2 Corinthians 10:9

9 My object is not to seem as if I were trying to frighten you with these letters.

2 Corinthians 10:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:9

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
] Here seems to be something wanting, which is to be supplied, The sense is, though I might lawfully boast of the superior authority which we apostles have above other persons, in using sharpness with men insolent and hardened in sin; yet I will not, I forbear every thing of that kind, I drop it, I do not choose to insist upon it; (ana amxm) , "I overlook", or "neglect" it, "I do not care" to do it, as the Syriac version supplies it; and this he thought most prudent and advisable, lest he should give any occasion to the above calumny that he was bold, and blustering, and terrifying by his letters when absent, and only threatened that he had no power to perform.

2 Corinthians 10:9 In-Context

7 You are looking at the surface of things. If anyone is convinced that he belongs to the Messiah, he should remind himself that we belong to the Messiah as much as he does.
8 For even if I boast a little too much about the authority the Lord has given us - authority to build you up, not tear you down - I am not ashamed.
9 My object is not to seem as if I were trying to frighten you with these letters.
10 Someone says, "His letters are weighty and powerful, but when he appears in person he is weak, and as a speaker he is nothing."
11 Such a person should realize that what we say in our letters when absent, we will do when present.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.