2 Corinthians 10:10 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

¹⁰ For some people are saying, “Paul’s letters are heavy and severe, but in person he is weak [physically (?)] and his speaking ability is unimpressive.”

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

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

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹⁰ For they say, His letters are weighty and impressive and forceful and telling, but his personality and bodily presence are weak, and his speech and delivery are utterly contemptible (of no account).

American Standard Version (1901)

¹⁰ For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.

Common English Bible

¹⁰ I know what some people are saying: “His letters are severe and powerful, but in person he is weak and his speech is worth nothing.”

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹⁰ For they say: "His epistles, indeed, are weighty and strong. But his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is contemptible."

2 Corinthians 10:10 Cross References

1 Corinthians 1:17

For Christ did not send me to immerse people, but to preach the good news. [Note: Christ specifically commissioned Paul to preach; most of the immersing was done by his attendants]. It was not to be done with words of [human] wisdom, so that the [message of the] cross of Christ would not have its power taken away.

1 Corinthians 1:21

For since, according to God’s [true] wisdom, the world did not know about Him through its wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe [in Christ] through the “foolishness” of the message preached.

2 Corinthians 10:1

Now I Paul, who am humble [when speaking] face to face with you, but bold when I am away from you, urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ [Note: This means either Paul was imitating Christ’s behavior or that the Corinthians were to do so]:

2 Corinthians 10:11

Such people should consider this: What we say in our letters when we are away is what we will do when we are there.

2 Corinthians 10:9

[Now] I do not want to appear to be trying to scare you by my letters.

2 Corinthians 11:21

I am ashamed to say that we were [too] weak to do such things. [Note: Paul is probably saying, sarcastically, “We are too ‘weak’ to take financial advantage of people and mistreat them the way those ‘super apostles’ there in Corinth were doing”]. Yet, in whatever [matters] anyone [there] dares to boast about, (now I am really speaking foolishly), I will dare to boast also.

2 Corinthians 11:6

But even though I am an unpolished speaker, I am not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way.

2 Corinthians 13:3

since you are looking for proof that Christ is speaking through me. Christ is not weak in His dealing with you, but is powerful among you. [Note: Paul probably refers to the positive effects of his ministry there in Corinth].