2 Corinthians 12:16
2 Corinthians 12:16 in Multiple Translations
Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery.
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
But let it be so, that I was not a trouble to you myself; but (someone may say) being false, I took you with deceit.
Well, even if that's so, I wasn't a burden to you. Maybe I was being devious, and tricked you with my cunning ways!
But bee it that I charged you not: yet for as much as I was craftie, I tooke you with guile.
And be it [so], I — I did not burden you, but being crafty, with guile I did take you;
Even so, I myself didn’t burden you. But you might say that being crafty, I caught you with deception.
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
But be it so: I did not burthen you: but being crafty, I caught you by guile.
You all know that I did not depend on you to provide for my needs. However, there are some who accuse me, saying that [IRO] I was very clever and got money from you by tricking you.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 12:16
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2 Corinthians 12:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 12:16
Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Corinthians 12:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
- Sermons on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Context — Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians
16Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery.
17Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you? 18I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 2:5 | As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 10:2–3 | I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh. For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. |
| 3 | 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! |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 1:12 | And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 7:2 | Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 11:9–10 | 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. As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 4:2 | Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. |
| 8 | 1 Thessalonians 2:3 | For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery. |
| 9 | 1 Peter 2:3 | now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. |
2 Corinthians 12:16 Summary
[Paul is saying that even though some people might think he used sneaky or dishonest methods to win the Corinthians to Christ, he didn't. He genuinely loved them and wanted what was best for their souls, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:14-15. This is similar to how Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves in Matthew 22:39. Paul's approach was built on sacrifice and a desire to build them up in their faith, not on tricking them into following him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Paul mean by 'I caught you by trickery' in 2 Corinthians 12:16?
Paul is being sarcastic, implying that some people think he used cunning or deceit to win them over, but this is not true, as seen in his selfless love for them in 2 Corinthians 12:14-15 and his desire to build them up in the faith like a parent for their children, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:14.
Is Paul saying he actually used trickery to convert the Corinthians?
No, Paul is using irony to defend himself against accusations, similar to his defense in 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 where he becomes all things to all men to win them to Christ, not by trickery but by genuine love and sacrifice.
What kind of 'trickery' might the Corinthians have thought Paul used?
They might have thought he used flattery or promised them earthly benefits to follow him, but Paul's actions, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:15, show he was willing to spend himself for their souls, not for personal gain.
How does this relate to Paul's ministry and the gospel?
Paul's ministry was built on sincerity, love, and a desire to see people come to know Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, where he preached not with persuasive words of human wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be perceived as using 'trickery' in my witness, and how can I ensure my actions and words are genuinely reflective of Christ's love?
- How can I, like Paul, demonstrate a willingness to 'spend' myself for the sake of others' souls, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:15?
- In what ways do I need to examine my motivations for sharing the gospel, to ensure they are pure and not self-serving?
- How can I balance being 'crafty' or wise in my approach to sharing the gospel with being genuine and transparent, like Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:16
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 12:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire-Ii Interview: Jim Cymbala by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the decline of Sunday night services and the lack of depth in preaching. He emphasizes the importance of genuine motives and preparation in de |
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Spiritual Fathers by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Satan tries to attack believers and how we can learn from this to help ourselves and others. The preacher emphasizes the importance of ma |
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Religious News by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual edification rather than being consumed by the gossip and news-mongering prevalent in the religious world. He caution |
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Epistle 191 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of adhering to the single, true language inspired by the Spirit of God, warning against the confusion and hypocrisy that arises from adopting t |
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Pulling Down Strongholds by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revolution in the pulpit and the church. He highlights the importance of prayer in both the church and the pulpit. The preach |
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Fame, or Rejection and Persecution by Miki Hardy | Miki Hardy preaches about the challenges and opposition faced by those who preach the true message of the Gospel, emphasizing the need for Christians to embrace the message of the |
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A Reply to Thy Animadversions by Isaac Penington | The preacher delves into the concept of 'Confident' (pepoithesis), which means full persuasion and trust in someone or something, whether it be in others, in God, or in oneself. Th |






