2 Corinthians 10:9

9 But that I be not guessed as to frighten you by epistles, [Forsooth that I be not guessed as to fear you by epistles,]

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 See ye the things that be after the face. If any man trusteth to himself, that he is of Christ, think he this thing again with himself, for as he is Christ's, so also we [so and we].
8 For if I shall glory any thing more of our power, which the Lord gave to us into edifying, and not into your destruction, I shall not be shamed.
9 But that I be not guessed as to frighten you by epistles, [Forsooth that I be not guessed as to fear you by epistles,]
10 for they say, That epistles be grievous and strong, but the presence of the body is feeble, and the word worthy to be despised. [+for why they say, The epistles be heavy, or grievous, and strong, but the presence of the body is sick, and the word contemptible, or worthy to be despised.]
11 He that is such one, think this, for such as we absent be in word by epistles, such we be present in deed.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.