But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

2 CORINTHIANS 10:2KJV
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2 Corinthians 10:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 10:2 mean?

2 Corinthians 10:2 shows Paul asking the believers in Corinth not to force him to be bold and confrontational when he visits, as he feels he might have to be with some people who accuse him of acting by human standards. Paul wants to avoid using strong authority unless it is truly necessary, especially toward those who misunderstand his motives.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing rumors and criticism from some who claim he behaves like anyone else, driven by ordinary desires ("according to the flesh"). Paul’s plea reflects his desire for peace and understanding, but he makes it clear he is willing to stand firm if needed. The verse sets up the tension between Paul’s gentle approach in his letters and the firmness he is prepared to show in person if the situation demands it.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 10:2

  • "beseech" (δέομαι, deomai): This word means to beg or earnestly ask, showing Paul’s humility and strong desire for cooperation rather than confrontation.
  • "bold" (θαῤῥέω, tharreō): This Greek word often means to be courageous or confident. Paul is saying he does not want to have to display this boldness in person, unless necessary.
  • "flesh" (σάρξ, sarx): In this context, "flesh" refers to human nature or worldly ways. Paul is addressing those who accuse him of acting from selfish or purely human motives, which he denies.

Why 2 Corinthians 10:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s authority is not about personal power or harshness, but about genuine concern for the church’s well-being.
  • It highlights the difference between spiritual leadership and worldly leadership, showing that Paul’s actions are guided by a higher standard.
  • The verse helps the reader understand the background of tension in Corinth, where some doubted Paul’s sincerity or spiritual authority, setting the stage for the arguments he develops in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“bold” Greek G2292 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
  • 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

“confidence” Greek G4006 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 1:15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
  • 2 Corinthians 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
  • Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

“bold” Greek G5111 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
  • John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

“beseech” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
  • Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.