New Living Translation
2 Corinthians 10:9
9I’m not trying to frighten you by my letters.
2 Corinthians 10:9 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
- New International Version (NIV)I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.
- English Standard Version (ESV)I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.
- New King James Version (NKJV)lest I seem to terrify you by letters.
Context of 2 Corinthians 10:9
7Look at the obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do. 8I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority. I’m not trying to frighten you by my letters. 10For some say, “Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!” 11Those people should realize that our actions when we arrive in person will be as forceful as what we say in our letters from far away.
Read all of 2 Corinthians 102 Corinthians 10:9 word by word
ἵνα μὴ δόξω ὡς ἂν ἐκφοβεῖν ὑμᾶς διὰ τῶν ἐπιστολῶν.Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 2 Corinthians 10:9
- 2 Corinthians 10:10For some say, “Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!”
- 1 Corinthians 4:5So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 10:9
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 9That I may not seem, etc. - This is an elliptical sentence, and may be supplied thus: "I have not used this authority; nor will I add any more concerning this part of the subject, lest I should seem, as my adversary has insinuated, to wish to terrify you by my letters.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 9That I may not seem - The meaning of this verse seems to be this. “I say that I might boast more of my power in order that I may not appear disposed to terrify you with my letters merely. I do not threaten more than I can perform. I have it in my power to execute all that I have threatened, and to strike an awe not only by my letters, but by the infliction of extraordinary miraculous punishments. And if I should boast that I had done this, and could do…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 7-11Verses 7-11 In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not think that none outward appearance, as if the want of such things proved a man not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful minister of the lowly Saviour.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 7-11The rival teachers claimed to represent Christ in a way that excluded Paul due to his perceived weakness. Paul explained that true authority is different from being a controlling leader. His authority aimed to strengthen God's people, not to harm them (see 13:10). However, he planned to address these rivals firmly when he visited Corinth (see 13:1).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 99. I say this lest I should seem to be terrifying you, as children, with empty threats [Bengel]. Estius explains, "I might boast more of my authority, but I forbear to do so, that I may not seem as if," &c. But this ellipsis is harsh: and 2Co 10:10, 11 confirm Bengel's view.Read the comment
Topics related to 2 Corinthians 10:9
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 10
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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