II Corinthians 11:8 · Bible study
2 Corinthians 11:8 Commentary: Paul's Bold Hyperbole of 'Robbery'
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Paul say he 'robbed' other churches? This study unpacks the strong Greek term and what it reveals about sacrifice.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Paul uses hyperbole to say he accepted support from other churches so he could serve the Corinthians without charge.
- Key words: ἐσύλησα (I robbed), a strong term for plundering; οψώνιον (wages), soldier's pay.
- Main debate: All commentators agree it's hyperbole; the debate is whether the emphasis falls on Paul's sacrifice or on the Corinthians' neglect.
- Theological theme: Apostolic freedom and sacrificial service for the gospel.
- Best use: A defense of ministry funded by outside support and a challenge to congregations to support their teachers.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you.
WEB World English Bible 2000
I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you.
KJV King James Version 1769
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you;
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
other assemblies I did rob, having taken wages, for your ministration;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
I spoiled other assemblies, receiving hire for ministry towards you.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
I have taken from other churches, receiving wages of them for your ministry.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
He despojado las otras iglesias, recibiendo salario para ministraros á vosotros.
Eu tomei o que era de outras igrejas, ao receber salário, para servir a vós; e quando eu estava presente convosco, e tendo necessidade, a ninguém incomodei com algum encargo.
J’ ai dépouillé d’ autres Églises, en recevant d’ elles un salaire, pour vous servir. Et lorsque j’ étais chez vous et que je me suis trouvé dans le besoin, je n’ ai été à charge à personne;
und habe andere Gemeinden beraubt und Sold von ihnen genommen, daß ich euch predigte.
Ik heb andere Gemeenten beroofd, bezoldiging van haar nemende, om u te bedienen; en als ik bij u tegenwoordig was en gebrek had, ben ik niemand lastig gevallen.
Ho spogliato altre chiese, prendendo da loro uno stipendio, per poter servir voi;
Złupiłem inne zbory, biorąc od nich żołd, abym wam służył; a będąc u was i cierpiąc niedostatek, nie obciążyłem próżnując nikogo.
Другим церквам я причинял издержки, получая от них содержание для служения вам; и, будучи у вас, хотя терпел недостаток, никому не докучал,
我虧負 了別的 教會，向他們取了 工價 來給 你們 效力。
I took money from other churches as payment for my work, so that I might be your servant;
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · II Corinthians 11:8
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators consistently read Paul's language here as intentional hyperbole. The Greek verb ἐσύλησα (esulēsa) carries the force of plundering or stripping spoils from a defeated enemy. Vincent notes that it originally meant “to strip off, as arms from a slain foe.” Barnes explains that Paul did not render an equivalent for what the other churches gave him, so in that sense he “robbed” them. Calvin adds that Paul chose this offensive term deliberately, to express the absurdity of the Corinthians’ ingratitude. The word for wages, ὀψώνιον (opsōnion), is a military term for a soldier’s pay, often given in kind. By mixing the language of robbery and soldier’s wages, Paul highlights both his sacrificial service and his right to support. The point is clear: while others supported him, the Corinthians received his labor for free. His hyperbole drives home his love, and their unspoken debt.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Paul uses a violent, hyperbolic metaphor to describe receiving voluntary support from other churches while serving the Corinthians for free, highlighting his sacrificial love.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Literal robbery vs. hyperbole | Paul did not take anything by force; he uses the word figuratively to make a point. | Barnes emphasizes the unfairness to other churches; Calvin emphasizes the shock value to the Corinthians. |
| Why Paul refused Corinthian support | He deliberately avoided being a burden to the Corinthians. | Some see it as a strategy to prevent false apostles from accusing him of greed (Calvin); others connect it to the Corinthians’ spiritual immaturity (Gill). |
| Which churches Paul 'robbed' | Primarily the Macedonian churches, especially Philippi. | The cross-references in Philippians 4:15, 16 affirm Philippi, but other Macedonian churches may also be included. |
| Meaning of 'wages' (οψώνιον) | A soldier's pay, implying Paul had a right to support. | Some see it as Paul emphasizing his right (he deserved it), others his voluntary renunciation (he gave it up). |
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote this letter from Macedonia, likely Philippi, after the Corinthian crisis. The Corinthian church was wealthy and proud, yet Paul refused their financial support during his eighteen-month stay (Acts 18:11). He worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3) and instead received gifts from the Philippian church (Phil 4:15, 16). In the ancient world, traveling teachers and philosophers often charged fees or relied on wealthy patrons. Paul deliberately avoided that pattern in Corinth to prevent any accusation that he preached for money.
The word “robbed” (ἐσύλησα) evokes the image of a conqueror despoiling a city. Paul applies it to himself in a self-deprecating way: he plundered other assemblies, meaning he accepted their voluntary gifts. The military term for wages (ὀψώνιον) reinforces that he was a soldier of Christ, entitled to pay, yet he waived that right for the Corinthians. The larger context of 2 Corinthians 11 is Paul’s defense against “super-apostles” (v. 5), false teachers who boasted in their credentials and likely accepted payment. Paul’s boasting, by contrast, is in his weakness and sacrifice. He asks sarcastically in v. 7, “Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted?” The hyperbole shocks the Corinthians into recognizing his self-giving love, and their own failure to support him.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for 2 Corinthians 11:8. The Greek text is stable across the major manuscript traditions.
