For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

2 CORINTHIANS 11:5KJV
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2 Corinthians 11:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:5 mean?

2 Corinthians 11:5 means that Paul is saying he is in no way less than the most important apostles. He is defending his role and authority as an apostle to the Corinthian church, making it clear that he stands on equal footing with those considered the leading apostles.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, responding to criticism and comparisons being made between himself and other apostles. Some people in Corinth were questioning Paul’s authority and favoring other leaders. In this verse, Paul asserts that he is not inferior to the “very chiefest apostles,” showing both confidence in his calling and addressing doubts among the believers.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 11:5

  • "chiefest" (ὑπερλίαν, hyperlian): This word means "most eminent" or "very highest." Paul uses it to refer to those who were considered the top apostles, possibly even the original twelve or those held in special regard by the Corinthians.
  • "behind" (ὑστερέω, hustereō): This word means "to fall short" or "to be lacking." Paul is saying he is not lacking in any way compared to these prominent apostles.
  • "whit" (μηδείς, mēdeis): This word means "not at all" or "nothing." Paul emphasizes that there is not even the slightest sense in which he is behind the others.

Why 2 Corinthians 11:5 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Paul saw himself as less important or less authoritative than other apostles; he claims his full legitimacy.
  • It highlights a key theme in 2 Corinthians, where Paul defends his ministry against critics and explains what true apostleship means.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the tension in the Corinthian church and Paul’s need to assert his role, which shapes much of the letter’s tone and content.

Where else these words appear

“chiefest” Greek G3029 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
  • Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

“was” Greek G5302 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
  • 2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

“suppose” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

“apostles” Greek G652 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
  • 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.