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2 Corinthians 10:1

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— Now I Paul myself beseech you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold towards you:
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— But I myself, Paul, entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of the Christ, who, as to appearance, [when present am] mean among you, but absent am bold towards you;
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— Moreover, I, Paul, myself, exhort you, through the meekness and considerateness of the Christ,—I who, to look upon, indeed, am lowly toward you, but, absent, am bold towards you;—
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— And I, Paul, myself, do call upon you—through the meekness and gentleness of the Christ—who in presence, indeed [am] humble among you, and being absent, have courage toward you,
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— Now I Paul, myself beseech you, by the mildness and modesty of Christ: who in presence indeed am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— Nowe I Paul my selfe beseech you by the meekenes, and gentlenes of Christ, which when I am present among you am base, but am bolde toward you being absent:
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— Now I Paul my selfe beseech you, by the meekenes and gentlenesse of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent, am bold toward you:
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— NOW I, Paul, beseech you by the gentleness and meekness of Christ; even though I am humble when present among you, I have the confidence when I am far away,
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— BUT I Paulos beseech of you by the peacefulness and humility of the Meshiha, (I) who also in presence am humble with you, but while far off am confident over you,
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— Now I, Paul, beseech you, by the mildness and gentleness of the Messiah, although I am mild towards you when present, but bold towards you when absent!

Strong's Numbers & Red-LettersGreek New TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
Now 1161
{1161} Prime
δέ
de
{deh}
A primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.
I 1473
{1473} Prime
ἐγώ
ego
{eg-o'}
A primary pronoun of the first person, 'I' (only expressed when emphatic).
Paul 3972
{3972} Prime
Παῦλος
Paulos
{pow'-los}
Of Latin origin; (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973, meaning the same); Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.
myself 846
{0846} Prime
αὐτός
autos
{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
beseech 3870
{3870} Prime
παρακαλέω
parakaleo
{par-ak-al-eh'-o}
From G3844 and G2564; to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation).
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
you 5209
{5209} Prime
ὑμᾶς
humas
{hoo-mas'}
Accusative of G5210; you (as the object of a verb or preposition).
by 1223
{1223} Prime
διά
dia
{dee-ah'}
A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional). In composition it retains the same general import.
the x3588
(3588) Complement

ho
{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).
meekness 4236
{4236} Prime
πραότης
praotes
{prah-ot'-ace}
From G4235; gentleness; by implication humility.
and 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{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.
gentleness 1932
{1932} Prime
ἐπιείκεια
epieikeia
{ep-ee-i'-ki-ah}
From G1933; suitableness, that is, (by implication) equity, mildness.
of Christ, 5547
{5547} Prime
Χριστός
Christos
{khris-tos'}
From G5548; anointed, that is, the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
who 3739
{3739} Prime
ὅς
hos
{hos}
Probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article G3588); the relative (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that.
in 2596
{2596} Prime
κατά
kata
{kat-ah'}
A primary particle; (preposition) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case [genitive, dative or accusative] with which it is joined).
presence 4383
{4383} Prime
πρόσωπον
prosopon
{pros'-o-pon}
From G4314 and ὤψ [[ops]] (the visage; from G3700); the front (as being towards view), that is, the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication presence, person.
[am] x3303
(3303) Complement
μέν
men
{men}
A primary particle; properly indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with G1161 (this one, the former, etc.
base 5011
{5011} Prime
ταπεινός
tapeinos
{tap-i-nos'}
Of uncertain derivation; depressed, that is, (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition).
y3303
[3303] Standard
μέν
men
{men}
A primary particle; properly indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with G1161 (this one, the former, etc.
among 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{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.
you, 5213
{5213} Prime
ὑμῖν
humin
{hoo-min'}
Irregular dative case of G5210; to (with or by) you.
but 1161
{1161} Prime
δέ
de
{deh}
A primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.
being absent 548
{0548} Prime
ἄπειμι
apeimi
{ap'-i-mee}
From G0575 and G1510; to be away.
z5752
<5752> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - No Voice Stated (See G5799)
Mood - Participle (See G5796)
Count - 186
am bold 2292
{2292} Prime
θαρρέω
tharrheo
{thar-hreh'-o}
Another form for G2293; to exercise courage.
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
toward 1519
{1519} Prime
εἰς
eis
{ice}
A primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases.
you: 5209
{5209} Prime
ὑμᾶς
humas
{hoo-mas'}
Accusative of G5210; you (as the object of a verb or preposition).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:1

_ _ 2 Corinthians 10:1-18. He vindicates his apostolic authority against those who depreciated him for his personal appearance. He will make his power felt when he comes. He boasts not, as they, beyond his measure.

