New International VersionIn fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face.
New Living TranslationYou put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.
English Standard VersionFor you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.
Berean Standard BibleIn 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.
Berean Literal BibleFor you bear it if anyone enslaves you, if anyone devours you, if anyone takes from you, if anyone exalts himself, if anyone strikes you in your face.
King James BibleFor ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
New King James VersionFor you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face.
New American Standard BibleFor you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, if anyone devours you, if anyone takes advantage of you, if anyone exalts himself, if anyone hits you in the face.
NASB 1995For you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, anyone devours you, anyone takes advantage of you, anyone exalts himself, anyone hits you in the face.
NASB 1977For you bear with anyone if he enslaves you, if he devours you, if he takes advantage of you, if he exalts himself, if he hits you in the face.
Legacy Standard BibleFor you bear it if anyone enslaves you, anyone devours you, anyone takes advantage of you, anyone exalts himself, anyone hits you in the face.
Amplified BibleFor you tolerate it if anyone makes you his slave; or devours you and your possessions; or takes advantage of you; or acts presumptuously; or hits you in the face.
Christian Standard BibleIn fact, you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone is arrogant toward you, if someone slaps you in the face.
Holman Christian Standard BibleIn fact, you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours you, if someone captures you, if someone dominates you, or if someone hits you in the face.
American Standard VersionFor ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.
Contemporary English VersionIn fact, you let people make slaves of you and cheat you and steal from you. Why, you even let them strut around and slap you in the face.
English Revised VersionFor ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen someone makes you slaves, consumes your wealth, seizes your property, orders you around, or slaps your faces, you put up with it.
Good News TranslationYou tolerate anyone who orders you around or takes advantage of you or traps you or looks down on you or slaps you in the face.
International Standard VersionYou tolerate anyone who makes you his slaves, devours what you have, takes what is yours, orders you around, or slaps your face!
NET BibleFor you put up with it if someone makes slaves of you, if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone behaves arrogantly toward you, if someone strikes you in the face.
New Heart English BibleFor you put up with it if someone makes slaves of you, if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone exalts himself, if someone strikes you on the face.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor ye suffer, if a man bringeth you into bondage, if a man devoureth you, if a man taketh from you, if a man exalteth himself, if a man smiteth you on the face.
Weymouth New TestamentFor you tolerate it, if any one enslaves you, lives at your expense, makes off with your property, gives himself airs, or strikes you on the face. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn 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.
World English BibleFor you bear with a man if he brings you into bondage, if he devours you, if he takes you captive, if he exalts himself, or if he strikes you on the face. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor you bear, if anyone is bringing you under bondage, if anyone devours, if anyone takes away, if anyone exalts himself, if anyone strikes you on the face;
Berean Literal BibleFor you bear it if anyone enslaves you, if anyone devours you, if anyone takes from you, if anyone exalts himself, if anyone strikes you in your face.
Young's Literal Translation for ye bear, if any one is bringing you under bondage, if any one doth devour, if any one doth take away, if any one doth exalt himself, if any one on the face doth smite you;
Smith's Literal TranslationFor ye bear, if any reduce you to bondage, if any devour, if any receive, if any be lifted up, if any skin you on the face. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor you suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take from you, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor you permit it when someone guides you into servitude, even if he devours you, even if he takes from you, even if he is extolled, even if he strikes you repeatedly on the face.
New American BibleFor you put up with it if someone enslaves you, or devours you, or gets the better of you, or puts on airs, or slaps you in the face.
New Revised Standard VersionFor you put up with it when someone makes slaves of you, or preys upon you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or gives you a slap in the face. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor you endure the man who dominates you, and the man who lives at your expense, and the man who takes from you, and the man who exalts himself over you, and the man who smites you on the face.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd do you submit to the one who is subject to you and to him who embezzles you and to him who takes from you and to him who exalts himself over you and to him who strikes you on your face? NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor you bear it, if one enslave you, if one devour you, if one take from you, if one exalt himself, if one smite you on the face.
Godbey New Testament
for you bear with them, if any one enslaves you, if any one devours you, if any one captures you, if any one is exalted against you, if any one smites you in the face.
Haweis New Testament
For ye bear if a man enslave you, if a man eat you up, if a man receive from you, if a man is insolent, if a man smite you on the face.
Mace New Testament
if a man impose upon you, if he preys upon you, if he makes a gain of you, if a man insults you, if he disgracefully assaults you, I mean it as to their reproaches, you take it all;
Weymouth New Testament
For you tolerate it, if any one enslaves you, lives at your expense, makes off with your property, gives himself airs, or strikes you on the face.
Worrell New Testament
For ye bear with it, if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes you captive, if one exaltshimself, if one smites you on the face.
Worsley New Testament
ye bearit, even if anyone enslave you, if any devouryou, if any takeyour substance, if any be lifted up,yea if any one smite you on the face.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul's Suffering and Service… 19For you gladly tolerate fools, since you are so wise. 20In fact,you even put up withanyone whoenslavesyouorexploits youortakes advantage of youorexalts himselforstrikesyouinthe face.21To 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.…
Cross References Galatians 2:4This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.
Galatians 4:9But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Galatians 5:1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
1 Corinthians 9:19Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
Romans 6:18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Romans 6:22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.
Matthew 23:4They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
Matthew 23:13Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.
Acts 15:10Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?
1 Peter 5:3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
1 Corinthians 7:23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
John 8:33-36“We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” / Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. / A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. ...
Exodus 1:14and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh.
Exodus 5:6-9That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen: / “You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw. / But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ ...
Nehemiah 5:15The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people. But I did not do this, because of my fear of God.
Treasury of Scripture For you suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. if a man bring. 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. Galatians 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: Galatians 4:3,9,25 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: … take. Romans 16:17,18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them… Philippians 3:19 Whose endis destruction, whose Godis their belly, andwhose gloryis in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; Godis witness: a man smite. Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. Lamentations 3:30 He givethhis cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach. Luke 6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on theone cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid notto take thy coat also. Jump to Previous BearBlowsBondageCaptiveDevourDevourethDevoursEnslavesExaltExaltethExaltsExpenseExploitsFaceFactGivesHitsMakesMoneyPreysPrisonersProfitPropertyPutsServantsSlavesSmiteSmitethStrikesSufferTolerateJump to Next BearBlowsBondageCaptiveDevourDevourethDevoursEnslavesExaltExaltethExaltsExpenseExploitsFaceFactGivesHitsMakesMoneyPreysPrisonersProfitPropertyPutsServantsSlavesSmiteSmitethStrikesSufferTolerate2 Corinthians 11 1.Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, he enters into a forced commendation of himself,5.of his equality with the chief apostles,7.of his preaching the gospel to them freely, and without any charge to them;13.showing that he was not inferior to those deceitful workers in any legal prerogative;23.and in the service of Christ, and in all kinds of sufferings for his ministry, far superior.In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves youPaul is addressing the Corinthians' tolerance of false apostles who were leading them astray. The term "enslaves" suggests a spiritual bondage, reminiscent of the Israelites' physical bondage in Egypt. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God's people are warned against returning to any form of slavery, whether physical or spiritual ( Galatians 5:1). The Corinthians' acceptance of such leaders indicates a failure to recognize the freedom they have in Christ. or exploits you
The exploitation here can be understood as both spiritual and material. False teachers often sought personal gain, manipulating the church for their own benefit. This echoes the warnings in the Old Testament against leaders who exploit their positions (Ezekiel 34:2-4). The Corinthians' willingness to endure such exploitation highlights their lack of discernment and the need for vigilance against those who would distort the gospel for selfish purposes. or takes advantage of you
This phrase suggests a deeper level of manipulation, where the false apostles were using the Corinthians' resources and trust for their own ends. It reflects a broader biblical warning against deceit and manipulation, as seen in the actions of figures like Jacob before his transformation (Genesis 27). The church is called to be wise and discerning, ensuring that leaders are held accountable and that the community is protected from those who would take advantage of their generosity and trust. or exalts himself
Self-exaltation is a direct contradiction to the humility exemplified by Christ (Philippians 2:5-8). The false apostles were likely boasting of their own credentials and authority, seeking to elevate themselves above others. This behavior is condemned throughout scripture, as God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The Corinthians' acceptance of such behavior indicates a misunderstanding of true Christian leadership, which is characterized by service and humility. or strikes you in the face
This phrase may be metaphorical, indicating the level of abuse and disrespect the Corinthians were willing to endure. It could also be literal, reflecting a cultural context where physical punishment was a sign of authority and dominance. In either case, it highlights the extent of the Corinthians' misguided tolerance. The imagery of being struck in the face is powerful, as it contrasts sharply with the dignity and respect that should characterize relationships within the body of Christ (Matthew 5:39). The church is called to stand firm against such abuse, recognizing their worth and identity in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with a tone of irony and concern for their spiritual well-being. 2. The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of the letter, known for their struggles with false teachings and internal divisions. 3. False ApostlesIndividuals who were misleading the Corinthian believers, claiming authority and superiority over Paul. 4. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth, diversity, and moral challenges, which influenced the church's issues. 5. Paul's SufferingsThe broader context of this chapter includes Paul recounting his sufferings for the sake of the Gospel, contrasting his genuine apostleship with the false apostles. Teaching Points Discernment in LeadershipBelievers must exercise discernment in whom they follow, ensuring leaders align with biblical truth rather than self-exaltation. Spiritual VigilanceThe church must remain vigilant against false teachings that can enslave and exploit believers, leading them away from the true Gospel. Humility vs. PrideTrue Christian leadership is marked by humility and service, contrasting with the pride and self-exaltation of false leaders. Endurance in FaithLike Paul, believers are called to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel, trusting in God's strength and provision. Accountability in the ChurchThe church community should hold leaders accountable, ensuring they reflect Christ-like character and teaching. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 11
What are the core beliefs of creation theology?
