2Cor 11:9 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 9. And when I was present with you . When I was labouring in order to build up the church in Corinth. I was chargeable to no man . I was burdensome to no one; or more literally, "I did not lie as a dead weight upon you." The word here used, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, (κατεναρκησα,) means, literally, to become torpid against , i.e., to the detriment of any one; and hence to be burdensome. According to Jerome, its use here is a cilicism of Paul. The idea is, that he did not lead a torpid, inactive life at the expense of others. He did not expect a support from them when he was doing nothing; nor did he demand support which would in any sense be a burden to them. By his own hands, ( ,) and by the aid which he received from abroad, he was supported without deriving aid from the people of Corinth. And in all things , etc. In all respects I have carefully kept myself from being a burden on the church. Paul had no idea of living at other men's expense when he was doing nothing.' He did not, as a general thing, mean to receive anything for which he had not rendered a fair equivalent--a just principle for ministers and for all other men. See . (a) "was chargeable" (*) "lacking" "wanting" (b) "brethren"

2 Corinthians 11:9

Verse 9. And when I was present with you. When I was labouring in order to build up the church in Corinth.

I was chargeable to no man. I was burdensome to no one; or more literally, "I did not lie as a dead weight upon you." The word here used, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, (κατεναρκησα,) means, literally, to become torpid against, i.e., to the detriment of any one; and hence to be burdensome. According to Jerome, its use here is a cilicism of Paul. The idea is, that he did not lead a torpid, inactive life at the expense of others. He did not expect a support from them when he was doing nothing; nor did he demand support which would in any sense be a burden to them. By his own hands, (Acts 18:3,) and by the aid which he received from abroad, he was supported without deriving aid from the people of Corinth.

And in all things, etc. In all respects I have carefully kept myself from being a burden on the church. Paul had no idea of living at other men's expense when he was doing nothing.' He did not, as a general thing, mean to receive anything for which he had not rendered a fair equivalent--a just principle for ministers and for all other men. See 2Cor 12:13.

(a) "was chargeable" Acts 18:3, 1Thes 2:9 (*) "lacking" "wanting" (b) "brethren" Php 4:10,15