2 Corinthians 10:9

9 I don't want to seem as though I am trying to terrify you with my 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 Look at what is obvious. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself of this: just as he belongs to Christ, so do we.
8 For if I boast some more about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I am not ashamed.
9 I don't want to seem as though I am trying to terrify you with my letters.
10 For it is said, "His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical presence is weak, and his public speaking is despicable."
11 Such a person should consider this: what we are in the words of our letters when absent, we will be in actions when present.
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