2 Corinthians 11:16 Meaning: Why Paul Calls His Boasting Foolish
I say again, let no one think me foolish. But if so, yet receive me as foolish, that I also may boast a little.
I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but ifye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little.
Again I say, may no one think me to be a fool; and if otherwise, even as a fool receive me, that I also a little may boast.
Again I say, Let not any one think me to be a fool; but if otherwise, receive me then even as a fool, that I also may boast myself some little.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul insists he's not a fool for boasting, but if you think so, bear with him. Understanding Christian self-defense and humility.
Context
Paul has been walking a tightrope in this letter. False teachers have come to Corinth, boasting about their credentials and undermining his authority. He despises the need to talk about himself, it feels like foolishness to him. But the Corinthians are being led astray, and silence would only hurt them. So he asks them not to think him a fool for what he is about to say. And if they cannot help thinking that, he asks them at least to hear him out, as they would any fool, so he can set the record straight. This verse is the hinge between his reluctance and his decision to speak.
Key Words
The word Paul uses for 'fool' is aphron, which means 'without reason' or 'senseless.' It is not someone who is silly in a harmless way, but someone acting against good judgment. Paul knows that self-praise usually falls into that category. Yet he uses it here to say, 'Even if I seem to be acting irrationally, allow me to speak.'
The verb for 'receive' is dechomai, a warm word that means to take hold of with the hand or to welcome. Paul is not asking them to endure him passively, but to actively accept what he says, even if the messenger seems foolish.
And the verb for 'boast' is kauchaomai, which Paul often uses negatively when people brag about their own achievements. But here he pairs it with mikron ti, 'a little bit.' The smallness matters. The false apostles boasted without measure. Paul will only boast a little, and only because he has to.
How Christians Read This Verse
Reformed commentators like Calvin see Paul exposing the false apostles and rebuking the Corinthians for tolerating them. The boasting is a painful necessity, forced on him by their failure. Baptist expositor Gill emphasizes the need for vindication of his character for the sake of the gospel. Matthew Henry, writing from a Presbyterian tradition, calls it an exception to the rule: normally such self-praise is foolish, but here it serves a higher purpose. All agree that Paul is not endorsing pride. He is making a reluctant concession because the truth is at stake.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Paul is saying all boasting is foolish and Christians should never speak well of themselves. In fact, Paul distinguishes between empty, fleshly boasting and the necessary defense of the gospel. He calls his own words 'foolishness' only in comparison to the ideal of humility. But he does it because the Corinthians needed to hear the truth. His example shows that self-defense in service of others can be loving.
Living This Out
This verse gives you a way to think about times when you have to talk about yourself. Perhaps at work you need to list your qualifications, or in a family conflict you need to correct a misunderstanding. Paul's example asks two things. First, check your heart: are you boasting for your own glory or for the good of others? Second, if you must speak, do it reluctantly and briefly. A little boast in service of truth is not the same as a life of self-promotion.
Main takeaway: Defending the truth sometimes requires speaking about ourselves, but we should do so with reluctance, humility, and only as much as needed.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul did not like to talk about all the good things he had done. But sometimes, when people were saying wrong things about him, he had to explain himself. He asked the people to listen, even if they thought he was being silly.
For ages 9, 12
Paul was in a tough spot. False teachers were bragging about themselves and putting Paul down. Paul didn't want to brag, but he had to defend the truth. So he told the Corinthians, 'If you think I'm foolish for talking about myself, bear with me. I just need to say a little.' This teaches us that sometimes we need to speak up for ourselves, but we should do it carefully and only when it helps others.
Questions People Ask
Why does Paul call his boasting 'foolishness'?
Paul uses the Greek word aphron, meaning 'without reason' or 'senseless.' He thinks it's below the Christian ideal to talk about oneself. But he does it because the false apostles forced his hand by misleading the Corinthians.
Is it ever okay for Christians to boast?
Paul distinguishes between fleshly boasting (empty pride) and necessary self-defense for the gospel's sake. He permits the latter but only with reluctance and in small measure, as seen in this verse where he asks to boast 'a little.'
What does 'receive me as a fool' mean?
Paul asks them to give him the same hearing they would give anyone, even if they think he is foolish. It is a plea for patience and attention, not a request to be treated with contempt.
How does this verse connect to the false apostles in Corinth?
The false apostles bragged endlessly about themselves. Paul wants to set the record straight, but he doesn't want to stoop to their level. So he asks permission to boast just a little, and only because the truth is at stake.
What does 'a little' signify in this verse?
The Greek mikron ti means 'a small bit.' Paul emphasizes that his boasting will be brief and measured, unlike the false apostles' constant self-praise. It shows his reluctance and his desire to keep self-promotion to a minimum.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study