2 Corinthians 10:9

9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.

2 Corinthians 10:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
ESV
9 I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.
NLT
9 I’m not trying to frighten you by my letters.
MSG
9 And what's this talk about me bullying you with my letters?
CSB
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 You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do.
8 So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.
9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.
10 For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.”
11 Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.