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2 Corinthians 11:19

2 Corinthians 11:19 in Multiple Translations

For you gladly tolerate fools, since you are so wise.

For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

For ye bear with the foolish gladly, being wise yourselves.

For you put up with the foolish gladly, being wise yourselves.

(You're happy to put up with fools, since you are so wise!)

For ye suffer fooles gladly, because that yee are wise.

for gladly do ye bear with the fools — being wise,

For you bear with the foolish gladly, being wise.

For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

For you gladly suffer the foolish; whereas yourselves are wise.

I am sure that you, who think that you are so wise, will accept what I say because you gladly accept the false teachers and the foolish things that they say.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 11:19

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2 Corinthians 11:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ηδεως γαρ ανεχεσθε των αφρονων φρονιμοι οντες
ηδεως hēdeōs G2234 gladly Adv
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
ανεχεσθε anechō G430 to endure Verb-PNI-2P
των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM
αφρονων aphrōn G878 foolish Adj-GPM
φρονιμοι phronimos G5429 thoughtful Adj-NPM
οντες eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAP-NPM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 11:19

ηδεως hēdeōs G2234 "gladly" Adv
This word means to do something gladly or with pleasure, like enjoying a sweet treat. It is used in Mark 6:20 and 2 Corinthians 11:19 to describe people who are happy to do something, like listening to Jesus teach.
Definition: ἡδέως adv. (ἡδύς, sweet), [in LXX: Pro.3:24 (עָרַב), etc. ;] gladly, with pleasure: Mrk.6:20 12:37, 2Co.11:19; superlat., ἥδιστα, very gladly (B1., § 11, 3), 2Co.12:9 12:15.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: gladly See also: 2 Corinthians 11:19; Mark 6:20; Mark 12:37.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
ανεχεσθε anechō G430 "to endure" Verb-PNI-2P
To endure means to put up with something difficult, like in Matthew 17:17 and 2 Corinthians 11:1. It's about bearing with people or situations, even when it's hard.
Definition: ἀν-έχω [in LXX chiefly for אָפַק hithp. ;] to hold up; in NT always mid., to bear with, endure: in cl. most frequently with accusative, but in NT with genitive of person(s), Mat.17:17, Mrk.9:19, Luk.9:41, 2Co.11:1 11:19, Eph.4:2, Col.3:13; before μικρόν τι, with genitive of person(s) and with genitive of thing(s), 2Co.11:1; with dative of thing(s), 2Th.1:4 (v M, Th., in l); before εἴ τις, 2Co.11:20; absol., 1Co.4:12, 2Co.11:4; to bear with = to listen to, with genitive of person(s), Act.18:14; with genitive of thing(s), 2Ti.4:3, Heb.13:22 (cf. προσανέχω and MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: bear with, endure, forbear, suffer See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Acts 18:14; Hebrews 13:22.
των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
αφρονων aphrōn G878 "foolish" Adj-GPM
It describes someone as foolish or mindless, implying ignorance or stupidity, like in Luke 11:40 and Romans 2:20.
Definition: ἄφρων, -ον genitive -ονος (φρήν), [in LXX for כְּסִיל, נָבָל, etc. ;] without reason, senseless, foolish, expressing "want of mental sanity and sobriety, a reckless and inconsiderate habit of mind" (Hort; cf. MM, see word): Luk.11:40 12:20, Rom.2:20, 1Co.15:36, 2Co.11:16 12:6 12:11, 1Pe.2:15; opposite to φρόνιμος, 2Co.11:19; to συνιέντες, Eph.2:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: fool(-ish), unwise See also: 1 Corinthians 15:36; 2 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Peter 2:15.
φρονιμοι phronimos G5429 "thoughtful" Adj-NPM
Being thoughtful means being wise and discreet, like in Matthew 10:16 where Jesus tells his disciples to be wise as serpents. It involves being cautious and having good judgment.
Definition: φρόνιμος, -ον (φρονέω), [in LXX for בִּין, חָכָם etc. ;] practically wise, sensible, prudent: Mat.10:16 24:45, Luk.12:42, 1Co.10:15; opposite to μωρός, Mat.7:24 25:2, 4 25:8-9, 1Co.4:10; to ἄφρων, 2Co.11:19; φ. παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ (EV, wise in one's own conceit), Rom.11:25 12:16 (cf. Pro.3:7); compar., -ώτερος, Luk.16:8.† SYN.: see: σοψός (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: wise(-r) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:10; Matthew 24:45; Romans 11:25.
οντες eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAP-NPM
To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.
Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 11:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
2 1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say.
3 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
4 Revelation 3:17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

2 Corinthians 11:19 Summary

This verse means that the Corinthian church was willing to listen to and tolerate false teachers, even though they themselves had spiritual wisdom, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. The Apostle Paul is highlighting the irony of this situation and encouraging the church to be more discerning, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. In simple terms, it's like having a friend who is wise, but still willing to listen to bad advice, which can be compared to the warnings in Proverbs 12:26. As believers, we need to be careful about what we listen to and make sure it aligns with the truth of the Gospel, as stated in Ephesians 4:14-15.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Apostle Paul mean by 'fools' in this verse?

