New International VersionEven if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say,
New Living TranslationIf I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message,
English Standard Versionthough if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
Berean Standard BibleEven 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,
Berean Literal BibleFor if I should desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should credit to me more than what he sees in me, or anyone hears of me,
King James BibleFor 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.
New King James VersionFor though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
New American Standard BibleFor if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
NASB 1995For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
NASB 1977For if I do wish to boast I shall not be foolish, for I shall be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one may credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
Legacy Standard BibleFor if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will consider me beyond what he sees in me or hears from me.
Amplified BibleIf I wish to boast, I will not be foolish, because I will be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it], so that no one will credit me with more than [is justified by what] he sees in me or hears from me.
Christian Standard BibleFor if I want to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me,
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me,
American Standard VersionFor 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.
Contemporary English VersionYet even if I did brag, I would not be foolish. I would simply be speaking the truth. But I will try not to say too much. That way, none of you will think more highly of me than you should because of what you have seen me do and say.
English Revised VersionFor 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIf I ever wanted to brag, I wouldn't be a fool. Instead, I would be telling the truth. But I'm going to spare you so that no one may think more of me than what he sees or hears about me,
Good News TranslationIf I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will not boast, because I do not want any of you to have a higher opinion of me than you have as a result of what you have seen me do and heard me say.
International Standard VersionHowever, if I did want to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I am not going to do it in order to keep anyone from thinking more of me than what he sees and hears about me.
NET BibleFor even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me,
New Heart English BibleFor if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor 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 what he heareth from me.
Weymouth New TestamentIf however I should choose to boast, I should not be a fool for so doing, for I should be speaking the truth. But I forbear, lest any one should be led to estimate me more highly than what his own eyes attest, or more highly than what he hears from my lips. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEven 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,
World English BibleFor 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor if I may wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will say truth; but I refrain, lest in regard to me anyone may think anything above what he sees me, or hears anything of me;
Berean Literal BibleFor if I should desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should credit to me more than what he sees in me, or anyone hears of me,
Young's Literal Translation for if I may wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for truth I will say; but I forebear, lest any one in regard to me may think anything above what he doth see me, or doth hear anything of me;
Smith's Literal TranslationFor if I be willing to boast, I shall not be mad; for the truth will I say: and I spare, lest any reckon for me above what he sees me, or what he hears of me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor even though I am willing to glory, I will not be foolish. But I will speak the truth. Yet I will do so sparingly, lest anyone may consider me to be anything more than what he sees in me, or anything more than what he hears from me.
New American BibleAlthough if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me
New Revised Standard VersionBut if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut even if I would desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will tell the truth: but now I refrain, lest any one should think more of me than what he sees me to be and what he hears from me.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor if I have wished to boast, I have not been misbehaving, for I speak the truth; but I abstain, lest a man think of me more than what he sees in me and hears from me. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor though I should choose to boast, I would not be void of understanding: for I will speak the truth. But I forbear, lest any one should think of me more than what he sees me to be, or what he hears of me.
Godbey New Testament
For if I shall wish to glory, I will not be a fool; for I speak the truth: but I fear, lest some one may consider with reference to me above what he sees me, or hears from me.
Haweis New Testament
For though I should be disposed to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I shall speak truth: but I desist, lest any man think of me above what he seeth me to be, or what he heareth of me.
Mace New Testament
tho' if I had a mind to glory, I might do it without vanity, for I should say nothing but what is true: but now I forbear, lest any man should ascribe more to me than my actions, or my preaching can justify.
Weymouth New Testament
If however I should choose to boast, I should not be a fool for so doing, for I should be speaking the truth. But I forbear, lest any one should be led to estimate me more highly than what his own eyes attest, or more highly than what he hears from my lips.
Worrell New Testament
For, if I should desire to glory, I would not be foolish, for I shall be speaking truth; but I forbear, lest some one should think, in regard to me, above what he sees meto be, or hears from me.
Worsley New Testament
For though I should incline to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I should speak truth. But I forbear least anyone should think of me above what he seeth meto be, or heareth from me.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul's Thorn and God's Grace… 5I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses. 6EvenifI wantedto boast,I would not bea fool,becauseI would be speakingthe truth.ButI refrain,sono onewill creditmewith more thanhe seesin meorhearsfromme,7or 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.…
Cross References Philippians 3:4-7though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: / circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; / as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. ...
