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2 Corinthians 12:13

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
2 Corinthians 12:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ`s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
11I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.
12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.
13For 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.
14Behold, 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 yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
16But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
← 2 Corinthians 12:122 Corinthians 12:14 →
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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
“For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, etc..] The apostle here suggests, and appeals to themselves for the truth of it, that in nothing they came short of other churches; that as he was not behind the very chiefest of the apostles, and so they had no reason to be ashamed of him and despise him; neither were they inferior in gifts, grace, and knowledge, to other churches, all which were through his ministry; wherefore they ought to have spoken well of him, and not to have taken the part of the false apostles against him; since all the honour and credit they were in as a church were owing to him as an instrument. The Gospel was first preached to them by an apostle; they…”
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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
“wherein you were inferior--that is, were treated with less consideration by me than were other churches. I myself--I made a gain of you neither myself, nor by those others whom I sent, Titus and others (Co2 12:17-18). wrong--His declining support from the Corinthians might be regarded as the denial to them of a privilege, and a mark of their spiritual inferiority, and of his looking on them with less confidence and love (compare Co2 11:9, Co2 11:11).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For what is it ... - This verse contains a striking mixture of sarcasm and irony, not exceeded, says Bloomfield, by any example in Demosthenes. the sense is,” I have given among you the most ample proof of my apostolic commission. I have conferred on you the highest favors of the apostolic office. In these respects you are superior to all other churches. In one respect only are you inferior - it is in this, that you have not been burdened with the privilege of supporting me. If you had had this, you would have been inferior to no others. But this was owing to me; and I pray that you will forgive me this I might have urged it; I might have claimed it; I might have given you the privilege of…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:13 The only thing I failed to do refers to his not taking payment for his services (see 11:7-11). • Please forgive me for this wrong! This request is ironic and tongue-in-cheek.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I myself: Co2 12:14, Co2 11:8, Co2 11:9; Co1 9:6, Co1 9:12, Co1 9:15-18 forgive: Co2 11:7 2 Corinthians 12:14”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Corinthians 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification