2 Corinthians 12:6
4 was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were too sacred for words, things that man is not permitted to tell.
5 I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.
Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me,
7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me,
- KJV
- For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
- WEB
- For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me.
- ASV
- For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or heareth from me.
- DARBY
- For if I shall desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will say [the] truth; but I forbear, lest any one should think as to me above what he sees me [to be], or whatever he may hear of me.
- BLB
- For if I should want to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should reckon to me above what he sees in me or anything he hears of me,
- ÅB
- For om jeg vil rose meg, blir jeg ikke en dåre; for det er sannhet jeg vil tale; men jeg lar det være, for at ingen skal tenke større om meg enn som han ser meg eller hører av meg.
- OTB
- Hvis jeg velger å rose meg, vil jeg ikke være tåpelig, for jeg ville tale sannhet; men jeg avstår, så ingen skal tillegge meg mer enn det de ser i meg eller hører fra meg.
- B1930
- For om jeg vil rose mig, blir jeg ikke en dåre; for det er sannhet jeg vil tale; men jeg lar det være, forat ingen skal tenke større om mig enn som han ser mig eller hører av mig.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
2 Corinthians 11:16
I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
Read in context2 Corinthians 10:8–10
For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
Read in context2 Corinthians 11:31
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.
Read in context2 Corinthians 12:11
I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
Read in context2 Corinthians 12:7
or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
Read in context1 Corinthians 3:5
What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.
Read in context1 Corinthians 3:9–10
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Read in context2 Corinthians 1:18
But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.”
Read in context