2 Corinthians 10:1
New International Version
By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!

New Living Translation
Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away.

English Standard Version
I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—

Berean Standard Bible
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.

Berean Literal Bible
Now I, Paul, myself exhort you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who indeed as to appearance am humble among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

New American Standard Bible
Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!

NASB 1995
Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ— I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!

NASB 1977
Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!

Legacy Standard Bible
Now I, Paul, myself plead with you by the gentleness and forbearance of Christ—I who am humble when face-to-face with you, but courageous toward you when absent!

Amplified Bible
Now I, Paul, urge you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ—I who am meek [so they say] when with you face to face, but bold [outspoken and fearless] toward you when absent!

Christian Standard Bible
Now I, Paul, myself, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent.

American Standard Version
Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

Contemporary English Version
Do you think I am a coward when I am with you and brave when I am far away? Well, I ask you to listen, because Christ himself was humble and gentle.

English Revised Version
Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I, Paul, make my appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ. I'm the one who is humble when I'm with you but forceful toward you when I'm not with you.

Good News Translation
I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you--I who am said to be meek and mild when I am with you, but harsh with you when I am away. By the gentleness and kindness of Christ

International Standard Version
Now I myself, Paul, plead with you with the gentleness and kindness of the Messiah —I who am humble when I am face to face with you but forceful toward you when I am away!

Majority Standard Bible
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.

NET Bible
Now I, Paul, appeal to you personally by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (I who am meek when present among you, but am full of courage toward you when away!)--

New Heart English Bible
Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 towards you:

Weymouth New Testament
But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and self-forgetfulness of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal presence, but when absent am fearlessly outspoken in dealing with you.

World English Bible
Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I, Paul, myself, call on you—through the meekness and gentleness of the Christ—who in presence [am] indeed humble among you, and being absent, have courage toward you,

Berean Literal Bible
Now I, Paul, myself exhort you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who indeed as to appearance am humble among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

Young's Literal Translation
And I, Paul, myself, do call upon you -- through the meekness and gentleness of the Christ -- who in presence, indeed am humble among you, and being absent, have courage toward you,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and equity of Christ, who, in face truly low with you, but at a distance bold towards you:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now I Paul myself beseech you, by the mildness and modesty of Christ, who in presence indeed am lowly among you, but being absent, am bold toward you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But I myself, Paul, am begging you, through the meekness and modesty of Christ. I am certainly, by appearances, lowly among you, yet I have confidence in you, even while I am absent.

New American Bible
Now I myself, Paul, urge you through the gentleness and clemency of Christ, I who am humble when face to face with you, but brave toward you when absent,

New Revised Standard Version
I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW I, Paul, beseech you by the gentleness and meekness of Christ, even though I am humble when present among you, I have the assurance when I am far away,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But I, Paul, beg of you by the serenity and gentleness of The Messiah, although when we are present, I am gentle with you, but when I am distant, I am bold toward you;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Now I, the same Paul, who, when present among you, am timid, but when absent, am bold toward you, entreat you, by the mildness and gentleness of Christ;

Godbey New Testament
But I Paul exhort you through the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who before your face am indeed humble among you, but being absent am bold towards you:

Haweis New Testament
NOW I Paul myself exhort you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who, when present, am indeed lowly among you, but being absent, am bold towards you.

Mace New Testament
I who am a person of a mean presence, when among you, but exert myself upon your account, when absent; I Paul intreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, not to let me exert that authority,

Weymouth New Testament
But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and self-forgetfulness of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal presence, but when absent am fearlessly outspoken in dealing with you.

Worrell New Testament
Now I, Paul, myself entreat you, through the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in your presence, indeed, am lowly among you; but, being absent, am bold toward you;

Worsley New Testament
Now I Paul myself exhort you, by the meekness and lenity of Christ, who in presence am lowly among you,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Apostolic Authority
1Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you— I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away. 2I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.…

Cross References
Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Philippians 2:5-8
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. ...

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 4:2
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

1 Thessalonians 2:7
On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

1 Timothy 1:15
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Isaiah 42:1-3
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. / He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. / A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Psalm 18:35
You have given me Your shield of salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me.

Psalm 45:4
In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds.

Psalm 69:9
because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.


Treasury of Scripture

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:

I Paul.

1 Corinthians 16:21,22
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand…

Galatians 5:2
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

2 Thessalonians 3:17
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

beseech.

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.

2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 6:1
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

by.

Psalm 45:4
And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

Isaiah 42:3,4
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth…

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

presence.

2 Corinthians 10:7,10
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…

base.

2 Corinthians 10:10
For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

2 Corinthians 11:30
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

2 Corinthians 12:5,7-9
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities…

bold.

