2 Corinthians 10:9 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.”

2 Corinthians 10:9

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he {is} Christ's, even so {are} we Christ's.

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

For {his} letters, say they, {are} weighty and powerful; but {his} bodily presence {is} weak, and {his} speech contemptible. {say they: Gr. saith he}

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.

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2 Corinthians 10:1

"Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence {am} base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: {in presence: or, in outward appearance}"

2 Corinthians 10:2

"But I beseech {you}, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. {think: or, reckon}"

2 Corinthians 10:3

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:"

2 Corinthians 10:4

"(For the weapons of our warfare {are} not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) {through God: or, to God}"

2 Corinthians 10:5

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; {imaginations: or, reasonings}"

2 Corinthians 10:6

"And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."

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