though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!
Parallel translations
- WEB though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:
- KJV Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
- BSB though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:
- NKJV though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
- NASB although I myself could boast as having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason:
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 says if anyone could trust in the flesh, he could even more. He out-qualifies his opponents on their own terms.
Overview
Before dismissing fleshly confidence, Paul establishes that he is no sour-grapes critic; his religious credentials surpassed theirs. He momentarily adopts their measuring stick to expose its emptiness. This sets up the list of his impressive yet ultimately worthless advantages.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 1
- 2 Cor 11:18–22Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will also boast.
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The one who, being in the form of God, emptied himself to the point of death on a cross and was exalted to the name above every name — the joy and prize of the believer.
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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.