2 Corinthians 10:9

9 I do not want you to think I am trying to scare 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 You must look at the facts before you. If you feel sure that you belong to Christ, you must remember that we belong to Christ just as you do.
8 It is true that we brag freely about the authority the Lord gave us. But this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down. So I will not be ashamed.
9 I do not want you to think I am trying to scare you with my letters.
10 Some people say, "Paul's letters are powerful and sound important, but when he is with us, he is weak. And his speaking is nothing."
11 They should know this: We are not there with you now, so we say these things in letters. But when we are there with you, we will show the same authority that we show in our letters.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.