2 Corinthians 11:18
2 Corinthians 11:18 in Multiple Translations
Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast.
Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
Seeing that there are those who take credit to themselves after the flesh, I will do the same.
But since many others are boasting in the way the world does, let me boast too.
Seeing that many reioyce after the flesh, I will reioyce also.
since many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast:
Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will also boast.
Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
Seeing that many glory according to the flesh, I will glory also.
Because many among you are boasting about their own work, as unbelievers do, I will also boast about myself and my work [MTY, IRO].
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 11:18
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2 Corinthians 11:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 11:18
Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Corinthians 11:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Context — Paul’s Suffering and Service
18Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast.
19For you gladly put up with fools, since you are so wise. 20In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or exalts himself or strikes you in the face.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 4:10 | 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. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 11:21–23 | To my shame I concede that we were too weak for that! Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 10:12–18 | We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance. We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you. We are not overstepping our bounds, as if we had not come to you. Indeed, we were the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we boast beyond our limits in the labors of others. But we hope that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you will greatly increase as well, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory. Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 1:24 | For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 11:12 | But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 12:9 | But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. |
| 7 | Philippians 3:3–4 | For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: |
| 8 | Jeremiah 9:23–24 | This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth— for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. |
| 9 | 2 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. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 12:5–6 | 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, |
2 Corinthians 11:18 Summary
[In 2 Corinthians 11:18, the Apostle Paul says he will boast like others, but he's not being serious - he's making a point that earthly accomplishments aren't what truly matter. As Christians, we should focus on our spiritual growth and relationship with God, rather than comparing ourselves to others or seeking to impress them with our achievements, as in Galatians 6:4. We should boast in the Lord, not in ourselves, as in 1 Corinthians 1:31. By doing so, we can trust in God's power to work through us, even in our weaknesses, as Paul did in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to boast according to the flesh?
Boasting according to the flesh, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:18, refers to taking pride in one's earthly accomplishments, abilities, or status, rather than in one's spiritual growth or relationship with God, as seen in Jeremiah 9:23-24.
Is the Apostle Paul being hypocritical by deciding to boast like others?
Paul is not being hypocritical, but rather, he is using a rhetorical device to make a point, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:17, where he says he is speaking as a fool, not as the Lord would, similar to when Jesus used parables to convey spiritual truths, as in Matthew 13:10-17.
What is the context of Paul's boasting in this verse?
The context is that the Corinthian church is being influenced by false apostles who are boasting about their earthly credentials, and Paul is saying that if they want to play that game, he can do it too, but he would rather boast in his weaknesses, as in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
How does this verse relate to modern-day Christian living?
This verse reminds us that as Christians, we should not compare ourselves to others or seek to impress them with our earthly accomplishments, but rather, we should focus on our spiritual growth and relationship with God, as in Galatians 6:4, and boast in the Lord, as in 1 Corinthians 1:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to boast in my own strength or accomplishments, rather than in God's power and provision?
- How can I balance humility with confidence in my gifts and abilities, without becoming prideful or arrogant?
- What are some ways I can 'boast in my weaknesses' and trust in God's power to work through me, as Paul did in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of 'not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool' in my own life, and what would be the benefits of doing so?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Studies in 1 Corinthians-03 1 Cor 4:1-13 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Corinthians chapter 4 and specifically discusses the judgment seat of Christ. He explains that when the Lord comes, there will be a judgme |
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First Step to Partake of God's Nature (Kannada) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring God in our lives to receive His honor in return. It contrasts worldly values with heavenly values, highlighting the need for repen |
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God Has Chosen the Foolish Things - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes God's choice of the foolish and weak things of the world to confound the wise, highlighting the importance of humility, honesty, and dependency on God. It ch |
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1 Corinthians 4:10 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the contrast between the worldly wisdom and glory sought by some and the humility and suffering embraced by true followers of Christ. He emphasizes t |
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Incarnating Truth by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of 'phronimos,' an adjective describing one who is thoughtful, sagacious, and discreet, emphasizing the importance of combining understanding w |
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Christianity - a Process of Transformation by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christianity is a continuous process of transformation, urging believers to understand the true nature of their faith amidst confusion and complica |
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Epistle 353 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first and the righteousness of His kingdom, emphasizing the need to be heavenly-minded and to believe in the |







