collapse all  

Text -- 2 Corinthians 11:9 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
11:9 When I was with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia fully supplied my needs. I kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Macedonia a Roman province north of Greece which included 10 Roman colonies (IBD),citizens of the province of Macedonia


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Zeal | SUPPLY | SUFFERING | SILAS | SCRIBES | Philippians, Epistle to | PHILIPPIANS, THE EPISTLE TO THE | PHILIPPI | Minister | MACEDONIA | LACK | Corinth | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

collapse all
Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: 2Co 11:9 - -- I was not a burden to any man ( ou katenarkēsa outhenos ). First aorist active indicative of katanarkaō . Jerome calls this word one of Paul̵...

I was not a burden to any man ( ou katenarkēsa outhenos ).

First aorist active indicative of katanarkaō . Jerome calls this word one of Paul’ s cilicisms which he brought from Cilicia. But the word occurs in Hippocrates for growing quite stiff and may be a medical term in popular use. Narkaō means to become numb, torpid, and so a burden. It is only here and 2Co 12:13. Paul "did not benumb the Corinthians by his demand for pecuniary aid"(Vincent).

Robertson: 2Co 11:9 - -- From being burdensome ( abarē ). Old adjective, free from weight or light (a privative and baros , weight). See note on 1Th 2:9 for same idea. Pa...

From being burdensome ( abarē ).

Old adjective, free from weight or light (a privative and baros , weight). See note on 1Th 2:9 for same idea. Paul kept himself independent.

Vincent: 2Co 11:9 - -- I was chargeable ( κατενάρκησα ) Only in this epistle. From νάρκη numbness , deadness ; also a torpedo or gymnotus , w...

I was chargeable ( κατενάρκησα )

Only in this epistle. From νάρκη numbness , deadness ; also a torpedo or gymnotus , which benumbs whatever touches it. Compare Homer: " His hand grew stiff at the wrist" (" Iliad," viii., 328). Meno says to Socrates: " You seem to me both in your appearance and in your power over others, to be very like the flat torpedo-fish (νάρκῃ ), who torpifies (ναρκᾶν ποιεῖ ) those who come near him with the touch, as you have now torpified (ναρκᾶν ) me, I think" (Plato, " Meno," 80). The compound verb used here occurs in Hippocrates in the sense of growing quite stiff . The simple verb occurs in the Sept., Gen 32:25, Gen 32:32, of Jacob's thigh, which was put out of joint and shrank . Compare Job 33:19. According to the etymology of the word, Paul would say that he did not benumb the Corinthians by his demand for pecuniary aid. Rev., rather mildly, I was not a burden .

Wesley: 2Co 11:9 - -- I choose to receive help from the poor Macedonians, rather than the rich Corinthians! Were the poor in all ages more generous than the rich?

I choose to receive help from the poor Macedonians, rather than the rich Corinthians! Were the poor in all ages more generous than the rich?

JFB: 2Co 11:9 - -- "was in want."

"was in want."

JFB: 2Co 11:9 - -- Greek, "burdensome," literally, "to torpify," and so to oppress. JEROME says it is a Cilician word (2Co 12:14, 2Co 12:16).

Greek, "burdensome," literally, "to torpify," and so to oppress. JEROME says it is a Cilician word (2Co 12:14, 2Co 12:16).

JFB: 2Co 11:9 - -- Rather, as Greek, "the brethren when they came." Perhaps Timotheus and Silas (Act 8:1, Act 8:5). Compare Phi 4:15-16, which refers to donations receiv...

Rather, as Greek, "the brethren when they came." Perhaps Timotheus and Silas (Act 8:1, Act 8:5). Compare Phi 4:15-16, which refers to donations received from the Philippians (who were in Macedonia) at two distinct periods ("once and again"), one at Thessalonica, the other after his departure from Macedonia, that is, when he came into Achaia to Corinth (from the church in which city he would receive no help); and this "in the beginning of the Gospel," that is, at its first preaching in these parts. Thus all three, the two Epistles and history, mutually, and no doubt undesignedly, coincide; a sure test of genuineness.

