρως.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (respect)
θανάτοιςdeaths / deadly perilsDativedat. of respectθάνατος: 'death'; the plural = repeated brushes with death (cf. 1:9–10; 1 Cor 15:31).
πολλάκιςoftenadverb (frequency)πολλάκις: 'often, many times.'
24
ὑπὸ Ἰουδαίων πεντάκις τεσσεράκοντα παρὰ μίαν ἔλαβον,
Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one.
The general 'beatings' is now itemized: the synagogue discipline of thirty-nine lashes, endured five times — a detail recorded nowhere else.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
ὑπὸfrom / bypreposition + genitive (agent)
Ἰουδαίωνthe JewsGenitivegenitive of agentἸουδαῖος: 'Jew, Judean'; the synagogue authorities administering the lashes.
πεντάκιςfive timesadverb (numeral, frequency)πεντάκις: 'five times.'
τεσσεράκονταfortyAccusativenumeral (object of ἔλαβον)τεσσεράκοντα: 'forty'; the Deuteronomic maximum of forty lashes (Deut 25:3).
παρὰless / exceptpreposition + accusative (comparison/exception)παρά: here 'less by, except'; παρὰ μίαν, 'minus one' — the reduced count of thirty-nine.
μίανoneAccusativeobject of παρά (numeral)εἷς (fem. μία): 'one'; the one stroke held back to avoid exceeding the legal forty.
ἔλαβονI receivedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: 'take, receive'; here of receiving the prescribed lashes.
25
τρὶς ἐραβδίσθην, ἅπαξ ἐλιθάσθην, τρὶς ἐναυάγησα, νυχθήμερον ἐν τῷ βυθῷ πεποίηκα·
Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have spent in the deep.
Roman rods, a Jewish stoning, three shipwrecks, and a day adrift at sea — perils from every quarter, several otherwise unrecorded in Acts.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
τρὶςthree timesadverb (numeral, frequency)τρίς: 'thrice, three times.'
ἐραβδίσθηνI was beaten with rodsAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · ῥαβδίζωmain verb→ constative aoristῥαβδίζω: 'beat with rods' (from ῥάβδος, 'rod'); the Roman lictors' punishment (cf. Acts 16:22).
ἅπαξonceadverb (numeral, frequency)ἅπαξ: 'once, one time.'
ἐλιθάσθηνI was stonedAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · λιθάζωmain verb→ constative aoristλιθάζω: 'stone' (from λίθος, 'stone'); the stoning at Lystra (Acts 14:19).
τρὶςthree timesadverb (numeral, frequency)
ἐναυάγησαI was shipwreckedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ναυαγέωmain verb→ constative aoristναυαγέω: 'suffer shipwreck' (ναῦς, 'ship' + ἄγνυμι, 'break'); these precede the later wreck of Acts 27.
νυχθήμερονa night and a dayAccusativeaccusative of extent of timeνυχθήμερον: 'a night-and-day, a full 24 hours' (νύξ + ἡμέρα); a single compound noun.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῷtheDativearticle
βυθῷdeep / open seaDativedat. of placeβυθός: 'depth, the deep sea'; adrift on the open water, exposed to death.
πεποίηκαI have spentPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωmain verb→ dramatic/perfect of vivid recollectionποιέω: 'do, make'; idiomatically 'spend (time)'; the perfect makes the memory vivid and present.
26
ὁδοιπορίαις πολλάκις, κινδύνοις ποταμῶν, κινδύνοις λῃστῶν, κινδύνοις ἐκ γένους, κινδύνοις ἐξ ἐθνῶν, κινδύνοις ἐν πόλει, κινδύνοις ἐν ἐρημίᾳ, κινδύνοις ἐν θαλάσσῃ, κινδύνοις ἐν ψευδαδέλφοις,
in frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers,
An eightfold anaphora on κινδύνοις ('dangers') sweeps over nature, human malice, and place — geography, ethnicity, and even the church (false brothers) all turned hostile.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
ὁδοιπορίαιςjourneysDativedat. of respectὁδοιπορία: 'journey, travel on foot' (ὁδός + πορεύομαι); the wearying constancy of travel.
