SEV Biblia, Chapter 10:9
pero para que no parezca como que os quiero espantar por cartas.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:9
Verse 9. That I may not seem, &c.] This is an elliptical sentence, and may be supplied thus: "I have not used this authority; nor will I add any more concerning this part of the subject, lest I should seem, as my adversary has insinuated, to wish to terrify you by my letters.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 9. That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters .] Here seems to be something wanting, which is to be supplied, The sense is, though I might lawfully boast of the superior authority which we apostles have above other persons, in using sharpness with men insolent and hardened in sin; yet I will not, I forbear every thing of that kind, I drop it, I do not choose to insist upon it; ana amjm , “I overlook”, or “neglect” it, “I do not care” to do it, as the Syriac version supplies it; and this he thought most prudent and advisable, lest he should give any occasion to the above calumny that he was bold, and blustering, and terrifying by his letters when absent, and only threatened that he had no power to perform.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-11 - In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the eyes of some but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not think that non outward appearance, as if the want of such things proved a man not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful minister of the lowl Saviour.
Greek Textus Receptus
ινα 2443 CONJ μη 3361 PRT-N δοξω 1380 5661 V-AAS-2S ως 5613 ADV αν 302 PRT εκφοβειν 1629 5721 V-PAN υμας 5209 P-2AP δια 1223 PREP των 3588 T-GPF επιστολων 1992 N-GPF
Vincent's NT Word Studies
9. That I may not seem. The construction is abrupt. Probably something is to be supplied, as I say this in order that I may not seem, etc.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
10:9 {As if I would terrify you by my letters} (hws an ekfobein humas dia twn epistolwn). this use of hws an with the infinitive is seen in the papyri (Moulton, _Prolegomena_, p. 167) and it is not an in the apodosis (Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 974, 1040). The active of this old compound verb means to frighten, to terrify. Here only in N.T. It is common in the LXX (#Job 7:14; 33:16). Note plural (letters) here and cf. #1Co 5:9; 2Co 2:3.