_ _ I Paul myself — no longer “we,” “us,” “our” (2 Corinthians 9:11): I who am represented by depreciators as “base,” I, the same Paul, of my own accord “beseech you”; or rather “entreat,” “exhort” you for your sake. As “I beseech you” (a distinct Greek verb, 2 Corinthians 10:2) for my sake.

_ _ by the meekness and gentleness of Christ — He mentions these graces of Christ especially (Psalms 18:35; Matthew 11:29), as on account of his imitation of them in particular he was despised [Grotius]. He entreats them by these, in order to show that though he must have recourse to more severe measures, he is naturally inclined to gentle ones after Christ’s example [Menochius]. “Meekness” is more in the mind internally; “gentleness” in the external behavior, and in relation to others; for instance, the condescending yieldingness of a superior to an inferior, the former not insisting on his strict rights [Trench]. Bengel explains it, “By the meekness and gentleness derived by me from Christ,” not from my own nature: he objects to understanding it of Christ’s meekness and gentleness, since nowhere else is “gentleness” attributed to Him. But though the exact Greek word is not applied to Him, the idea expressed by it is (compare Isaiah 40:11; Matthew 12:19, Matthew 12:20).

_ _ in presence — in personal appearance when present with you.

_ _ baseGreek, “lowly”; timid, humbly diffident: opposed to “bold.” “Am” stands here by ironical concession for “am reputed to be” (compare 2 Corinthians 10:10).

Matthew Henry's Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

_ _ Here we may observe,

_ _ I. The mild and humble manner in which the blessed apostle addresses the Corinthians, and how desirous he is that no occasion may be given him to use severity. 1. He addresses them in a very mild and humble manner: I Paul myself beseech you, 2 Corinthians 10:1. We find, in the introduction to this epistle, he joined Timothy with himself; but now he speaks only for himself, against whom the false apostles had particularly levelled their reproaches; yet in the midst of the greatest provocations he shows humility and mildness, from the consideration of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, and desires this great example may have the same influence on the Corinthians. Note, When we find ourselves tempted or inclined to be rough and severe towards any body, we should think of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, that appeared in him in the days of his flesh, in the design of his undertaking, and in all the acts of his grace towards poor souls. How humbly also does this great apostle speak of himself, as one in presence base among them! So his enemies spoke of him with contempt, and he seems to acknowledge it; while others thought meanly, and spoke scornfully of him, he had low thoughts of himself, and spoke humbly of himself. Note, We should be sensible of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us for them.

_ _ 2. He is desirous that no occasion may be given to use severity, 2 Corinthians 10:2. He beseeches them to give no occasion for him to be bold, or to exercise his authority against them in general, as he had resolved to do against some who unjustly charged him as walking according to the flesh, that is, regulating his conduct, even in his ministerial actions, according to carnal policy or with worldly views. This was what the apostle had renounced, and this is contrary to the spirit and design of the gospel, and was far from being the aim and design of the apostle. Hereupon,

_ _ II. He asserts the power of his preaching and his power to punish offenders.

