II Corinthians 12:13 · Bible study
2 Corinthians 12:13 Commentary: The Privilege of Supporting the Gospel
Greek · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Paul sarcastically ask forgiveness for not being a financial burden?
Research Summary
- Meaning: Paul uses irony to rebuke the Corinthians for their ingratitude, the only thing they lacked was the privilege of supporting him.
- Key words: katenarkēsa (I burdened), charisasthe (forgive, show grace), adikia (wrong, injustice).
- Main debate: Is Paul's request for forgiveness sincere (Chrysostom) or ironic (most Reformed and modern commentators)?
- Theological theme: The privilege and joy of supporting the proclamation of the gospel, and the danger of taking spiritual gifts for granted.
- Best use: Teaching on generosity, appreciation of spiritual leaders, and the motive behind Christian giving, love, not obligation.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
WEB World English Bible 2000
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!
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
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.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
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!
Darby Darby Bible 1890
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.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
For what is there that you have had less than the other churches but that I myself was not burthensome to you? Pardon me this injury.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Porque ¿ qué hay en que habéis sido menos que las otras iglesias, sino|strong="G1487, G3361" en que yo mismo no os he sido carga? Perdonadme|strong="G5483, G3427" esta injuria.
Afinal, qual foi a coisa em que fostes inferiores às outras igrejas, a não ser em que eu mesmo não vos fui incômodo? Perdoai-me esta injustiça!
En quoi avez-vous été traités moins favorablement que les autres Églises, sinon en ce que je ne vous ai point été à charge? Pardonnez-moi ce tort.
Was ist' s, darin ihr geringer seid denn die andern Gemeinden, außer daß ich selbst euch nicht habe beschwert? Vergebet mir diese Sünde!
Want wat is er, waarin gij minder geweest zijt dan de andere Gemeenten, anders, dan dat ikzelf u niet lastig ben geweest? Vergeeft mij dit ongelijk.
In che siete voi stati da meno delle altre chiese se non nel fatto che io stesso non vi sono stato d’aggravio? Perdonatemi questo torto.
Bo cóż jest, w czem byście podlejsi byli nad insze zbory, tylko żem ja sam próżnując, nie obciążył was? Odpuśćcież mi tę krzywdę.
Ибо чего у вас недостает перед прочими церквами, разве только того, что сам я не был вам в тягость? Простите мне такую вину.
除了 我 不 累著 你們 這一件事， 你們還有 甚麼事 不及 別的 教會呢？這不公之處，求你們饒恕 我吧。
For what is there in which you were made less than the other churches, but in the one thing that I was not a trouble to you? Let me have forgiveness for this wrong.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · II Corinthians 12:13
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree this verse is a pointed, ironic rebuke. Adam Clarke calls it 'a fine, forcible, yet delicate stroke.' Barnes notes a 'striking mixture of sarcasm and irony, not exceeded by any example in Demosthenes.' Calvin sees it as an 'aggravation of their ingratitude.' The Cambridge Bible describes it as 'irony of the very gentlest kind,' while Gill and Vincent both label it simply 'ironical.'
The shared reading: Paul has done everything an apostle can for the Corinthians, signs, wonders, mighty works, except one thing. He did not let them support him financially. In refusing their support, he denied them a privilege that other churches enjoyed. By sarcastically asking forgiveness for this 'wrong,' he exposes their ingratitude and their misplaced suspicion that his free ministry indicated a lack of apostolic authority or affection.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Ironical rebuke: Most commentators (Clarke, Barnes, Calvin, Gill, Vincent, Cambridge) note the strong irony and sarcasm, supported by the context of Paul's defense against false apostles.
- Sincere apology: Chrysostom read the verse as a genuine apology; some later interpreters have followed this, seeing Paul as humbly acknowledging that his free ministry may have caused unintended offense.
What is clear: Paul did not become a financial burden to the Corinthians, and he uses this fact as a pointed contrast to the full apostolic ministry he gave them – the underlying issue is the Corinthians' ingratitude and the false apostles' accusations.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Tone of Paul's request for forgiveness | Commentators agree the verse contains strong irony as Paul rebukes the Corinthians. | Chrysostom interpreted it as a sincere apology, while Calvin and most modern scholars see it as intentionally ironic and sharp. |
| Paul's refusal of financial support | All agree Paul deliberately did not become a financial burden to the Corinthians. | Some view this as a sign of humility and love; others argue it was misinterpreted by opponents as a lack of apostolic authority. |
| The 'wrong' Paul mentions | The 'wrong' is that the Corinthians missed the privilege of supporting the apostolic ministry. | Was the 'wrong' Paul's fault for not giving them the opportunity (as irony suggests) or the Corinthians' fault for not offering? |
| Apostolic authority and signs | Paul's apostolic signs (v.12) confirmed his authority; in that respect the Corinthians were not inferior. | Whether the refusal of support functioned as a legitimately different sign of apostleship or simply as a personal choice. |
| Privilege of giving | Supporting gospel workers is a blessing and privilege for the church. | Whether Paul's practice of self-support should be normative for all ministers or was a special strategy for this context. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3) and consistently refused financial support from the Corinthians, even though he had the right to it (1 Corinthians 9:6-18). In the Greco-Roman world, patrons supported teachers, and accepting patronage often implied obligation. Paul avoided this to keep the gospel free from any suspicion of self-interest or control. He explains in 2 Corinthians 11:7, 'I preached to you God’s Good News free of charge,' and in verse 9 he notes that brothers from Macedonia supplied his need so he would not be a burden.
But his opponents, false apostles who boasted of their own credentials, twisted this against him. They argued that if Paul were a true apostle, he would have asserted his right to support. They may have also claimed his refusal showed a lack of love or confidence in the Corinthians (see 2 Corinthians 11:11). The Corinthians, proud of their status and spiritual gifts, may have felt slighted that Paul did not treat them like other churches.
In this context, Paul's irony cuts deep. He reminds them that in every sign of apostleship they were not inferior to any church. The only difference is that he did not burden them. By calling this a 'wrong' to be forgiven, he turns their complaint on its head: the real wrong is their ingratitude and failure to see the privilege of supporting the gospel.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for 2 Corinthians 12:13. The Greek text is stable across the major manuscript traditions.
Reception History
Early church tradition, represented by John Chrysostom, read this verse as a sincere apology, Paul genuinely asking forgiveness for not taking support. The Reformation commentators (Calvin, Luther's circle) rejected this reading, arguing from context that Paul's words are biting irony. Calvin explicitly says 'this gloss is quite foreign to Paul's intention.'
Throughout church history, the verse has been used to teach the privilege of supporting the ministry and to rebuke congregations that are stingy toward their pastors. Modern scholarship overwhelmingly follows the ironic interpretation, seeing the verse as a masterful rhetorical stroke in Paul's defense of his apostleship.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The privilege of giving, Paul frames financial support not as a burden but as a privilege that other churches enjoyed. When believers give to ministry, they participate in advancing the gospel (Philippians 4:15-18).
- The danger of ingratitude, The Corinthians had received everything from Paul yet resented his refusal to take their money. Ingratitude blinds us to the sacrifices others make for our spiritual good.
- Paul's example of sacrificial love, He gave up his rights to remove any obstacle to the gospel. His motivation was love, not personal gain. This challenges every leader to examine their own heart about money and service.
Five-point outline
- The signs of an apostle were present (v.12), Paul's ministry among them was validated by signs, wonders, and mighty works.
- Only one area of 'inferiority', They lacked the opportunity to support him financially.
- This 'inferiority' was Paul's choice, He deliberately refused their support to avoid being a burden.
- Paul calls this a 'wrong' to be forgiven, Through irony, he rebukes their misplaced priorities and ingratitude.
- The call to cherish the privilege of giving, Supporting gospel workers is not a duty but a joy; it connects us to the work of the kingdom.
Illustration hooks
- A dedicated volunteer who gives time and resources selflessly, only to have their efforts overlooked or criticized, the hurt of unappreciation.
- A church that debates whether to increase the pastor's salary, missing that generosity reflects the heart of the congregation.
- A missionary funded by a small church that rejoices in their partnership, understanding that giving makes them co-workers in the gospel.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Is it biblical for pastors to be paid, or should they work other jobs like Paul?
- Why do some churches make such a big deal about giving if Paul himself refused it?
- How do we show genuine gratitude to our leaders without making them feel pressured?
Leading a Discussion
This verse is part of Paul's ironic 'fool's speech' in 2 Corinthians 11-12. He defends his apostleship against false teachers who slandered him. The Corinthians had received every spiritual benefit from Paul, yet they failed to support him and even doubted his love. Use this passage to discuss attitudes toward giving, gratitude, and spiritual leadership.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What does Paul mean when he says the Corinthians were 'made inferior' to other churches? Inferior in what way?
- Observation: The word 'burden' (Greek katenarkēsa) originally meant 'to cause to grow numb', what does that add to your understanding of Paul's refusal?
- Interpretation: Why does Paul sarcastically call his not being a burden a 'wrong' that needs forgiveness? What is he really rebuking?
- Interpretation: How do the cross-references (1 Corinthians 9:12-18, 2 Corinthians 11:7-9) help explain why Paul chose not to accept support from the Corinthians?
- Interpretation: What does this verse teach about the privilege of supporting gospel ministry? Is it always a privilege, or are there exceptions?
- Application: In what ways might we, like the Corinthians, fail to appreciate the sacrifices our spiritual leaders make for us? How can we grow in gratitude?
- Application: Paul gave up his rights for the sake of the gospel. Is there any 'right' you hold onto that might actually hinder the gospel? How can you lay it down?
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)
| I Corinthians 9:6 | Or have only Barnabas and I no right to not work? |
| I Corinthians 9:12 | If others partake of this right over you, don’t we yet more? Nevertheless we didn’t use this right, but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the Good News of Christ. |
| I Corinthians 9:15 | But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void. |
| I Corinthians 9:18 | What then is my reward? That when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News. |
| II Corinthians 11:7 | Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God’s Good News free of charge? |
| 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. |
| II Corinthians 12:14 | Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children. |
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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke zeroes in on the irony: Paul calls it a "wrong" that he did not let the Corinthians support him, making their own neglect the real problem. Supporting the gospel ministry is a church's privilege, and failing to do so signals indifference or lack of benefit.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes highlights Paul's striking blend of sarcasm and irony in this verse. Paul treats his failure to burden the Corinthians financially as a fault for which he must ask pardon, because supporting the gospel was actually a privilege they missed. The apology is a delicate jab: they were inferior only in being deprived of that honor.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin sees Paul's mention of not being burdensome as sharp irony, not apology. The Corinthians had received every kindness from Paul, including free service, yet they joined the false apostles in slandering him. Their contempt for his modesty was cruel ingratitude that deserved his stern rebuke.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator argues that Paul’s question is not bitter irony, as some read it, but the gentlest kind. Paul’s refusal of financial support applied only to himself, not his companions. This was a small offence the Corinthians could readily forgive.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
Paul's ironic apology highlights his unusual complaint: the only way the Corinthians were inferior to other churches is that he never burdened them financially. He calls this selfless service a "wrong" to be forgiven, turning their potential grievance into praise for his own generosity.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill points out that Paul lists only one way the Corinthians were inferior to other churches: he did not burden them financially. Paul's request "forgive me this wrong" is not a real apology but an ironic rebuke, exposing their ingratitude for his free service.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange reads Paul's account as a reluctant testimony to a literal, bodily rapture into heaven, not merely a symbolic vision. He insists the thorn in the flesh was a real, demonic affliction sent by Satan but sovereignly used by God to humble Paul. The paradox is that Paul's greatest spiritual privilege was balanced by his most painful weakness, so that Christ's power would be perfected in him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry charges the Corinthians with forcing Paul into an unseemly self-defense by failing to commend him as they should have. Paul's "boasting" was their fault, not his choice, because they neglected to acknowledge the apostolic signs he had plainly demonstrated among them.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent observes that Paul's refusal to accept pay might have been misinterpreted as either a lack of authority to ask or a lack of love for them. He notes the irony in Paul's call for forgiveness, as if he needed pardon for not being a burden.