πολλάκιςoftenadverb (frequency)πολλάκις: 'often.'
κινδύνοιςdangersDativedat. of respectκίνδυνος: 'danger, peril'; the eightfold anaphora that structures the verse.
ποταμῶνof riversGenitivegenitive of source (danger from)ποταμός: 'river'; flooded torrents and crossings.
κινδύνοιςdangersDativedat. of respect
λῃστῶνof robbersGenitivegenitive of sourceλῃστής: 'robber, bandit'; brigands on the roads (distinct from a mere thief, κλέπτης).
κινδύνοιςdangersDativedat. of respect
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
γένουςmy own raceGenitiveobject of ἐκ (source)γένος: 'race, kindred, nation'; his fellow Jews (cf. Rom 9:3).
κινδύνοιςdangersDativedat. of respect
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source)
ἐθνῶνGentilesGenitiveobject of ἐξ (source)ἔθνος: 'nation'; plural, 'the Gentiles' — peril from the pagan world (e.g. Acts 16:19; 19:23ff).
κινδύνοιςdangersDativedat. of respect
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
πόλειthe cityDativedat. of placeπόλις: 'city'; urban riots and plots.
κινδύνοιςdangersDativedat. of respect
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
ἐρημίᾳthe wildernessDativedat. of placeἐρημία: 'desert, wilderness, lonely place'; the deserted stretches of the road.
κινδύνοιςdangersDativedat. of respect
ἐνatpreposition + dative (place)
θαλάσσῃseaDativedat. of placeθάλασσα: 'sea'; perils of sea voyages (cf. v.25).
κινδύνοιςdangersDativedat. of respect
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (association)
ψευδαδέλφοιςfalse brothersDativedat. of place/associationψευδάδελφος: 'false brother' (ψευδ- + ἀδελφός); the climactic peril — danger from within the church (cf. Gal 2:4).
27
κόπῳ καὶ μόχθῳ, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις πολλάκις, ἐν λιμῷ καὶ δίψει, ἐν νηστείαις πολλάκις, ἐν ψύχει καὶ γυμνότητι·
in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure;
From perils to privations: the bodily cost of the ministry — labor, sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, fasting, cold, and nakedness.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
κόπῳtoilDativedat. of respectκόπος: 'toil, wearisome labor'; cf. v.23.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μόχθῳhardshipDativedat. of respectμόχθος: 'hard labor, distress'; near-synonym of κόπος, pairing for intensity (cf. 1 Thess 2:9).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (state)
ἀγρυπνίαιςsleepless nightsDativedat. of stateἀγρυπνία: 'sleeplessness, wakefulness' (ἀ- + ὕπνος); nights without rest (cf. 6:5).
πολλάκιςoftenadverb (frequency)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (state)
λιμῷhungerDativedat. of stateλιμός: 'hunger, famine'; want of food.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δίψειthirstDativedat. of stateδίψος: 'thirst'; paired with hunger as basic deprivation.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (state)
νηστείαιςfastings / hungerDativedat. of stateνηστεία: 'fasting, going without food'; here likely involuntary hunger from circumstance (cf. 6:5).
πολλάκιςoftenadverb (frequency)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (state)
ψύχειcoldDativedat. of stateψῦχος: 'cold'; exposure to the elements.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
γυμνότητιnakedness / exposureDativedat. of stateγυμνότης: 'nakedness, lack of clothing' (from γυμνός); insufficient covering against the cold (cf. 1 Cor 4:11).
28
χωρὶς τῶν παρεκτὸς ἡ ἐπίστασίς μοι ἡ καθ' ἡμέραν, ἡ μέριμνα πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν.
apart from the other things, there is the daily pressure upon me, my anxiety for all the churches.
Above all the outward sufferings stands the inward, relentless weight: the daily pressure of pastoral concern for every church — the truest mark of a servant of Christ.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
χωρὶςapart frompreposition + genitive (exception)χωρίς: 'apart from, besides'; setting the external list aside to reach the inner burden.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (substantizes adverb)
παρεκτὸςother things / what is besidesadverb (substantival, object of χωρίς)παρεκτός: 'besides, apart'; τὰ παρεκτός, 'the things left unmentioned' — the rest of the unlisted hardships.