_ _ 1. The power of his preaching, 2 Corinthians 10:3, 2 Corinthians 10:5. Here observe, (1.) The work of the ministry is a warfare, not after the flesh indeed, for it is a spiritual warfare, with spiritual enemies and for spiritual purposes. And though ministers walk in the flesh, or live in the body, and in the common affairs of life act as other men, yet in their work and warfare they must not go by the maxims of the flesh, nor should they design to please the flesh: this must be crucified with its affections and lusts; it must be mortified and kept under. (2.) The doctrines of the gospel and discipline of the church are the weapons of this warfare; and these are not carnal: outward force, therefore, is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. A good argument this is against persecution for conscience' sake: conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force of arms. And so the weapons of our warfare are mighty, or very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing and cogent. This indeed is through God, or owing to him, because they are his institutions, and accompanied with his blessing, which makes all opposition to fall before his victorious gospel. We may here observe, [1.] What opposition is made against the gospel by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men. Ignorance, prejudices, beloved lusts, are Satan's strong-holds in the souls of some; vain imaginations, carnal reasonings, and high thoughts, or proud conceits, in others, exalt themselves against the knowledge of God, that is, by these ways the devil endeavours to keep men from faith and obedience to the gospel, and secures his possession of the hearts of men, as his own house or property. But then observe, [2.] The conquest which the word of God gains. These strong-holds are pulled down by the gospel as the means, through the grace and power of God accompanying it as the principal efficient cause. Note, The conversion of the soul is the conquest of Satan in that soul.

_ _ 2. The apostle's power to punish offenders (and that in an extraordinary manner) is asserted in 2 Corinthians 10:6. The apostle was a prime-minister in the kingdom of Christ, and chief officer in his army, and had in readiness (that is, he had power and authority at hand) to revenge all disobedience, or to punish offenders in a most exemplary and extraordinary manner. The apostle speaks not of personal revenge, but of punishing disobedience to the gospel, and disorderly walking among church-members, by inflicting church-censures. Note, Though the apostle showed meekness and gentleness, yet he would not betray his authority; and therefore intimates that when he would commend those whose obedience was fulfilled or manifested others would fall under severe censures.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

2 Corinthians 10:1

Now I Paul myself — - A strongly emphatical expression. Who when present am base among you — So, probably, some of the false teachers affirmed. Copying after the meekness and gentleness of Christ, entreat — Though I might command you.

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

2 Corinthians 10:1

Now (1) I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and (a) gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

(1) He returns to the defence of his apostleship, but in such a way that he uses his authority in his defence: for he warns them earnestly and gravely, using also terrible threatenings, to show themselves to be those who are able to be instructed. And he reviles certain proud men who made no better account of him, than of a bragging proud man, in that he used to be sharp against them when he was absent, because they saw no great majesty in him after the manner of men; and besides, he had proved his gentleness, even though in his absence he had written to them sharply. Therefore first of all he professes that he was gentle and moderate, but after the example of Christ: but if they continue still to despise his gentleness, he protests to them that he will show indeed how far they are deceived, who judge the office of an apostle in the same way that they judge worldly offices, that is, according to the outward appearance.

(a) That nature which is inclined to mercy, rather than to rigor of justice.

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
I Paul:

1 Corinthians 16:21-22 The salutation of [me] Paul with mine own hand. ... If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Galatians 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
2 Thessalonians 3:17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
Philemon 1:9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech [thee], being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

beseech:

2 Corinthians 10:2 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.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

by:

Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness [and] righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
Isaiah 42:3-4 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. ... He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 12:19-20 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. ... A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
Acts 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
1 Peter 2:22-23 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: ... Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

presence:
or, outward appearance,
2 Corinthians 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he [is] Christ's, even so [are] we Christ's.
2 Corinthians 10:10 For [his] letters, say they, [are] weighty and powerful; but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, and [his] speech contemptible.

base:
Rather, lowly, or humble, ταπεινος [Strong's G5011], which some think refers to his lowness of stature.
2 Corinthians 10:10 For [his] letters, say they, [are] weighty and powerful; but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, and [his] speech contemptible.
2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. ... And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
1 Corinthians 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
1 Corinthians 4:10 We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised.
Galatians 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

bold:

2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
*marg.
2 Corinthians 7:4 Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
2 Corinthians 11:21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
2 Corinthians 13:2-3 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: ... Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
Romans 10:20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
Romans 15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Ps 45:4. Is 42:3. Zc 9:9. Mt 11:29; 12:19; 21:5. Ac 8:32. Ro 10:20; 12:1; 15:15. 1Co 2:3; 4:10; 16:21. 2Co 3:12; 5:20; 6:1; 7:4; 10:2, 7, 10; 11:21, 30; 12:5, 7; 13:2, 4. Ga 4:13; 5:2. Ep 4:1. 2Th 3:17. Phm 1:9. 1P 2:11, 22. Rv 1:9.

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