Galatians 6:14But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
1 Corinthians 1:31Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Romans 12:3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
1 Corinthians 4:6-7Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. / For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
1 Corinthians 13:4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 9:16Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
1 Timothy 1:15-16This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. / But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18Rather, “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.
1 Peter 5:5-6Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
James 4:6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Proverbs 27:2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.
Jeremiah 9:23-24This 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.
Proverbs 16:18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Isaiah 42:8I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols.
Treasury of Scripture 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 sees me to be, or that he hears of me. I would. 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 2 Corinthians 11:16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. 1 Corinthians 3:5,9,10 Who then is Paul, and whois Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? … I will. 2 Corinthians 1:18 Butas Godis true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. 2 Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. Job 24:25 And ifit be notso now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth? above that. 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 10:9,10 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters… Jump to Previous AccountBoastChooseDesireEstimateEyesFearFoolFoolishForbearGloryHearethHearsHighlyHoweverRefrainSpeakSpeakingThinkTrue.TruthWordJump to Next AccountBoastChooseDesireEstimateEyesFearFoolFoolishForbearGloryHearethHearsHighlyHoweverRefrainSpeakSpeakingThinkTrue.TruthWord2 Corinthians 12 1.For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,9.yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities;11.blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting.14.He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father;20.although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there.Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool,Paul acknowledges the temptation to boast about his spiritual experiences and revelations. In the Greco-Roman world, boasting was often associated with honor and status. However, Paul contrasts worldly boasting with the Christian virtue of humility. In 2 Corinthians 11:16-18, Paul discusses boasting as a "fool's" activity, yet he distinguishes his potential boasting as truthful, unlike the false apostles who boasted in their own achievements. because I would be speaking the truth.
Paul emphasizes that his potential boasting would be based on truth, not exaggeration or deceit. This aligns with his commitment to integrity and transparency in his ministry (2 Corinthians 4:2). The truth he refers to likely includes his visions and revelations from the Lord, as mentioned earlier in the chapter (2 Corinthians 12:1-4). This truth is not self-aggrandizing but rather a testament to God's work in his life. But I refrain,
Paul chooses to refrain from boasting, demonstrating self-control and prioritizing the edification of the church over personal glory. This restraint reflects the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility and servanthood (Matthew 23:12). Paul's decision to refrain is also a strategic choice to avoid giving his opponents any reason to accuse him of self-promotion. so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me,
Paul desires that his reputation be based solely on his observable actions and spoken words, not on any exaggerated claims. This reflects a principle of authenticity and accountability in Christian leadership. In1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the Spirit's power rather than relying on persuasive words. By focusing on what others can see and hear, Paul ensures that his ministry remains grounded in reality and accessible to all believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is known for his missionary journeys and his role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues. 3. Paul's Vision and ThornEarlier in this chapter, Paul discusses a vision of heaven and a "thorn in the flesh" given to him to prevent pride, setting the context for his discussion on boasting. Teaching Points Humility in LeadershipPaul exemplifies humility by choosing not to boast, even when he has legitimate reasons. Leaders today should follow his example, focusing on truth and integrity rather than self-promotion. Truth Over PerceptionPaul is concerned with being credited only for what is true and observable. Christians should prioritize living authentically, ensuring that their actions align with their words. Guarding Against PrideThe context of Paul's "thorn in the flesh" serves as a reminder to guard against pride. Believers should remain humble, recognizing that any strength or success comes from God. The Power of RestraintBy refraining from boasting, Paul demonstrates the power of restraint. Christians are encouraged to practice self-control, allowing their lives to speak for themselves. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 12:6?
2.How does 2 Corinthians 12:6 teach humility in sharing personal spiritual experiences?
3.Why is boasting avoided according to 2 Corinthians 12:6?
4.How can we apply Paul's example of humility in our daily lives?
5.What other scriptures emphasize humility and avoiding self-exaltation?
6.How does understanding 2 Corinthians 12:6 affect our view of personal achievements?
7.What does 2 Corinthians 12:6 reveal about Paul's understanding of boasting and humility?
8.How does 2 Corinthians 12:6 challenge the concept of self-promotion in modern society?
9.Why does Paul emphasize truth over boasting in 2 Corinthians 12:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12?