If Job 20:19-20 suggests a direct correlation between greed and swift downfall, why do some wealthy exploiters seem to thrive indefinitely without facing apparent divine retribution?
Why does God allow genocides to happen, including those commanded in the Bible (Numbers 31:17-18)?
What are the seven deadly sins?(20) For ye suffer, if a man bring you intobondage.--Every word in the sentence clearly points to something that Titus had told him of the action of these rival teachers. They reproduced, in their worst form, the vices of the Pharisaism of Palestine ( Matthew 23:4; Matthew 23:14; Matthew 23:25). They enslaved the consciences of men (the same word is used of the same class of men in Galatians 2:4) by pressing on them an iron code of rules which left no room for the free play of conscience and of reason in those over whom they claimed to act as directors. If a man devour you.--The word again reminds us of our Lord's denunciation of the teachers who "devoured widows' houses" (Matthew 23:14). . . . Verse 20. - For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage. The verse gives us an unexpected and painful glimpse of the enslaving ( Galatians 2:4), greed-loving ( Matthew 23:14; Romans 16;18), gain-hunting ( 1 Peter 5:2, 3), domineering ( 3 John 1:9). and even personally violent and insulting character of these teachers; whom yet, strange to say, the Corinthians seem to take at their own estimate, and to tolerate any extreme of insolence from them, while they were jealously suspicious of the disinterested, gentle, and humble apostle. If a man devour you. As the Pharisees "devoured" widows' houses ( Matthew 23:14). Take of you; rather, seize you; makes you his captives. The verb is the same as "caught you," in 2 Corinthians 12:16. Smite you on the face. They must have brought their insolence with them from Jerusalem, where, as we see, not only from the details of our Lord's various mockeries, but from the accounts of the priests in Josephus and the Talmud, the priests made free use of their fists and staves! The fact that so many of the converts were downtrodden slaves and artisans would make them less likely to resent conduct to which they were daily accustomed among the heathen. Neither Greeks nor Orientals felt to anything like the same extent as ourselves the disgrace of a blow. That sense of disgrace rises flora the freedom which Christianity has gradually wrought for us, and the deep sense of the dignity of human nature, which it has inspired Christ had been so smitten, and so was Paul himself long afterwards ( Acts 23:2), and he had to teach even Christian bishops that they must be "no strikers" ( 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). The "syllogism of violence" has, alas! been in familiar use among religious teachers in all ages ( 1 Kings 22:24; Nehemiah 13:25; Isaiah 58:4; Matthew 5:39; Luke 22:64; 1 Corinthians 4:11).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek In fact,γὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.you even put up withἀνέχεσθε(anechesthe)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 430:To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist.anyone whoτις(tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.enslavesκαταδουλοῖ(katadouloi)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2615:To enslave. From kata and douloo; to enslave utterly.youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.[or]εἴ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.exploits [you]κατεσθίει(katesthiei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2719:To eat up, eat till it is finished, devour, squander, annoy, injure. From kata and esthio; to eat down, i.e. Devour.[or]εἴ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.takes advantage [of you]λαμβάνει(lambanei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.[or]εἴ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.exalts himselfἐπαίρεται(epairetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1869:To raise, lift up. From epi and airo; to raise up.[or]εἴ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.strikesδέρει(derei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1194:To flay, flog, scourge, beat. A primary verb; properly, to flay, i.e. to scourge, or to thrash.youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.inεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.the face.πρόσωπον(prosōpon)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4383:From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.
Links 2 Corinthians 11:20 NIV2 Corinthians 11:20 NLT2 Corinthians 11:20 ESV2 Corinthians 11:20 NASB2 Corinthians 11:20 KJV
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:20 For you bear with a man if (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
