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2 Corinthians 10:11

ESV Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.
NIV Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
NASB Have such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.
CSB Let such a person consider this: What we are in our letters, when we are absent, we will also be in our actions when we are present.
NLT Those people should realize that our actions when we arrive in person will be as forceful as what we say in our letters from far away.
KJV Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
NKJV Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

What does 2 Corinthians 10:11 mean?

Paul is answering one of the primary accusations from his opponents in Corinth. He quotes them in the previous verse as saying his writing is strong, but his personal presence is weak (2 Corinthians 10:10). Part of this criticism seems to be that Paul is not as impressive in person as he is in writing, so he's not to be taken seriously. The other accusation, dealt with here, would be that Paul is a coward. In other words, false teachers suggest the Corinthians need not worry about what Paul wrote, claiming he would not back it up when he was with them in person.

In response, Paul wrote that he and his associates will do exactly what his letters say when he is there in person. This includes his warning in verse 6 that they will punish every disobedience. He does not counter the accusation that he is unimpressive in person. Rather, he insists that giving impressive speeches matters less than the substance of what a person truly says and does.
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