JFB: 2Co 11:9 - -- Greek, "supplied in addition," namely, in addition to their former contributions; or as BENGEL, in addition to the supply obtained by my own manual la...

Greek, "supplied in addition," namely, in addition to their former contributions; or as BENGEL, in addition to the supply obtained by my own manual labor.

Clarke: 2Co 11:9 - -- And when I was present with you - The particle και which we translate and, should be rendered for in this place: For when I was with you, and w...

And when I was present with you - The particle και which we translate and, should be rendered for in this place: For when I was with you, and was in want, I was chargeable to no man. I preferred to be, for a time, even without the necessaries of life, rather than be a burden to you. To whom was this a reproach, to me or to you

Clarke: 2Co 11:9 - -- The brethren which came from Macedonia - He probably refers to the supplies which he received from the Church at Philippi, which was in Macedonia; o...

The brethren which came from Macedonia - He probably refers to the supplies which he received from the Church at Philippi, which was in Macedonia; of which he says, that in the beginning of the Gospel no Church communicated with me, as concerning giving and receiving, but you only; for even at Thessalonica ye sent once and again to my necessity, Phi 4:15, Phi 4:16. See the Introduction, Section 6.

Calvin: 2Co 11:9 - -- Observe, however, that he says that he had been in want, for he would never have been a burden to them, had he not been constrained by necessity. H...

Observe, however, that he says that he had been in want, for he would never have been a burden to them, had he not been constrained by necessity. He, nevertheless, in the mean time, labored with his hands, as we have seen before, (1Co 4:12,) but, as the labor of his hands was not sufficient for sustaining life, something additional was contributed by the Macedonians. Accordingly he does not say, that his living had been furnished to him by the Macedonians, 826 but merely that they had supplied what was wanting. We have spoken elsewhere of the Apostle’s holy prudence and diligence in providing against dangers. Here we must take notice of the pious zeal of the Macedonians, who did not hesitate to contribute of their substance for his pay, that the gospel might be proclaimed to others, and those, too, that were wealthier than themselves. Ah! how few Macedonians are there in the present day, and on the other hand how many Corinthians you may find everywhere!

TSK: 2Co 11:9 - -- 2Co 11:8 wanted : 2Co 6:4, 2Co 9:12; Phi 2:25, Phi 4:11-14; Heb 11:37 I was : 2Co 12:13; Neh 5:15; Act 18:3, Act 20:33; 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8, 2Th 3:9 the ...

collapse all
Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 2Co 11:9 - -- And when I was present with you - When I was laboring in order to build up the church in Corinth. I was chargeable to no man - I was burd...

And when I was present with you - When I was laboring in order to build up the church in Corinth.

I was chargeable to no man - I was burdensome to no one; or more liter ally,"I did not lie as a dead weight upon you."The word used here, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament ( κατενάρκησα katenarkēsa ), means, literally, to become torpid against, that is, to the detriment of anyone; and hence, to be burdensome. According to Jerome, its use here is a Cilicism of Paul. The idea is that he did not lead a torpid, inactive life at the expense of others. He did not expect a support from them when he was doing nothing; nor did he demand support which would in any sense be a burden to them. By his own hands Act 18:3, and by the aid which he received from abroad, he was supported without deriving aid from the people of Corinth.

And in all things ... - In all respects I have carefully kept myself from being a burden on the church. Paul had no idea of living at other people’ s expense when he was doing nothing. He did not, as a general thing, mean to receive anything for which he had not rendered a fair equivalent; a just principle for ministers and for all other people; see 2Co 12:13.

Poole: 2Co 11:9 - -- The word which we translate chargeable signifies to benumb; I benumbed no man: or, (as others), I was not myself more benumbed in any thing. If we ...

