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Selected Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:9 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
2Co 10:9 |
King James |
That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
I say this lest I should seem to be terrifying you, as children, with empty threats [BENGEL]. ESTIUS explains, "I might boast more of my authority, but I forbear to do so, that I may not seem as if," &c. But this ellipsis is harsh: and Co2 10:10-11 confirm BENGEL'S view. |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
That I may not seem ... - The meaning of this verse seems to be this. "I say that I might boast more of my power in order that I may not appear disposed to terrify you with my letters merely. I do not threaten more than I can perform. I have it in my power to execute all that I have threatened, and to strike an awe not only by my letters, but by the infliction of extraordinary miraculous punishments. And if I should boast that I had done this, and could do it again, I should have no reason to be ashamed. It would not be vain and empty boasting; not boasting which is not well-founded." |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
That I may not seem
The construction is abrupt. Probably something is to be supplied, as I say this in order that I may not seem, etc. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
I say this, that I may not seem to terrify you by letters - Threatening more than I can perform. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
That I may not seem, etc. - This is an elliptical sentence, and may be supplied thus: "I have not used this authority; nor will I add any more concerning this part of the subject, lest I should seem, as my adversary has insinuated, to wish to terrify you by my letters. |
10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
11 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.