2 Corinthians 3:12
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

Jump to Previous
Absent Appeal Appearance Base Behaviour Beseech Bold Christ Christ-I Courage Dealing Entreat Face Fearlessly Gentle Gentleness Good Humble Humility Imposing Indeed Lowly Meek Meekness Mind Outspoken Paul Personal Poor Presence Present Quiet Request Spirit Timid Towards Urge
Jump to Next
Absent Appeal Appearance Base Behaviour Beseech Bold Christ Christ-I Courage Dealing Entreat Face Fearlessly Gentle Gentleness Good Humble Humility Imposing Indeed Lowly Meek Meekness Mind Outspoken Paul Personal Poor Presence Present Quiet Request Spirit Timid Towards Urge
2 Corinthians 10
1. Against the false apostles, who disgraced the weakness of his person and bodily presence,
4. he shows the spiritual might and authority with which he was armed against all adverse powers;
7. assuring those who at his coming he will be found as mighty in word as he is now in writing;
12. and encouraging them to reach out themselves beyond their compass.














Now
The word "Now" serves as a transitional marker, indicating a shift in tone or subject. In the Greek, "δέ" (de) is often used to introduce a new thought or to contrast with what has been previously stated. Here, Paul transitions to a personal appeal, setting the stage for a heartfelt exhortation to the Corinthians.

by the meekness and gentleness of Christ
"Meekness" (πραΰτης, prautes) and "gentleness" (ἐπιείκεια, epieikeia) are qualities that reflect the character of Christ. Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, but in the biblical context, it denotes strength under control, a humble and patient demeanor. Gentleness implies fairness and a considerate nature. These attributes of Christ are foundational to Christian conduct, emphasizing a leadership style that is compassionate and understanding, rather than domineering.

I appeal to you
The Greek word for "appeal" is "παρακαλέω" (parakaleo), which means to call to one's side, to exhort, or to encourage. Paul is not commanding but rather urging the Corinthians with a heartfelt plea. This approach reflects the pastoral heart of Paul, who desires to guide the church with love and patience, mirroring the approach of Christ Himself.

I, Paul
By identifying himself, Paul emphasizes his personal involvement and authority in the matter. His use of his own name underscores the sincerity and gravity of his message. Historically, Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church was complex, marked by both affection and tension. Here, he reasserts his role as an apostle and spiritual father to the community.

who am humble when face to face with you
The phrase "humble when face to face" reflects Paul's self-awareness and his critics' perception of him. The Greek word "ταπεινός" (tapeinos) means lowly or modest. Paul acknowledges that in person, he may appear unassuming or gentle, which some might misinterpret as weakness. This humility is not a flaw but a deliberate choice to emulate Christ's approach to leadership.

but bold when away
"Bold" (θαρρέω, tharreō) indicates confidence and courage. Paul contrasts his physical presence with his written words, which some in Corinth perceived as more forceful. This boldness is not inconsistency but a strategic use of authority to address issues within the church. Paul’s letters were a means to correct and instruct, demonstrating that true leadership can be both gentle and firm, depending on the need.

X.

(1) Now I Paul myself beseech you.--His thoughts, as has been said, have travelled back to Corinth. The stinging words which Titus had reported to him (see Note on 2Corinthians 10:10) vex his soul. He speaks in the tone of the suppressed indignation which shows itself in a keen incisive irony. The opening formula is one which he reserves as emphasising an exceptionally strong emotion (Galatians 5:2; Ephesians 3:1; Philemon 1:19).

By the meekness and gentleness of Christ.--On the precise ethical significance of the former word see Note on Matthew 5:5; on that of the second, on Acts 24:4. The temper described by the latter is that of one who does not press his rights, but acts in the spirit of equitable concession. The use of the formula of adjuration implies (1) that he felt how the opponents of whom he is about to speak were lacking in those two excellencies; (2) that he could appeal to what they knew of the personal character of Jesus as possessing them. This knowledge, it is obvious, must have rested on a general acquaintance with the facts of the Gospel history, like that implied in his treatment of the Lord's Supper in 1Corinthians 11:23-25; and of the Resurrection in 1Corinthians 15:1-7; and in his reference to our Lord's teaching in Acts 20:35. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

by
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mildness
πραΰτητος (prautētos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4240: Mildness, gentleness. From praus; mildness, i.e. humility.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

gentleness
ἐπιεικείας (epieikeias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1932: Considerateness, forbearance, fairness, gentleness, mildness. From epieikes; suitableness, i.e. equity, mildness.

of Christ,
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

I appeal
παρακαλῶ (parakalō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3870: From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.

to you—
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

I,
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Paul,
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

who
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

[am] humble
ταπεινὸς (tapeinos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5011: Humble, lowly, in position or spirit (in a good sense). Of uncertain derivation; depressed, i.e. humiliated.

when face to face
πρόσωπον (prosōpon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4383: From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

bold
θαρρῶ (tharrō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2292: To be courageous, confident, of good cheer. Another form for tharseo; to exercise courage.

when away.
ἀπὼν (apōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 548: To be absent. From apo and eimi; to be away.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself entreat you (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 9:15
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