The Apostle Paul is referring to false teachers or individuals who are proclaiming a distorted gospel, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:4, and the Corinthian church's willingness to tolerate them despite their own spiritual wisdom, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

Is Paul being sarcastic when he says 'since you are so wise'?

Yes, Paul is being sarcastic, highlighting the irony that the Corinthian church, which he considers to be spiritually wise, is still willing to tolerate foolish teachings, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 where he addresses their immaturity.

How does this verse relate to the concept of discernment in the Christian life?

This verse emphasizes the importance of discernment, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, where believers are called to test everything and hold on to what is good, and to be cautious of false teachings that can lead them astray, as warned in 2 Peter 2:1-3.

What is the significance of the Corinthian church's tolerance of fools?

The Corinthian church's tolerance of fools indicates a lack of spiritual discernment and a potential for spiritual deception, as warned in 2 Corinthians 11:3, and highlights the need for believers to be grounded in the truth of the Gospel, as stated in Ephesians 4:14-15.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be tolerating 'fools' or false teachings in my own life, and how can I develop greater discernment?
  2. How can I balance the need to be gracious and welcoming with the need to protect myself and others from false or misleading teachings?
  3. What are some key characteristics of spiritual wisdom, and how can I cultivate these in my own life, as described in James 1:5-8?
  4. In what ways can I prioritize the truth of the Gospel and ensure that I am not being led astray by false teachings, as warned in 1 Timothy 4:1-3?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:19

For ye suffer fools gladly,.... They bore with the false apostles, who were fools; were continually proclaiming their folly, boasting of themselves, ascribing that to themselves which did not belong

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:19

For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. Gladly - willingly. Irony. It is a mark of the wise to bear with fools.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19

Ye freely suffer others foolishly glorying and boasting of themselves, therefore do ye suffer me therein to judge yourselves wise, and it belongs to the wise to bear with such as are not so wise as themselves.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19

19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. Ver. 19. For ye suffer fools] Inter indoctos etiam Corydus sonat. (Quintilian.) Wise men hold them for fools whom fools admire for wise men. As one saith of attorneys, Quod inter opiliones se iactitent iurisperitos, inter iurisperitos ne opilionum quidem aestimatione habeantur. (Rex Platonicus.)

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19

(19) Ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.—He falls back into the strain of irony of 1 Corinthians 4:8-10, to which, indeed, the whole passage presents a striking parallelism. He assumes that in their serene, self-complacent wisdom they will be willing to tolerate even those whom they look upon as half-insane. He drives the sarcasm home by urging that they tolerate those who are morally in a far worse condition.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19

Verse 19. Ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.] A very fine irony. Ye are so profoundly wise as to be able to discern that I am a fool. Well, it would be dishonourable to you as wise men to fall out with a fool; you will therefore gladly bear with his impertinence and foolishness because of your own profound wisdom.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:19

19. For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise] Literally, For gladly do ye tolerate men without understanding, being prudent (or perhaps better sensible men). The word here translated suffer is translated bear with in 2 Corinthians 11:4. The translation here is Wiclif’s. It is a question (see next note) whether either of the two members of this sentence is to be taken literally. But that its general purpose is ironical there can be no doubt. Cf. 1 Corinthians 4:10.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:19

For ye suffer fools gladly - You tolerate or endure those who are really fools. This is perhaps, says Dr. Bloomfield, the most sarcastic sentence ever penned by the apostle Paul. Its sense is, “You profess to be wondrous wise.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19

19. Ye… are wise—Severe irony, preparatory to giving, next verse, the most eminent instance of their said wisdom!

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:19

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Through the Bible - 2 Corinthians - Part 2 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the qualities and characteristics of the apostle Paul as a servant of God. He emphasizes that Paul was called by God and had a deep love for
William MacDonald Studies in 1 Corinthians-03 1 Cor 4:1-13 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Corinthians chapter 4 and specifically discusses the judgment seat of Christ. He explains that when the Lord comes, there will be a judgme
Zac Poonen First Step to Partake of God's Nature (Kannada) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring God in our lives to receive His honor in return. It contrasts worldly values with heavenly values, highlighting the need for repen
Joshua Daniel God Has Chosen the Foolish Things - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes God's choice of the foolish and weak things of the world to confound the wise, highlighting the importance of humility, honesty, and dependency on God. It ch
St. John Chrysostom 1 Corinthians 4:10 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the contrast between the worldly wisdom and glory sought by some and the humility and suffering embraced by true followers of Christ. He emphasizes t
A.W. Tozer Incarnating Truth by A.W. Tozer The preacher delves into the concept of 'phronimos,' an adjective describing one who is thoughtful, sagacious, and discreet, emphasizing the importance of combining understanding w
T. Austin-Sparks Christianity - a Process of Transformation by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christianity is a continuous process of transformation, urging believers to understand the true nature of their faith amidst confusion and complica

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