2 Corinthians 11:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:8 mean?

2 Corinthians 11:8 means that Paul accepted financial support from other churches so that he could serve the Corinthians without asking them for money. Paul uses strong language to highlight that he relied on the generosity of other Christian communities to minister freely in Corinth.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining his approach to ministry and finances. He uses the word "robbed" in a figurative sense, not literally stealing, but emphasizing how he took resources from other churches (mainly from Macedonia) to avoid being a burden to the Corinthians. This verse is part of a larger section where Paul defends his actions and motives as an apostle.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 11:8

• ἐσύλησα (esylēsa, "robbed"): This Greek word often means to plunder or strip away, but here Paul uses it hyperbolically to stress the sacrifice made by other churches for the Corinthians' benefit.
• ἑτέρων (heterōn, "other"): This word means "other" or "different," showing that the support came from churches outside Corinth, highlighting the contrast.
• μισθὸν (misthon, "wages"): This word refers to payment or compensation, underlining that Paul accepted material support as a kind of "wage" for his ministry, but not from the Corinthians themselves.
• διακονίαν (diakonian, "service"): This word means service or ministry, emphasizing that Paul's goal was to serve the Corinthians, not to profit from them.

Why 2 Corinthians 11:8 matters

• This verse clarifies that Paul did not want to be accused of preaching for money in Corinth, so he accepted support from other churches instead.
• The strong language draws attention to the sacrificial giving of other believers, showing the interconnectedness and generosity within the early Christian communities.
• Understanding this verse helps explain Paul's relationship with the Corinthians and his desire to keep his motives above reproach, which is a key theme in this part of the letter.