2 Corinthians 11:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:20 mean?

2 Corinthians 11:20 means that Paul is criticizing the Corinthian believers for tolerating people who treat them badly—people who enslave them, take advantage of them, exploit them, act arrogantly, or even physically abuse them. Paul is pointing out how the Corinthians put up with mistreatment from those who claim authority over them.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, warning them about false teachers who are leading them astray. He lists extreme examples of abuse—being brought into bondage, being devoured, being taken from, being exalted over, and being struck on the face—to show how far the Corinthians have allowed things to go. Paul’s tone is both shocked and disappointed, highlighting how the church tolerates behavior they should reject.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 11:20

• "Suffer" (ἀνέχεσθε, anechesthe): This word means to endure or tolerate. Paul uses it to emphasize that the Corinthians are putting up with things they shouldn’t accept.
• "Bring you into bondage" (καταδουλοῖ, katadouloi): This phrase means to enslave or make someone a slave. Paul is stressing that these false teachers are dominating the Corinthians, not serving them.
• "Devour" (κατεσθίει, katesthiei): This word means to consume or exploit. Paul is saying these leaders are taking advantage of the church’s resources or generosity.
• "Smite you on the face" (ἐπὶ πρόσωπον ὑμᾶς δέρει, epi prosōpon hymas derei): This phrase literally means to hit on the face, showing the extreme level of abuse Paul is describing.

Why 2 Corinthians 11:20 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that Christians should accept any kind of leadership or teaching without question; Paul is warning against blind tolerance of abusive or domineering leaders.
• Paul’s strong language highlights how easily people can be drawn in by impressive-sounding leaders, even when those leaders are harmful.
• This verse connects to Paul’s larger argument in the chapter, where he contrasts the false teachers’ behavior with his own humble approach, urging the Corinthians to recognize the difference.