What does 2 Corinthians 11:12 mean?
"But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we." - 2 Corinthians 11:12

In 2 Corinthians 11:12, the King James Version of the Bible states, "But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we."
This verse is part of a larger passage in which the apostle Paul is defending his ministry and authority to the Corinthian church. He is addressing the issue of false apostles who have been undermining his authority and causing division within the church. In this particular verse, Paul is asserting his determination to continue his ministry despite the opposition he faces.
The theme of this verse is the steadfast determination of Paul to carry out his mission despite the obstacles he faces. It also speaks to the concept of integrity and the importance of being true to one's calling even in the face of opposition. Additionally, this verse touches on the idea of not allowing others to hinder or discredit one's work for God.
In the context of the larger passage, Paul is addressing the Corinthians' acceptance of false apostles who were promoting a different gospel than the one he had preached to them. These false apostles were undermining Paul's authority and causing the Corinthian church to doubt his credibility as an apostle. In response, Paul defends himself by listing his qualifications and experiences as an apostle, and he declares his intention to continue preaching the true gospel despite the opposition he faces.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the image of "cutting off occasion" from those who seek to discredit Paul's ministry. This can be interpreted as Paul's determination to remove any opportunity for his detractors to question his authority or hinder his work. It also symbolizes Paul's commitment to maintaining his integrity and not allowing his ministry to be tarnished by the false accusations of others.
Overall, this verse serves as a powerful declaration of Paul's commitment to his calling as an apostle and his determination to continue his ministry despite the challenges he faces. It also serves as a reminder to believers to remain steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by false teachings or the opposition of others. The verse encourages believers to stand firm in their convictions and to continue serving God faithfully, even when faced with adversity.
Have questions about 2 Corinthians 11:12?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Corinthians 11:12 Artwork
2 Corinthians 11:12 - "But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we."
"But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we." - 2 Corinthians 11:12
1 corinthians 2:12
1 corinthians 2:12
1 corinthians 2:12
1 corinthians 2:12
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 – Paul’s vision of the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 11:11 - "Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth."
2 Corinthians 12:11 - "I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing."
2 Corinthians 12:9
2 Corinthians 12:7
2 Corinthians 12:7
2 Corinthians 6:11 - "O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged."
2 Corinthians 12:9
2 Corinthians 12:9
2 Corinthians 12:7
2 Corinthians 12:7
1 Corinthians 12:11 - "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
1 Corinthians 11:12 - "For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God."
2 Corinthians 13:12 - "Greet one another with an holy kiss."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
2 Corinthians 2:11 - "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
2 Corinthians 4:12 - "So then death worketh in us, but life in you."
2 Corinthians 11:14 - "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
2 Corinthians 12:12 - "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds."
2 Corinthians 11:5 - "For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles."
2 Corinthians 11:13 - "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ."
2 Corinthians 6:12 - "Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels."
2 Corinthians 2:12 - "Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,"
2 Corinthians 11:19 - "For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise."