2 Corinthians 12:6 “Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be s…”

2 Corinthians 12:6

Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me,

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

World English Bible

For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me.

American Standard Version

For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.

Geneva Bible 1599

For though I woulde reioyce, I should not be a foole, for I will say the trueth: but I refraine, lest any man should thinke of me aboue that hee seeth in me, or that he heareth of me.

Darby Translation

For if I shall desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will say [the] truth; but I forbear, lest any one should think as to me above what he sees me [to be], or whatever he may hear of me.

Young's Literal Translation

for if I may wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for truth I will say; but I forebear, lest any one in regard to me may think anything above what he doth see me, or doth hear anything of me;

Bible in Basic English

For if I had a desire to take credit to myself, it would not be foolish, for I would be saying what is true: but I will not, for fear that I might seem to any man more than he sees me to be, or has word from me that I am.

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Cross references

“I would”

2 Corinthians 11:16 1 Corinthians 3:5 2 Corinthians 10:8 1 Corinthians 3:9 1 Corinthians 3:10

2 Corinthians 11:16 · BSB

I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.

1 Corinthians 3:5 · BSB

What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.

2 Corinthians 10:8 · BSB

For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

1 Corinthians 3:9 · BSB

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

1 Corinthians 3:10 · BSB

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.

“I will”

2 Corinthians 11:31 2 Corinthians 1:18 Job 24:25 Romans 9:1

2 Corinthians 11:31 · BSB

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.

2 Corinthians 1:18 · BSB

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.”

Job 24:25 · BSB

If this is not so, then who can prove me a liar and reduce my words to nothing?”

Romans 9:1 · BSB

I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.

“above that”

2 Corinthians 12:7 2 Corinthians 10:9 2 Corinthians 10:10

2 Corinthians 12:7 · BSB

or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

2 Corinthians 10:9 · BSB

I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters.

2 Corinthians 10:10 · BSB

For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”

Also

2 Corinthians 12:11 2 Corinthians 5:13

2 Corinthians 12:11 · BSB

I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

2 Corinthians 5:13 · BSB

If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

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

In context

5I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.

7or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

Read 2 Corinthians 12