ἡtheNominativearticle
ἐπίστασίςpressure / daily onslaughtNominativesubject (verbless clause)ἐπίστασις: 'pressure, attention, onset' (lit. 'a standing-upon'); the crowding burden that presses on Paul daily.
μοιupon meDativedat. of disadvantage
ἡthe (which is)Nominativearticle (attributive, w/ καθ' ἡμέραν)
καθ'everypreposition + accusative (distributive)κατά: distributive, καθ' ἡμέραν, 'day by day, daily.'
ἡμέρανdayAccusativeobject of κατά (distributive)ἡμέρα: 'day'; the ceaseless daily recurrence of the burden.
ἡthe (namely)Nominativearticle (in apposition)
μέριμναanxiety / careNominativeapposition to ἐπίστασιςμέριμνα: 'care, anxiety, worry'; the pastoral concern that defines the pressure (cf. 1 Cor 7:32; Phil 4:6).
πασῶνallGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all, every.'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἐκκλησιῶνchurchesGenitiveobjective genitive (care for the churches)ἐκκλησία: 'church, assembly'; the whole network of congregations Paul oversaw.
29
τίς ἀσθενεῖ, καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ; τίς σκανδαλίζεται, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι;
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
Two rhetorical questions display the inner burden in action: Paul's total identification with the weak and his burning distress over every soul made to stumble.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject)τίς: 'who?'
ἀσθενεῖis weakPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀσθενέωmain verb (interrogative)→ stative presentἀσθενέω: 'be weak, ill, feeble'; the weakness motif that Paul makes his boast (cf. v.21; 12:10).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἀσθενῶI am weakPres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀσθενέωmain verb→ stative presentἀσθενέω: see above; Paul feels another's weakness as his own.
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject)
σκανδαλίζεταιis made to stumblePres Pass Indic 3 Sg · σκανδαλίζωmain verb (interrogative)→ stative presentσκανδαλίζω: 'cause to stumble, trip up, ensnare' (from σκάνδαλον, a trap's trigger); led into sin or apostasy.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic)
πυροῦμαιburn (with indignation)Pres Pass Indic 1 Sg · πυρόωmain verb→ stative presentπυρόω: 'set on fire, burn' (from πῦρ, 'fire'); here metaphorical — burning with grief/indignation over the stumbling.
30
εἰ καυχᾶσθαι δεῖ, τὰ τῆς ἀσθενείας μου καυχήσομαι.
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
Paul states the principle that governs the whole catalogue and the chapters to follow: if boasting is forced on him, he will boast not of strength but of weakness.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
εἰifconditional conjunction
καυχᾶσθαιto boastPres Mid Inf · καυχάομαιcomplementary infinitive (w/ δεῖ)→ progressive presentκαυχάομαι: 'boast'; the necessity, not the desire, drives it.
δεῖit is necessaryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal main verb→ stative presentδεῖ: 'it is necessary, one must'; impersonal — the constraint is external.
τὰthe thingsAccusativearticle (substantizes gen. phrase)
τῆςofGenitivearticle
ἀσθενείαςweaknessGenitivegenitive (the sphere of boasting)ἀσθένεια: 'weakness, frailty'; the paradoxical ground of Paul's boast (cf. 12:5, 9–10).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
καυχήσομαιI will boastFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · καυχάομαιmain verb→ predictive futureκαυχάομαι: see above; the deliberate inversion of all worldly boasting.
31
ὁ θεὸς καὶ πατὴρ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ οἶδεν, ὁ ὢν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι.
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
A solemn oath guards the strange story about to be told: God himself, eternally blessed, is witness that Paul does not lie about the humiliation at Damascus.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: God; invoked as the omniscient witness (cf. v.11).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πατὴρFatherNominativesubject (coordinate)πατήρ: 'Father'; 'the God and Father of the Lord Jesus' — a fixed liturgical title (cf. 1:3; Rom 15:6).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of relationshipκύριος: 'Lord'; the title confessed of Jesus.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition
οἶδενknowsPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect with present force (stative)οἶδα: 'know'; the divine knowledge that guarantees Paul's truthfulness.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ὢνwho isPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · εἰμίattributive participle→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; ὁ ὤν, 'the one who is' — echoing the LXX divine self-designation (Exod 3:14).
