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2 Corinthians 10:9

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 10:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.
2 Corinthians 10:9 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.
7Ye look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ`s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ`s, so also are we.
8For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:
9that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.
10For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.
11Let such a one reckon this, that, what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such [are we] also in deed when we are present.
12For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.] Here seems to be something wanting, which is to be supplied, The sense is, though I might lawfully boast of the superior authority which we apostles have above other persons, in using sharpness with men insolent and hardened in sin; yet I will not, I forbear every thing of that kind, I drop it, I do not choose to insist upon it; ana amjm, “I overlook”, or “neglect” it, “I do not care” to do it, as the Syriac version supplies it; and this he thought most prudent and advisable, lest he should give any occasion to the above calumny that he was bold, and blustering, and terrifying by his letters when absent, and only threatened that he…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I say this lest I should seem to be terrifying you, as children, with empty threats [BENGEL]. ESTIUS explains, "I might boast more of my authority, but I forbear to do so, that I may not seem as if," &c. But this ellipsis is harsh: and Co2 10:10-11 confirm BENGEL'S view.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That I may not seem ... - The meaning of this verse seems to be this. “I say that I might boast more of my power in order that I may not appear disposed to terrify you with my letters merely. I do not threaten more than I can perform. I have it in my power to execute all that I have threatened, and to strike an awe not only by my letters, but by the infliction of extraordinary miraculous punishments. And if I should boast that I had done this, and could do it again, I should have no reason to be ashamed. It would not be vain and empty boasting; not boasting which is not well-founded.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I say this, that I may not seem to terrify you by letters - Threatening more than I can perform. 2 Corinthians 10:10”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“terrify: Co2 10:10; Co1 4:5, Co1 4:19-21 2 Corinthians 10:10”
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Related study paths

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