Such people should consider that what we are in our letters when absent, we will be in our actions when present.
Parallel translations
- WEB Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.
- KJV Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
- NKJV Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.
- NASB Have such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.
- NLT Those people should realize that our actions when we arrive in person will be as forceful as what we say in our letters from far away.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul warns such critics that he will be the same in person as he is in his letters. There is no gap between his words and his deeds.
Overview
Paul answers the accusation of inconsistency: what he writes when absent, he will carry out when present. His firmness is not mere bravado. This integrity, the alignment of word and action, marks genuine apostolic authority and stands in contrast to those who boast emptily.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- 2 Cor 12:20For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
- 2 Cor 13:10This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
- 2 Cor 13:2–3I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
- 1 Cor 4:19–20But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.
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Christ at the center
In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
How 2 Corinthians 10:11 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.