2 Corinthians 12:13 Meaning: Not Being a Burden
For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except it be that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.
for what is there in which ye were inferior to the rest of the assemblies, except that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this injustice!
For in what is it that ye have been inferior to the other assemblies, unless that I myself have not been in laziness a charge upon you? Forgive me this injury.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul asks forgiveness for not burdening the Corinthians financially, exposing their view that supporting an apostle is a privilege, not a duty.
Context
Paul has spent two chapters defending his ministry against false apostles who have slandered him. He reminds the Corinthians of the signs of an apostle he performed among them: signs, wonders, and mighty works. Then he makes a strange move. He points out that the only way his church in Corinth was treated differently from other churches was that he did not accept financial support from them. Other churches supported him; Corinth did not, because Paul refused to be a burden. Now he turns this into a joke with a sharp edge. He calls his refusal a wrong and asks their forgiveness. The irony is deliberate. Paul is not apologizing. He is gently exposing that they have missed the privilege of giving.
Key Words
The word behind inferior in Greek is hēssaomai, which means to be made lesser or overcome. Paul says they were not made lesser in any gift or sign. But there is one area where they came up short: they never got to support their apostle. The word for burden is katanarkaomai, which originally meant to grow numb or torpid. Paul implies that asking for their money would have weighed on them, but he chose not to do it. Now he calls that a wrong, the Greek word adikia, normally reserved for serious injustice. He uses the strongest word possible so they will feel the weight of what they missed. And he does not demand payment. He uses charizomai for forgive, a word that means to give grace freely. Even in sarcasm, Paul is handing them grace.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse in different ways. John Calvin, writing in the Reformed tradition, saw biting irony: Paul was shaming the Corinthians for their ingratitude. The Cambridge Bible, an Anglican resource, calls it irony of the very gentlest kind, not bitter. Methodist commentator Adam Clarke explained that it was the duty of churches to support their ministers, and Paul was delicately pointing out their failure. Some early interpreters, like Chrysostom, took the apology at face value. Whatever the tone, all agree that Paul is making a point about the honor of supporting gospel workers. The verse invites readers to see giving not as an obligation but as a privilege that can be missed.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Paul is genuinely apologizing for neglecting the Corinthians by not taking their money. In fact, he is using irony to highlight that supporting the gospel is a privilege. By not asking for their support, he actually denied them something good. The apology is a gentle way of saying, “You missed out.”
Living This Out
This week, consider how you view giving to your church or to those who serve you. Do you see it as a burden to be avoided or as a privilege to embrace? Paul’s irony suggests that when we refuse to let others bless us through giving, we might be taking something away from them. Maybe there is someone in your life who wants to help you, and you have been proud enough to say no. Let them give. Or maybe you have been holding back on giving yourself. Paul reminds us that generosity is not a sign of weakness in the receiver, but a joy for the giver. This week, look for a chance to give freely, and accept help freely too.
Main takeaway: Supporting those who serve us in the gospel is not a burden but a privilege, and refusing it can be a loss for everyone.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul told the church in Corinth that they were just as good as other churches. The only difference was that he didn't ask them for money. He joked, “Forgive me for this wrong!”
For ages 9, 12
Paul used sarcasm to make a point. He knew that supporting God's workers is a blessing. By not letting the Corinthians support him, he was actually taking a blessing away from them. It's a reminder that giving is part of our worship. When we give to church or to people who serve God, we are joining in their work and showing love.
Questions People Ask
Why does Paul ask forgiveness for not being a burden?
Paul is using irony. He is not truly sorry for not taking their money. He is pointing out that supporting an apostle is a privilege, and by not letting them do it, he denied them that honor. The apology is a gentle way to show they missed something good.
What does the word 'wrong' mean in 2 Corinthians 12:13?
The Greek word is 'adikia', which often means unrighteousness or injustice. Paul uses a strong word ironically to describe his decision not to accept their support. It is not a real wrong; it is a loving exaggeration to make them think.
Was Paul being sarcastic in this verse?
Most commentators agree that Paul is being ironic, though they differ on how sharp the tone is. Some see bitter sarcasm, others see gentle humor. The point is that he is not making a literal apology but drawing attention to their neglect of a privilege.
What does this verse teach about supporting pastors?
It shows that supporting those who serve in ministry is a blessing, not just a duty. The Corinthians missed that blessing. Paul elsewhere teaches that workers deserve their wages (1 Corinthians 9). This verse reminds us that giving is part of our participation in the gospel.
How does this verse connect to Paul's other writings?
Paul expands on his refusal to accept support in 1 Corinthians 9, where he defends his right to be paid but chooses not to use it. In 2 Corinthians 11, he says he kept from being burdensome. This verse sums up that pattern and turns it into a loving rebuke.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study