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.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 11:19
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2 Corinthians 11:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 11:19
Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Corinthians 11:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
- Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:19
Context — Paul’s Suffering and Service
19For you gladly put up with fools, since you are so wise.
20In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or exalts himself or strikes you in the face. 21To my shame I concede that we were too weak for that! Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about.Cross References
| Reference | Text (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
- 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?
- How can I balance the need to be gracious and welcoming with the need to protect myself and others from false or misleading teachings?
- 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?
- 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:19
Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:19
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:19
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |






