What Does 2 Corinthians 11:12 Mean in the King James?
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The opening is removed so claims of sameness must stand up to the same visible practice.
THE MEANING
A repeated action closes the opening sought by those eager to use it as a basis for accusation or comparison. Their boast is tested in the very area where they claim equal standing: it must bear the same shape as the conduct behind it.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
A claim to stand on the same ground does not establish equal practice; the claim is tested where conduct becomes visible.
THE ROOT
ἀφορμή
aphormē
GROWS FROM
ὁρμή (hormē), with ἀπό (apo, from)
ὁρμή means impulse or onset; ἀφορμή is a starting point or base for action, and so an opportunity or pretext.
The KJV’s “occasion” can sound incidental, but ἀφορμή is a base from which someone can set a case in motion. The word appears twice: the action removes the launch point the challengers are eager to use.
ALSO GROWS
hormē: impulse, onset
ὁρμή
It names the beginning force behind an action; an occasion can become the point from which a claim moves.
hormaō: to set out, rush
ὁρμάω
This related verb carries the sense of motion beginning, illuminating how an opening can become a launch point.
καυχῶνται
kauchōntai
GROWS FROM
καυχάομαι (kauchaomai), the καυχ- word family
To boast or make a claim about what one takes pride in.
The English “glory” can suggest esteem alone, while καυχάομαι makes the boast explicit. The verse tests that boast against the practice in which the speakers claim equality.
ALSO GROWS
kauchēma: a boast, or the ground of boasting
καύχημα
It makes visible that a boast rests on some claimed basis, which can be examined.
kauchēsis: boasting
καύχησις
It names the act of making the claim, matching the verse’s focus on what the challengers assert.
THE PATTERN
Visible conduct can close an accuser’s foothold and test claims made in its name.
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.THE THREAD
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.The Greek noun ἀφορμή (aphormē, a starting point or opportunity) appears in both verses. Here, a sought-after opening is cut off; there, an opening for reproach is withheld. The shared word reveals the same mechanism: a claim needs a foothold.
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