The word which we translate chargeable signifies to benumb; I benumbed no man: or, (as others), I was not myself more benumbed in any thing. If we take it in the first mentioned sense, it lets us see a reason why Paul refused to take wages of the church of Corinth, test he should cool and benumb them as to the receiving of the gospel, when they saw it would prove chargeable to them. If in the latter sense, the apostle seems to reflect upon such whom wages only edged to their work, who preached merely for gain and filthy lucre. To distinguish himself from such hirelings, he tells them, that when he was with them, and laboured amongst them in preaching the gospel, he put them to no charge; yet he was not slothful in his work, but as laborious as those who did take wages. As to himself, he had want enough whilst he was amongst them; but the providence of God ordered him a supply from the churches of Macedonia, and by that means he kept himself from being burdensome to them; and, he tells them, so he was resolved that he would still be.

Gill: 2Co 11:9 - -- And when I was present with you, and wanted,.... Whilst he was among them, preaching the Gospel to them, he wanted the common necessaries of life: and...

And when I was present with you, and wanted,.... Whilst he was among them, preaching the Gospel to them, he wanted the common necessaries of life: and yet, says he,

I was chargeable to no man, or "benumbed no man"; a metaphor, as some think, taken from the torpedo, or cramp fish; which is of such a cold and benumbing nature, as that, when even at the hook, it will strike the fisherman with its cold, and so benumb him as to take away his feeling, and the use of his limbs: now the apostle's meaning is, that he did not chill and benumb any man's charity, by asking relief from him, for he importuned no man on this account; nor was he benumbed himself, to the detriment of any man; for though he was reduced to great straits, he was not slothful and sluggish in preaching the Gospel, but pursued it with as much diligence and industry as if he had been supported by it in the most handsome manner; nor did he act the part of an idle drone, sit still and starve, but laboured with his own hands, to the relief of himself and others; and whereas it could not be thought he should be able to provide this way thoroughly, both for himself and these that were with him, it was made up by other hands:

for that which was lacking to me; which he could not make up by his own hand labour and industry:

the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied; meaning either Silas and Timotheus, who came to him from Macedonia, whilst he was at Corinth, working at his trade with Aquila and Priscilla, Act 18:5 who might bring him a supply out of these parts; or else some that belonged to the churches of Macedonia, particularly the Philippians, who frequently communicated to him, and sent him presents by some or other of the brethren, as by Epaphroditus, Phi 4:15.

And in all things, adds he,

I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you; he worked hard, lived sparingly, and received from others; that as in respect to his maintenance, so in everything else he might live without being a dead weight upon them, or any ways troublesome to them: not that a minister's maintenance is, or ought to be reckoned a burden upon a people; it is but a due debt, and what is their just right; but because it is accounted so by carnal men, and such as are disaffected to the Gospel, and the ministry of it, therefore the apostle uses such language:

and so will I keep myself; time is, for the future; he having taken up a resolution in himself not to be chargeable and troublesome to them, but to provide for himself some other way. This he adds, lest they should think that he had said what lie did to stir them up to a discharge of their duty, in contributing towards his support for time to come.

expand all
Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 2Co 11:9 Grk “needs, and I kept.” A new sentence was started here in the translation.

Geneva Bible: 2Co 11:9 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 suppl...

expand all
Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 2Co 11:1-33 - --1 Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, who seemed to make more account of the false apostles than of him, he enters into a forced commendation of...

MHCC: 2Co 11:5-15 - --It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in prid...

Matthew Henry: 2Co 11:5-15 - -- After the foregoing preface to what he was about to say, the apostle in these verses mentions, I. His equality with the other apostles - that he wa...

Barclay: 2Co 11:7-15 - --Here again Paul is meeting a charge that has been levelled against him. This time the charge is clear. It was rankling in the minds of the Corinthia...

Constable: 2Co 10:1--13:11 - --IV. APPEALS CONCERNING PAUL'S APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY 10:1--13:10 In this third and last major division of his epist...

Constable: 2Co 11:1--12:19 - --B. Claims made by Paul 11:1-12:18 In this section Paul gave further evidence that he possessed apostolic...

Constable: 2Co 11:7-15 - --2. Freedom to minister without charge 11:7-15 Paul claimed the freedom to minister in Corinth without receiving financial support from the Corinthians...

College: 2Co 11:1-33 - --2 CORINTHIANS 11 B. COMPARISON TO FALSE APOSTLES MADE (11:1-15) 1. True Message of Jesus Preached (11:1-6) 11:1 I hope you will put up with a littl...

McGarvey: 2Co 11:9 - --and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren [i. e., Silas and Timothy, Act 18:5], when they came ...

Lapide: 2Co 11:1-33 - --CHAPTER 11 SYNOPSIS OF THE CHAPTER i. After declaring his love for the Corinthians, he proceeds (ver. 4) to defend his apostleship against the fals...

expand all
Introduction / Outline

Robertson: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) Second Corinthians From Macedonia a.d. 54 Or 55 By Way of Introduction The Pauline authorship is admitted by all real scholars, though there is ...

JFB: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) THE following reasons seem to have induced Paul to write this Second Epistle to the Corinthians: (1) That he might explain the reasons for his having ...

JFB: 2 Corinthians (Outline) THE HEADING; PAUL'S CONSOLATIONS IN RECENT TRIALS IN ASIA; HIS SINCERITY TOWARDS THE CORINTHIANS; EXPLANATION OF HIS NOT HAVING VISITED THEM AS HE HA...

TSK: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) The most remarkable circumstance in this Epistle, observes Mr. Scott, is the confidence of the Apostle in the goodness of his cause, and in the power ...

TSK: 2 Corinthians 11 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 2Co 11:1, Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, who seemed to make more account of the false apostles than of him, he enters into a f...

Poole: 2 Corinthians 11 (Chapter Introduction) CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 11

MHCC: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) The second epistle to the Corinthians probably was written about a year after the first. Its contents are closely connected with those of the former e...

MHCC: 2 Corinthians 11 (Chapter Introduction) (2Co 11:1-14) The apostle gives the reasons for speaking in his own commendation. (2Co 11:5-15) Shows that he had freely preached the gospel. (2Co 1...

Matthew Henry: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians In his former epistle the apostle had signified his i...

Matthew Henry: 2 Corinthians 11 (Chapter Introduction) In this chapter the apostle goes on with his discourse, in opposition to the false apostles, who were very industrious to lessen his interest and r...

Barclay: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS TO THE CORINTHIANS The Greatness Of Corinth A glance at the map will show that Corinth was made for greatness. The south...

Barclay: 2 Corinthians 11 (Chapter Introduction) The Peril Of Seduction (2Co_11:1-6) Masquerading As Christians (2Co_11:7-15) The Credentials Of An Apostle (2Co_11:16-33)

Constable: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background First Corinthians did not dispel the problems in th...

Constable: 2 Corinthians (Outline) Outline I. Introduction 1:1-11 A. Salutation 1:1-2 B. Thanksgiving for c...

Constable: 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Bibliography Alford, Henry. The Greek Testament. 4 vols. Reprint ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Book Hou...

Haydock: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE CORINTHIANS. INTRODUCTION. The subject and design of this second Epistle to the Corinthian...

Gill: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS This epistle, according to the subscription at the end of it, was written from Philippi of Macedonia; and though the ...

Gill: 2 Corinthians 11 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS 11 In this chapter, the apostle continues his discourse concerning the false teachers; blames the Corinthians for the...

College: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION Studying 2 Corinthians plunges the modern reader back to the real, tumultuous world of early Christianity. The simple ideals of sharing ...

College: 2 Corinthians (Outline) OUTLINE I. OPENING - 1:1-2 II. THANKSGIVING - 1:3-11 A. GOD COMFORTS - 1:3-7 B. GOD DELIVERS - 1:8-11 III. DEFENSE OF INTEGRITY - 1:12...

Advanced Commentary (Dictionaries, Hymns, Arts, Sermon Illustration, Question and Answers, etc)


TIP #23: Navigate the Study Dictionary using word-wheel index or search box. [ALL]
created in 0.13 seconds
powered by
bible.org - YLSA