2 Corinthians 12

It is necessary to boast
The translation “It is necessary to boast” literally renders the Greek phrase καυχᾶσθαι δεῖ (kauchasthai dei), accurately keeping the infinitival form of the verb and the meaning of the Greek expression δεῖ (dei), which communicates necessity or obligation. Though Paul has repeatedly emphasized that he despises excessive boasting (cf. esp. 10:13–11:21), here he expresses that it is necessary for him to boast of special visions and revelations from the Lord even though it is not profitable. Though it does not bring anything positive to the equation, Paul feels he must boast of these things in order to quell the prevalent negative rumors about him.

pleaded
The Greek term παρακαλέω (parakaleō) is consistently translated as “plead” to maintain distinction from the stronger Greek term ὀρκίζω (horkizō), which is used in oaths and rendered as “implore” (cf. note for Mark 5:7). The use of this word, on one hand, is often directed toward one seen as having greater power, authority, or ability than the one pleading, and on the other demonstrates the desperation or desire of the pleader that the outcome be accomplished. Here, Paul earnestly appeals to the Lord to be relieved of the “thorn in the flesh” which was tormenting him, but though he passionately pleaded for relief, the Lord allowed it to remain for the greater benefit and blessing of humility (vv. 7, 9).

sake of Christ
The translation “for the sake of Christ” is used rather than “for Christ’s sake” for ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ (hyper Christou) here to provide a literal rendering of the genitive Greek construction here. Paul emphasizes here that he is happy to endure great suffering and hardship for the sake of Christ because his own weakness magnifies the Lord’s strength and might. Thus, it is when he is most weak that he most relies on the strength of Christ and is therefore truly strong.

nothing
The rendering “nothing” provides a literal translaiton of the Greek word οὐδέν (ouden). Saying someone is “nothing” is even worse than “a nobody” because that at lease implies personhood. Paul is sarcastically playing with words as he again describes his true status versus the Corinthians’ opinion of him. Though he was “in no respect” (οὐδέν; ouden) inferior to the most-eminent apostles, they still saw him as “nothing” (οὐδέν; ouden)— weak, of no consequence, worthless.

less than
This translation renders the term ἑσσόομαι (hessoomai) here as “less than” to help readers see Paul’s play on words with verse 15 (where he uses the cognate term ἥσσων [hēssōn; “less”]). Paul poses a rhetorical question emphasizing his deep love for the Corinthians. Their response to such great love by Paul should be reciprocated as a greater love toward him, not less (v. 15).

be fully spent
“Be fully spent” translates ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι (ekdapanēthēsomai), which reflects and further intensifies “spend” (δαπανήσω; dapanēsō) used just prior. With the ἐκ- (ek-) prefix, it has the idea of a resource being “spent out,” leaving its container empty. With this, Paul is communicating that he is not only willing to spend his own possessions and finances to minister to the Corinthians, but even more so and to a greater extent himself. He is fully devoted to their care, willing for all of his resources, strength, and effort to be fully exhausted for their benefit. The translation with both “spend” and “spent” here brings the powerful Greek parallel accurately into English so that English readers can see the same effect.

less
Refer to discussion on verse 13 above.

Have I taken advantage…
This question opens with the Greek negative particle μή (mē), which, according to normal Greek usage, sets an expectation for a negative answer. This is why some translations structure the question, “I have not…have I?” However, to avoid adding words with do not appear in the Greek, the rhetorical question is simply translated with a familiar English structure. This way, nothing external is added to the text and the negative answer remains expected. Thus, the implied and obvious answer here is “no,” as Paul asks the Corinthians to see what is obvious—that he has been innocent and upright in all his dealings with them.

Did Titus take advantage…Did we not walk…
Refer to the discussion on verse 17 above. Here, Paul employs two different kinds of rhetorical question. The first (“Did Titus take any advantage…”) again begins with μήτι (mēti), which implies and expects a negative answer (e.g., “Of course not!”). But the following question (“Did we not walk…”) begins with the other Greek negative particle, οὐ (ou), which implies and expects an affirmative answer (e.g., “Yes, of course you did!”). With this string of questions, Paul rhetorically forces the Corinthians to recognize his and his companions’ uprightness in their ministry to them. The English translations with “Did Titus…” and “Did we not…” seek to communicate the same sense and effect in English wording.

building up
“Building up” translates οἰκοδομή (oikodomē), a noun related to building a house (Greek for “house” is οἶκος [oikos] and “build” is δέμω [demō]). In the New Testament it is always used metaphorically as a word picture for building up, and what is built up is most often the house of God—the church. This is accomplished first among the saints on an individual level as they build one another up (cf. Rom 14:19; 15:2), and extends to the entire body of the church (cf. 1 Cor 14:12; here; Eph 4:12, 16). Paul emphasizes here that everything he does to minister to them, even in defending himself from false accusations, is for their building up. The translation as “building up” also helps readers to see connections where the same word is used in Romans (14:19 and 15:2) and in the following chapter (13:10) where Paul explains that his authority over them is expressly for their building up, not their tearing down.