Reception History
This verse has been valued in church history as a model of apostolic self-support and cross-congregational generosity. Chrysostom praised Paul’s humility in accepting from poorer churches to serve a wealthier one. Reformation commentators emphasized Paul’s freedom to waive his rights for the gospel’s sake. Missionary movements have drawn on this passage to justify supporting workers from sending churches to serve unreached areas. It continues to challenge congregations to consider their responsibility toward those who minister among them.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Shocking Word: Paul calls receiving support “robbery” to jolt the Corinthians into recognizing his sacrifice.
- The Generous Sacrifice: He accepted from other churches so that the Corinthians could be served free of charge.
- The Silent Accusation: The hyperbole exposes the Corinthians’ ingratitude and neglect of their apostolic father.
Five-point outline
- Paul’s voluntary poverty, he humbled himself that they might be exalted (v. 7).
- Other churches’ generosity, especially the Macedonians, who gave beyond their ability.
- The Corinthians’ neglect, they received the gospel free but offered no support.
- The false apostles’ greed, they took payment while Paul refused, showing who was genuine.
- Paul’s boast in his sacrifice, his credentials are his wounds and losses, not his income.
Illustration hooks
- A young teacher who pays for classroom supplies out of her own salary because the school budget is tight. She “robs” her own savings to serve her students. That self-giving love mirrors Paul’s.
- A friend who sneaks your name on a group gift at a restaurant, paying your share himself. He uses the word “robbery” jokingly, but he really did take from his pocket to cover you. Like Paul, he uses exaggeration to make you feel loved and grateful.
Questions your congregation is asking
- “Why would Paul call taking gifts ‘robbery’? Was he being serious?”
- “Does this mean pastors should never accept money from the churches they serve?”
- “How can I practically support those who minister to me, especially if I’ve taken their service for granted?”
Leading a Discussion
Paul’s words are deliberately provocative. He wants the Corinthians to feel the weight of his sacrifice. As you work through the questions, notice how the apostle turns a defense of his conduct into a mirror for the congregation’s heart.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What does Paul actually say he did in verse 8? What words does he use, and how does he describe the churches?
- Interpretation: The Greek verb ἐσύλησα means “I robbed” or “I plundered.” Why do you think Paul chose such a violent, exaggerated term? What effect does it have?
- Context: Read 2 Corinthians 11:7, 9. How does Paul’s refusal to be a burden to the Corinthians connect with his claim of “robbing” other churches?
- Cross-reference: In 1 Corinthians 9:7, 14, Paul argues that ministers deserve support. How does that principle interact with his decision to refuse support from Corinth?
- Application: What does this passage teach us about the relationship between love and money in ministry? How can we avoid taking servants of God for granted?
- Personal: Are there people in your life who have “robbed” themselves to serve you? How might you express gratitude or support them?
- Congregational: How can your church better recognize and provide for those who minister among you, especially those who serve “free of charge”?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Corinthians 11:9 | When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so. |
| Philippians 4:14 | However you did well that you shared in my affliction. |
| Philippians 4:16 | For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. |
| Philippians 4:18 | But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes explains that Paul uses the word "robbed" in a figurative sense, not meaning theft. Paul calls it robbery only because he accepted support from churches he did not directly serve, receiving wages from them without rendering the usual exchange of labor.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin notes that Paul deliberately uses a harsh word, "robbed," to make the Corinthians feel the sting of their ingratitude. Paul compares his support from other churches to a conqueror's spoils taken from the nations he has subdued. He spared the Corinthians this burden, yet they repay him poorly.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentator notes that Paul's statement about robbing other churches is hyperbolic yet carries a real truth. The Corinthians were obligated to support him, so accepting aid from other churches while serving them took from those churches what the Corinthians should have supplied.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note highlights Paul's deliberate choice of a shocking word. He calls it "robbing" other churches because he took their financial support to serve the Corinthians without payment. This self-accusing language underscores how deeply Paul valued offering the gospel absolutely free to those people.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill explains that Paul calls his reception of gifts from poorer Macedonian churches "robbery" as a deliberate metaphor. He took voluntary support from them to serve the wealthier Corinthians, using the strong word to highlight the contrast and provoke the Corinthians to recognize their debt to those who funded the gospel among them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB clarifies that when Paul says he "robbed" other churches, he means he accepted financial support from them, like the Philippian church, so he could serve the Corinthians free of charge. The term "wages" is better understood as a "subsidy" brought from Macedonia for that purpose, and when it ran out, fresh supply arrived.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry remarks that Paul, though modest about his rough speech, insisted he was not inferior to the chief apostles in office or knowledge. He distinguishes between apostolic authority, which is equal in all apostles, and personal gifts, where Paul humbly admits his lack. Henry also notes that false ministers mimic this by disguising themselves as servants of righteousness.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent draws attention to Paul's choice of a rare Greek word for "robbed," originally meaning to strip armor from a slain enemy. He argues Paul uses this forceful, violent term to emphasize how he took more than his fair share from other churches, precisely so he would not have to burden the Corinthians.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley points out that Paul uses military terms when he says he "spoiled other churches" and took "wages" from them. The apostle deliberately chose soldiering language to show he accepted support as rightful pay from other congregations, so that he could serve the Corinthians free of charge.