2 Corinthians 11:9 “And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for…”

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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.

World English Bible

When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so.

American Standard Version

and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

Geneva Bible 1599

And when I was present with you, and had neede, I was not slouthfull to the hinderance of any man: for that which was lacking vnto me, the brethre which came from Macedonia, supplied, and in all thinges I kept and will keepe my selfe, that I should not be grieuous to you.

Darby Translation

And being present with you and lacking, I did not lazily burden any one, (for the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied what I lacked,) and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will keep myself.

Young's Literal Translation

and being present with you, and having been in want, I was chargeable to no one, for my lack did the brethren supply — having come from Macedonia — and in everything burdenless to you I did keep myself, and will keep.

Bible in Basic English

And when I was present with you, and was in need, I let no man be responsible for me; for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, gave me whatever was needed; and in everything I kept myself from being a trouble to you, and I will go on doing so.

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Cross references

“wanted”

2 Corinthians 6:4 2 Corinthians 9:12 Philippians 2:25 Hebrews 11:37 Philippians 4:11–14

2 Corinthians 6:4 · BSB

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;

2 Corinthians 9:12 · BSB

For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

Philippians 2:25 · BSB

But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs.

Hebrews 11:37 · BSB

They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.

Philippians 4:11–14 · BSB

I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.

“I was”

1 Thessalonians 2:9 Nehemiah 5:15 Acts 18:3 Acts 20:33 2 Corinthians 12:13 2 Thessalonians 3:8

1 Thessalonians 2:9 · BSB

Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

Nehemiah 5:15 · BSB

The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people. But I did not do this, because of my fear of God.

Acts 18:3 · BSB

and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.

Acts 20:33 · BSB

I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

2 Corinthians 12:13 · BSB

In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

2 Thessalonians 3:8 · BSB

nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

“the brethren”

2 Corinthians 8:1 2 Corinthians 8:2 Philippians 4:10 Philippians 4:15 Philippians 4:16

2 Corinthians 8:1 · BSB

Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 8:2 · BSB

In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

Philippians 4:10 · BSB

Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Philippians 4:15 · BSB

And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving.

Philippians 4:16 · BSB

For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.

“burdensome”

1 Thessalonians 2:6 2 Corinthians 12:14–16

1 Thessalonians 2:6 · BSB

Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.

2 Corinthians 12:14–16 · BSB

See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

8I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you.

10As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.

Read 2 Corinthians 11