2 Corinthians 1:12New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— For our glorifying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our manner of life in the world, and more abundantly toward you.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— For our boasting is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and sincerity before God, (not in fleshly wisdom but in God's grace,) we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly towards you.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— For, our boasting, is, this,—the witness of our conscience, that, in sanctity and sincerity of God, [and] not in fleshly wisdom, but in God's favour, have we behaved ourselves in the world,—and more abundantly towards you.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— For our glorying is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom, but in the grace of God, we did conduct ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you;
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— For our glory is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity of heart and sincerity of God, and not in carnal wisdom, but in the grace of God, we have conversed in this world: and more abundantly towards you.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— For our reioycing is this, the testimonie of our conscience, that in simplicitie and godly purenesse, and not in fleshly wisedome, but by the grace of God wee haue had our conuersation in the worlde, and most of all to you wardes.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— For our reioycing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicitie and godly sinceritie, not with fleshly wisedome, but by the grace of God, wee haue had our conuersation in the world, and more aboundantly to youwards.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— For our joy is this, the testimony of our conscience, in sincerity and in purity with the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in this world, and not through the wisdom of the flesh; and above all, we have so dealt with you.
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and purity, and by the grace of Aloha, we are conversant in the world; and not with the wisdom of the flesh, and especially with you yourselves.
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and purity, and by the grace of God, and not in the wisdom of the flesh, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially towards you. |
For
1063 {1063} Primeγάρgar{gar}
A primary particle; properly assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles).
our
2257 {2257} Primeἡμῶνhemon{hay-mone'}
Genitive plural of G1473; of (or from) us.
rejoicing
2746 {2746} Primeκαύχησιςkauchesis{kow'-khay-sis}
From G2744; boasting (properly the act; by implication the objective), in a good or a bad sense.
is
2076 {2076} Primeἐστίesti{es-tee'}
Third person singular present indicative of G1510; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are.
z5748 <5748> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - No Voice Stated (See G5799) Mood - Indicative (See G5791) Count - 1612
this,
3778 {3778} Primeοὗτοςhoutos{hoo'-tos}
Including the nominative masculine plural (second form), nominative feminine signular (third form), and the nominate feminine plural, (fourth form). From the article G3588 and G0846; the he ( she or it), that is, this or that (often with the article repeated).
the
x3588 (3588) Complementὁho{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
testimony
3142 {3142} Primeμαρτύριονmarturion{mar-too'-ree-on}
Neuter of a presumed derivative of G3144; something evidential, that is, (generally) evidence given or (specifically) the Decalogue (in the sacred Tabernacle).
of our
2257 {2257} Primeἡμῶνhemon{hay-mone'}
Genitive plural of G1473; of (or from) us.
conscience,
4893 {4893} Primeσυνείδησιςsuneidesis{soon-i'-day-sis}
From a prolonged form of G4894; co-perception, that is, moral consciousness.
that
3754 {3754} Primeὅτιhoti{hot'-ee}
Neuter of G3748 as conjugation; demonstrative that (sometimes redundant); causatively because.
in
1722 {1722} Primeἐνen{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); ' in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
simplicity
572 {0572} Primeἁπλότηςhaplotes{hap-lot'-ace}
From G0573; singleness, that is, (subjectively) sincerity ( without dissimulation or self seeking), or (objectively) generosity ( copious bestowal).
and
2532 {2532} Primeκαίkai{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
godly
2316 {2316} Primeθεόςtheos{theh'-os}
Of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively a magistrate; by Hebraism very.
sincerity,
1505 {1505} Primeεἰλικρίνειαheilikrineia{i-lik-ree'-ni-ah}
From G1506; clearness, that is, (by implication) purity (figuratively).
not
3756 {3756} Primeοὐou{oo}
A primary word; the absolutely negative (compare G3361) adverb; no or not.
with
1722 {1722} Primeἐνen{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); ' in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
fleshly
4559 {4559} Primeσαρκικόςsarkikos{sar-kee-kos'}
From G4561; pertaining to flesh, that is, (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate.
wisdom,
4678 {4678} Primeσοφίαsophia{sof-ee'-ah}
From G4680; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual).
but
235 {0235} Primeἀλλάalla{al-lah'}
Neuter plural of G0243; properly other things, that is, (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations).
by
1722 {1722} Primeἐνen{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); ' in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
the grace
5485 {5485} Primeχάριςcharis{khar'-ece}
From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude).
of God,
2316 {2316} Primeθεόςtheos{theh'-os}
Of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively a magistrate; by Hebraism very.
we have had our conversation
390 {0390} Primeἀναστρέφωanastrepho{an-as-tref'-o}
From G0303 and G4762; to overturn; also to return; by implication to busy oneself, that is, remain, live.
z5648 <5648> Grammar
Tense - Second Aorist (See G5780) Voice - Passive (See G5786) Mood - Indicative (See G5791) Count - 72
in
1722 {1722} Primeἐνen{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); ' in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
the
x3588 (3588) Complementὁho{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
world,
2889 {2889} Primeκόσμοςkosmos{kos'-mos}
Probably from the base of G2865; orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively [morally]).
and
1161 {1161} Primeδέde{deh}
A primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.
more abundantly
4056 {4056} Primeπερισσοτέρωςperissoteros{per-is-sot-er'-oce}
Adverb from G4055; more superabundantly.
to
4314 {4314} Primeπρόςpros{pros}
A strengthened form of G4253; a preposition of direction; forward to, that is, toward (with the genitive case the side of, that is, pertaining to; with the dative case by the side of, that is, near to; usually with the accusative case the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, that is, whither or for which it is predicated).
you-ward.
5209 {5209} Primeὑμᾶςhumas{hoo-mas'}
Accusative of G5210; you (as the object of a verb or preposition). |
2 Corinthians 1:12
_ _ For — reason why he may confidently look for their prayers for him.