εὐλογητὸςblessedNominativepredicate adjectiveεὐλογητός: 'blessed, worthy of praise' (εὖ + λόγος); the doxological epithet reserved in the NT for God (cf. Rom 1:25; 9:5).
εἰςuntopreposition + accusative (extent of time)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
αἰῶναςages / foreverAccusativeobject of εἰς (extent of time)αἰών: 'age'; εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, 'unto the ages' = forever, the doxological formula.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of οἶδεν)
οὐnotnegative particle
ψεύδομαιI liePres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ψεύδομαιmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ stative presentψεύδομαι: 'lie, speak falsely'; the denial that the oath secures (cf. Rom 9:1; Gal 1:20).
32
ἐν Δαμασκῷ ὁ ἐθνάρχης Ἁρέτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν πόλιν Δαμασκηνῶν πιάσαι με,
In Damascus the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me,
The chosen 'boast' is a humiliation: in Damascus the ethnarch of King Aretas set a watch on the city to arrest Paul — the apostle hunted, not triumphant.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
ΔαμασκῷDamascusDativedat. of placeΔαμασκός: Damascus; the Syrian city of Paul's early ministry after his conversion (cf. Acts 9:23–25).
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἐθνάρχηςgovernor / ethnarchNominativesubjectἐθνάρχης: 'ethnarch, governor of a people' (ἔθνος + ἀρχή); the Nabatean official representing Aretas' interests in Damascus.
Ἁρέταof AretasGenitivegenitive of relationship (subordination)Ἁρέτας: Aretas IV, Nabatean king (c. 9 BC–AD 40); a fixed point for NT chronology.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
βασιλέωςkingGenitiveapposition to Ἁρέταβασιλεύς: 'king'; identifying Aretas' royal rank.
ἐφρούρειwas guardingImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · φρουρέωmain verb→ progressive imperfectφρουρέω: 'guard, keep watch over' (from φρουρός, 'sentinel'); the imperfect pictures the ongoing surveillance.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
πόλινcityAccusativedirect objectπόλις: 'city'; the gates and walls watched to trap Paul.
Δαμασκηνῶνof the DamascenesGenitivegenitive of identification/possessionΔαμασκηνός: 'a Damascene, inhabitant of Damascus.'
πιάσαιto seizeAor Act Inf · πιάζωinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristπιάζω: 'seize, arrest, catch' (a Koine form of πιέζω); to lay hold of Paul (cf. John 7:30; Acts 12:4).
μεmeAccusativedirect object of πιάσαι
33
καὶ διὰ θυρίδος ἐν σαργάνῃ ἐχαλάσθην διὰ τοῦ τείχους καὶ ἐξέφυγον τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ.
but I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands.
The undignified climax: the great apostle smuggled out a window in a basket like cargo. This, not heroics, is the boast — escape by humiliating weakness, all of grace.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶand / butcoordinating conjunction
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (channel)
θυρίδοςa window / openingGenitiveobject of διά (means of egress)θυρίς: 'window, small opening' (diminutive of θύρα, 'door'); an aperture in the city wall.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (means)
σαργάνῃa basket / hamperDativedat. of meansσαργάνη: 'plaited basket, rope-hamper'; the woven container in which Paul was let down (cf. the σπυρίς of Acts 9:25).
ἐχαλάσθηνI was loweredAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · χαλάωmain verb→ constative aoristχαλάω: 'let down, lower' (by a rope); the passive underscores Paul's helplessness — he was lowered by others.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (channel)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
τείχουςwallGenitiveobject of διά (the city wall)τεῖχος: 'city wall'; the fortified wall through which he descended.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐξέφυγονI escapedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐκφεύγωmain verb→ constative aoristἐκφεύγω: 'flee out, escape' (ἐκ + φεύγω); the deliverance — by flight, not by force.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
χεῖραςhandsAccusativedirect object of ἐξέφυγονχείρ: 'hand'; 'his hands' = the ethnarch's grasp — the power Paul slipped through.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession