BibleWord.ai› Bible› 2 Corinthians› Chapter 11› Verse 18

2 Corinthians 11:18

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
2 Corinthians 11:18 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.
16I say again, let no man think me foolish; but if [ye do], yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little.
17That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.
18Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
19For ye bear with the foolish gladly, being wise [yourselves].
20For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you [captive], if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.
21I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet whereinsoever any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.
← 2 Corinthians 11:172 Corinthians 11:19 →
← Full Chapter 11 2 Corinthians Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Seeing that many glory after the flesh, etc..] Or with respect to things external, such as their high birth and parentage, carnal descent, circumcision, learned education, and the like; of which the false apostles, being Jews, boasted, who it seems were many; and though a multitude is not to be followed to do evil, yet the apostle thought, that since there were so many who were indulged by this church in this way, he might be allowed to boast also of such like things, so far as he could with truth and a good conscience, and in order to secure some valuable ends: I will glory also; for he was of the seed of Abraham as well as they, of the stock of Israel, and tribe of Benjamin, circumcised…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“many--including the "false teachers." after the flesh--as fleshly men are wont to boast, namely, of external advantages, as their birth, doings, &c. (compare Co2 11:22). I will glory also--that is, I also will boast of such fleshly advantages, to show you that even in these I am not their inferiors, and therefore ought not to be supplanted by them in your esteem; though these are not what I desire to glory in (Co2 10:17).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Seeing that many glory ... - The false teachers in Corinth. They boasted of their birth, rank, natural endowments, eloquence, etc.; see 2 Corinthians 11:22. Compare Philippians 3:3-4. I will glory also - I also will boast of my endowments, which though somewhat different yet pertain in the main to the “flesh” also; see 2 Corinthians 11:23 ff. His endowments “in the flesh,” or what he had to boast of pertaining to the flesh, related not so much to birth and rank, though not inferior to them in these, but to what the flesh had endured - to stripes and imprisonments, and hunger and peril. This is an exceedingly delicate and happy turn given to the whole subject. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“After the flesh - That is, in external things. 2 Corinthians 11:19”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“many: Co2 11:12, Co2 11:21-23, Co2 10:12-18; Jer 9:23, Jer 9:24; Co1 4:10; Pe1 1:24 I will: Co2 12:5, Co2 12:6, Co2 12:9, Co2 12:11 2 Corinthians 11:19”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 2 Corinthians 11 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification