But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

2 CORINTHIANS 11:12KJV
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2 Corinthians 11:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:12 mean?

2 Corinthians 11:12 means that Paul is determined to keep doing what he is doing so that he removes any opportunity for those who want to criticize or compete with him to claim they are serving God in a better or more genuine way. Paul wants it to be clear that those who boast about their ministry have no real advantage over him or his companions.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing concerns about rival teachers who are trying to undermine his authority and claim superiority. By continuing his own approach, Paul aims to show that these rivals have nothing special to boast about compared to him. The verse highlights Paul’s intention to level the playing field and prevent false teachers from gaining credibility among the believers.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 11:12

  • ἀφορμή (aphormē, "occasion"): This word means an opportunity or a starting point for action. Paul uses it to describe the chance his opponents are looking for to claim superiority or criticize him, showing he wants to take away any such opening.
  • θέλω (thelō, "desire"): This word means to wish or want. Paul is pointing out that his opponents actively want a reason to boast or find fault, not just passively waiting for one.
  • καυχάομαι (kauchaomai, "glory"): This word means to boast or take pride. Paul is highlighting that the rivals are seeking something to be proud of, but he wants to ensure their boasting is shown to be empty.

Why 2 Corinthians 11:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s actions are not just about personal preference but are a deliberate strategy to protect the church from being misled by those who would misuse their influence.
  • It shows that Paul is aware of the tactics of his critics and is intentionally working to prevent them from gaining a foothold among the believers.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in 2 Corinthians where Paul defends his ministry against accusations and highlights the importance of genuine service over outward appearances or empty boasting.

Where else these words appear

“occasion” Greek G874 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
  • Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
  • Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

“off” Greek G1581 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • Luke 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

“glory” Greek G2744 · used in 33 verses

  • Romans 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
  • 2 Corinthians 7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.