_ _ our rejoicing — Greek, “our glorying.” Not that he glories in the testimony of his conscience, as something to boast of; nay, this testimony is itself the thing in which his glorying consists.
_ _ in simplicity — Most of the oldest manuscripts read, “in holiness.” English Version reading is perhaps a gloss from Ephesians 6:5 [Alford]. Some of the oldest manuscripts and versions, however, support it.
_ _ godly sincerity — literally, “sincerity of God”; that is, sincerity as in the presence of God (1 Corinthians 5:8). We glory in this in spite of all our adversities. Sincerity in Greek implies the non-admixture of any foreign element. He had no sinister or selfish aims (as some insinuated) in failing to visit them as he had promised: such aims belonged to his adversaries, not to him (2 Corinthians 2:17). “Fleshly wisdom” suggests tortuous and insincere courses; but the “grace of God,” which influenced him by God’s gifts (Romans 12:3; Romans 15:15), suggests holy straightforwardness and sincere faithfulness to promises (2 Corinthians 1:17-20), even as God is faithful to His promises. The prudence which subserves selfish interests, or employs unchristian means, or relies on human means more than on the Divine Spirit, is “fleshly wisdom.”
_ _ in the world — even in relation to the world at large, which is full of disingenuousness.
_ _ more abundantly to you-ward — (2 Corinthians 2:4). His greater love to them would lead him to manifest, especially to them, proofs of his sincerity, which his less close connection with the world did not admit of his exhibiting towards it. |
2 Corinthians 1:12-14
_ _ The apostle in these verses attests their integrity by the sincerity of their conversation. This he does not in a way of boasting and vain-glory, but as one good reason for desiring the help of prayer, as well as for the more comfortably trusting in God (Hebrews 13:18), and for the necessary vindication of himself from the aspersions of some persons at Corinth, who reproached his person and questioned his apostleship. Here,
_ _ I. He appeals to the testimony of conscience with rejoicing (2 Corinthians 1:12), in which observe, 1. The witness appealed to, namely, conscience, which is instead of a thousand witnesses. This God's deputy in the soul, and the voice of conscience is the voice of God. They rejoiced in the testimony of conscience, when their enemies reproached them, and were enraged against them. Note, The testimony of conscience for us, if that be right and upon good grounds, will be matter of rejoicing at all times and in all conditions. 2. The testimony this witness gave. And here take notice, Conscience witnessed, (1.) Concerning their conversation, their constant course and tenour of life: by that we may judge of ourselves, and not by this or that single act. (2.) Concerning the nature or manner of their conversation; that it was in simplicity and godly sincerity. This blessed apostle was a true Israelite, a man of plain dealing; you might know where to have him. He was not a man who seemed to be one thing and was another, but a man of sincerity. (3.) Concerning the principle they acted from in all their conversation, both in the world and towards these Corinthians; and that was not fleshly wisdom, nor carnal politics and worldly views, but it was the grace of God, a vital gracious principle in their hearts, that cometh from God, and tendeth to God. Then will our conversation be well ordered when we live and act under the influence and command of such a gracious principle in the heart.
_ _ II. He appeals to the knowledge of the Corinthians with hope and confidence, 2 Corinthians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 1:14. Their conversation did in part fall under the observation of the Corinthians; and these knew how they behaved themselves, how holily, and justly, and unblamably; they never found any thing in them unbecoming an honest man. This they had acknowledged in part already, and he doubted not but they would still do so to the end, that is, that they would never have any good reason to think or say otherwise of him, but that he was an honest man. And so there would be mutual rejoicing in one another. We are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. Note, It is happy when ministers and people do rejoice in each other here; and this joy will be complete in that day when the great Shepherd of the sheep shall appear. |
2 Corinthians 1:12
For I am the more emboldened to look for this, because I am conscious of my integrity; seeing this is our rejoicing — Even in the deepest adversity. The testimony of our conscience — Whatever others think of us. That in simplicity — Having one end in view, aiming singly at the glory of God. And godly sincerity — Without any tincture of guile, dissimulation, or disguise. Not with carnal wisdom, but by the grace of God — Not by natural, but divine, wisdom. We have had our conversation in the world — In the whole world; in every circumstance. |
2 Corinthians 1:12
(8) For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly (h) sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the (i) grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
(8) Secondly, he dismisses another slander, that is, that he was a light man, and such a one as was not lightly to be trusted, seeing that he promised to come to them, and did not come. And first he speaks of the singleness of his mind, and sincerity, which they knew both by his voice when he was present, and they ought to acknowledge it also in his letters, being absent: and moreover he protests that he will never be otherwise.
(h) With clearness, and holy and true plainness of mind, as God himself can witness.
(i) Trusting to that very wisdom which God of his free goodness has given me from heaven. |
- our rejoicing:
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Job 23:10-12 But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. ... Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].
Job 27:5-6 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. ... My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach [me] so long as I live.
Job 31:1-40 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? ... Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.
Psalms 7:3-5 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; ... Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take [it]; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
Psalms 44:17-21 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant. ... Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
Isaiah 38:3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done [that which is] good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.
Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:
1 Timothy 1:19-20 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: ... Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
1 Peter 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1 John 3:19-22 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. ... And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
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- simplicity:
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Romans 16:18-19 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. ... For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
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- godly:
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
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- not:
2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 10:2-4 But I beseech [you], that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. ... (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Corinthians 12:15-19 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. ... Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but [we do] all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: ... That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
James 3:13-18 Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ... And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
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- we have:
- That is, "We have conducted ourselves;" for αναστρεφω [Strong's G0390] in Greek, and conversatio in Latin, are used to denote the whole of a man's conduct, the tenor and practice of his life.
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