2 Corinthians 12:20
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's fear that 'when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not' — preceded by a list of 'debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults' — provides a concrete description of the specific interpersonal sins that threaten community life. The list notably places 'whisperings' (psithurismoi, secret slanders) alongside 'backbitings' (katalaliai, open slanders), indicating that Paul treats covert and overt forms of destructive speech as equally dangerous to ecclesial community. The mutual apprehension expressed — 'I shall not find you as I would, you shall not find me as you would' — reflects the relational fragility of the Corinthian situation and Paul's genuine pastoral anxiety. The passage remains a diagnostic inventory for communal pathologies in Christian communities.
Other Translations
For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;
for I fear lest, having come, not such as I wish I may find you, and I--I may be found by you such as ye do not wish, lest there be strifes, envyings, wraths, revelries, evil-speakings, whisperings, puffings up, insurrections,
For I have a fear that, when I come, you may not be answering to my desire, and that I may not be answering to yours; that there may be fighting, hate, angry feeling, divisions, evil talk about others, secrets, thoughts of pride, outbursts against authority;
Cross References
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the …
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I …
And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which …
That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not …
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think …
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should …