I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters.
Parallel translations
- WEB that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters.
- KJV That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
- NKJV lest I seem to terrify you by letters.
- NASB for I do not want to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.
- NLT I’m not trying to frighten you by my letters.
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 clarifies that he does not write his letters merely to frighten the Corinthians. His firm words aim at correction, not intimidation.
Overview
Anticipating the charge that his letters are mere bluster, Paul explains that he has no wish to terrify them. His written rebukes serve a pastoral purpose. This guards against the misreading of his boldness as empty threat, showing that his correction springs from love and genuine authority.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- 1 Cor 4:19–21But 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.
- 1 Cor 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
- 2 Cor 10:10For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”
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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 10:9 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
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