2 Corinthians 11:7

⁵ I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”

⁶ Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.

Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?

⁸ I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you.

⁹ And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
KJV: Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
WEB: Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God’s Good News free of charge?
ASV: Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I preached to you the gospel of God for nought?
DARBY: Have I committed sin, abasing myself in order that *ye* might be exalted, because I gratuitously announced to you the glad tidings of God?
BLB: Or did I commit a sin, humbling myself so that you⁺ might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you⁺ freely?

ÅB: Eller gjorde jeg synd da jeg ydmyket meg selv for at dere skulle opphøyes, idet jeg uten vederlag forkynte dere Guds evangelium?
OTB: Eller gjorde jeg noe galt ved å ydmyke meg selv så dere kunne bli opphøyd, fordi jeg forkynte Guds evangelium til dere gratis?
B1930: Eller gjorde jeg synd da jeg ydmyket mig selv forat I skulde ophøies, idet jeg uten vederlag forkynte eder Guds evangelium?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

2 Corinthians 12:13
In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
Read in context
1 Corinthians 4:10–12
We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
Read in context
2 Corinthians 10:1
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
Read in context
1 Thessalonians 2:9
Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
Read in context
1 Corinthians 9:6
Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living?
Read in context
1 Corinthians 9:14–18
In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
Read in context
Acts 20:34
You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.
Read in context
2 Thessalonians 3:8
nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
Read in context