2Cor 12:16-18 | RWP | e4.org | I did not myself burden you ( εγω ου κατεβαρησα υμας ). First aorist active of late verb καταβαρεω , to press a burden down on one. Only here in N.T. Crafty ( πανουργος ). Old word from παν , all, and εργο , to do anything (good or bad). Good sense is skilful, bad sense cunning. Only here in N.T. and Paul is quoting the word from his enemies. With guile ( δολω ). Instrumental case of δολος , bait to catch fish with. The enemies of Paul said that he was raising this big collection for himself. Moffatt has done well to put these charges in quotation marks to make it plain to readers that Paul is ironical.

‏ 2 Corinthians 12:16-18

I did not myself burden you ( εγω ου κατεβαρησα υμας ). First aorist active of late verb καταβαρεω, to press a burden down on one. Only here in N.T.

Crafty ( πανουργος ). Old word from παν, all, and εργο, to do anything (good or bad). Good sense is skilful, bad sense cunning. Only here in N.T. and Paul is quoting the word from his enemies.

With guile ( δολω ). Instrumental case of δολος, bait to catch fish with. The enemies of Paul said that he was raising this big collection for himself. Moffatt has done well to put these charges in quotation marks to make it plain to readers that Paul is ironical.

Did I take advantage ( επλεονεκτησα ). Paul goes right to the point without hedging. For this verb from πλεον and εχω, to have more, see on 2Co 2:11; 7:2.

By any one of them ( τινα--δι' αυτου ). An anacoluthon for τινα is left in the accusative without a verb and δι' αυτου takes up the idea, "as to any one by him."

Whom ( ων ). The genitive relative is attracted from the accusative ους into the case of the unexpressed antecedent τουτον ). Μη expects the negative answer as does μητ in 18.

The brother ( τον αδελφον ). Probably the brother of Titus (cf. 8:18).

Did Titus take advantage of you? ( μητ επλεονεκτησεν υμας Τιτοσ? ). That puts the issue squarely.

By the same Spirit ( τω αυτω πνευματ ). That translation refers to the Holy Spirit and makes the case instrumental. The locative case, "in the same spirit," makes it mean that Paul's attitude is the same as that of Titus and most likely is correct, for "in the same steps" ( τοις αυτοις ιχνεσιν ) is in locative case.