2 Corinthians 5:12

Translations

Modern

We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.

Traditional

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

Literal

We do not commend ourselves to you again, but are giving to you occasion of boasting on behalf of us, so that you may have something toward those boasting in appearance and not in heart.

Latin

Non iterum commendamus nos vobis, sed occasionem damus vobis gloriandi pro nobis: ut habeatis ad eos qui in facie gloriantur, et non in corde.

Original

Greek

English

We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.

Notes

2 Corinthians 5:12

Paul's opponents boasted about their impressive outward ministry, but they lacked sincerity in their hearts (compare 1 Samuel 16:7; Romans 2:28–29).

2 Corinthians 5:11–7:4

Paul explains the main theme of his message: reconciliation. This means turning enemies into friends and restoring relationships. Paul's ideas are based on what God did through Christ to reconcile sinners to Himself (5:18–21). He presents this explanation while defending his own ministry (5:11–17) and applying his message to the situation in Corinth (6:1–7:4).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Paul’s Role as an Apostle

Related verses

2 Corinthians 3:1
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?
2 Corinthians 1:14
…as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
Galatians 6:12–14
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:12–16
But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.
2 Corinthians 10:18
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 12:11
I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
2 Corinthians 10:12
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance.
2 Corinthians 6:4
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
2 Corinthians 12:1–9
I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.
Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.
2 Corinthians 10:8
For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Glorification Heart Judgment Seat Rest Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrites: Glorying in Appearance Only

2 Corinthians 5:12

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Original?

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Related verses?

Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

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