11.Why does God allow so many intelligent people to remain atheists if He wants all to believe?
12.What are Christian Weapons?
13.If Paul heard 'inexpressible things' (2 Corinthians 12:4), why does he offer no verifiable details, and should this cast doubt on his account?
14.How can a young man purify his path?What Does 2 Corinthians 12:6 Mean Even if I wanted to boast“Even if I wanted to boast, …” (2 Corinthians 12:6a) • Paul acknowledges that, from a human standpoint, he actually has grounds to glory in the dramatic visions and revelations God granted him (2 Corinthians 12:1–5). • Yet he chooses not to drape himself in spiritual credentials, echoing1 Corinthians 9:16—“woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” His service is duty, not self-promotion. • Cross referencePhilippians 3:4–8, where Paul lists remarkable achievements only to label them “loss” compared with Christ.
I would not be a fool“ … I would not be a fool, …” (2 Corinthians 12:6b) • “Fool” here describes someone bragging about things that lack substance (cf.2 Corinthians 11:16–21). • Since Paul’s experiences are real, he says such boasting would not be empty or irrational. •Ecclesiastes 7:25 warns against folly; Paul insists his testimony would stand up to scrutiny.
Because I would be speaking the truth“ … because I would be speaking the truth.” (2 Corinthians 12:6c) • His encounters with heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2–4) are factual, just as Luke records verifiable miracles inActs 14:8–10. •John 19:35 models the same integrity: “He who saw it has testified … his testimony is true.” • Truthful testimony glorifies God, yet Paul knows truth can still be weaponized into pride if motives stray (1 Corinthians 4:7).
But I refrain“ But I refrain, …” (2 Corinthians 12:6d) • He chooses restraint, mirroringProverbs 27:2—“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” • Holding back protects both the messenger and the message; it keeps the spotlight on Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5).
So no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me“ … so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.” (2 Corinthians 12:6e) • Paul wants people to evaluate him on observable faithfulness, not mystical experiences. Compare1 Thessalonians 2:10, where he appeals to the Thessalonians’ firsthand witness of his conduct. •Acts 20:18 shows Paul pointing to his own transparent lifestyle at Ephesus as proof of sincerity. • This protects the church from celebrity culture and preserves Christ as the only rightful object of exaltation (Colossians 1:18).
summaryPaul could legitimately parade extraordinary revelations, yet he opts for humble silence. His credibility rests not on spectacular stories but on consistent, truthful living that others can see and hear. By refusing self-promotion, he safeguards the church from misplaced admiration and keeps glory where it belongs—on the Lord who gave the revelations in the first place. (6) For though I would desire to glory . . .He had said in the preceding verse that he will glory only in his infirmities. He is about to lay bare to their gaze the greatest of all those infirmities. "If I should boast of that," he says, "I shall not be acting as a madman does" (the thought of insanity is throughout dominant in the words "fool" and "folly"), "for I will confine myself to a simple statement of fact." Verse 6. - I forbear; literally, Ispare; i.e. I refrain from boasting. Should think of me; literally, that no man should estimate concerning me beyond what he sees me ( to be) , or hears at all from my own lips. If he were to tell them more of his revelations, he might encourage them to think more of him than he deserves or wishes.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Evenγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.ifἐὰν(ean)Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.I wantedθελήσω(thelēsō)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2309:To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.to boast,καυχήσασθαι(kauchēsasthai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 2744:To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.I would not beἔσομαι(esomai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.a fool,ἄφρων(aphrōn)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 878:Senseless, foolish, inconsiderate. Properly, mindless, i.e. Stupid, ignorant, egotistic, rash, or unbelieving.becauseγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.I would be speakingἐρῶ(erō)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2046:Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.[the] truth.ἀλήθειαν(alētheian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.Butδέ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.I refrain,φείδομαι(pheidomai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5339:To spare, abstain, forbear. Of uncertain affinity; to be chary of, i.e. to abstain or to treat leniently.[so]μή(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.[no one]τις(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.will creditλογίσηται(logisētai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3049:To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose.meἐμὲ(eme)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.with more thanὑπὲρ(hyper)Preposition
Strong's 5228:Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.he seesβλέπει(blepei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.in meμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.hearsἀκούει(akouei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.fromἐξ(ex)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.me,ἐμοῦ(emou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:6 For if I would desire to boast (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
