And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

2 CORINTHIANS 11:9KJV
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2 Corinthians 11:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:9 mean?

2 Corinthians 11:9 shows Paul telling the Corinthians that while he was with them and had needs, he never became a financial burden to anyone there. Instead, believers from Macedonia provided for what he lacked, so he could avoid being a burden and would continue to do so.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining his approach to ministry among them. He wants them to know he did not ask them for money or support, even when he needed help, because Christians from Macedonia supplied what he was missing. Paul’s point is to highlight his integrity and independence, making it clear he did not want to take advantage of the Corinthians or be seen as a burden.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 11:9

  • "Chargeable" (κατενάρκησα, G2655, katēnarkēsa) is often understood as "to be a burden" or "to weigh down." Paul uses this word to stress that he did not put any financial or practical weight on the Corinthians.
  • "Supplied" (προσανεπλήρωσαν, G4322, prosaneplērōsan) means "they filled up" or "they supplied." The word highlights that the Macedonian believers completely met Paul’s needs, not just partially.
  • "Burdensome" (βαρέσω, G4, bareō) carries the sense of being heavy or oppressive. Paul repeats this idea to emphasize that he was careful not to cause hardship for the Corinthians.

Why 2 Corinthians 11:9 matters

  • This verse clears up any suspicion that Paul was using his ministry for personal gain among the Corinthians, showing he relied on support from others instead.
  • Paul’s emphasis on not being a burden connects to his wider defense in this letter, where he explains his motives and actions to protect his relationship with the church.
  • The verse highlights the generosity of the Macedonian believers and sets an example of Christian support across different communities.

Where else these words appear

“supplied” Greek G4322 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

“chargeable” Greek G2655 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 12:13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

“lacking” Greek G5303 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 21:4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
  • Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

“wanted” 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.