Note 13 at 2 Cor. 12:20: Paul is expounding on his reasons for writing this letter to the Corinthians. He had already said at the beginning of this letter (2 Cor. 1:23-2:3) that he had delayed his second trip to Corinth because he didn't want his meeting with them to be sorrowful. He is now expressing that he fears there will be debates (see note 14 at this verse), envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings (see note 15 at this verse), whisperings (see note 16 at this verse), swellings (see note 17 at this verse), tumults and grief over some who have not repented of their sins (v. 21).

Note 14 at 2 Cor. 12:20: The Greek word from which "debates" was translated is "eris," which means "a quarrel, i.e. (by impl.) wrangling" (Strong). It was translated "contention, debate, strife, and variance." The NIV translates this word as "quarreling" in this verse. Paul did not enjoy this kind of debate. A discussion for the purpose of exchanging ideas and learning is okay, but arguing serves no good purpose.

Note 15 at 2 Cor. 12:20: The Greek word from which "backbitings" was translated is the word "katalalia." It means, "defamation, evil speaking." The NIV translates this word as "slander." Christians often commit this sin by prefacing their criticism with, "I don't mean this bad, but. . .", then they proceed to slander the person.

Certainly there are times when we have to say something negative about a person. Parents have to reprove their children. Employers need to correct their employees. And not all of this is done in front of the person who is at fault. Parents might need to discuss things between themselves before they approach their child. A supervisor may need to bring a problem with one of his workers to a superior for advise. But the key is that the Lord told us to do nothing with malice (1 Cor. 5:8; 14:20; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Ti. 3:3; 1 Pet. 2:1; see note 23 at 1 Cor. 14:20, p. 947).

Note 16 at 2 Cor. 12:20: The Greek word that was translated "whisperings" here is "psithurismos." This word is a derivative of "psithos," which means "a whisper; by implication, a slander" (Strong). The NIV translates this word as "gossip." Slander and gossip are closely related.

The dictionary defines slander as "a false and malicious statement or report that damages the reputation or well-being of another." Gossip is defined as "trivial talk, often involving personal or sensational rumors" (both from American Heritage Dictionary). The main difference lies in the manner in which gossip and slander are done. Slander can be open, whereas gossip is secretive.

Note 17 at 2 Cor. 12:20: The English word "swellings" was translated from the Greek word "phusiosis," which means "inflation, i.e. (fig.) haughtiness." "Phusiosis" comes from the Greek word "phusioo," which means "to blow, to inflate." Today we would say this is describing someone with "the big head" or an "inflated ego." The NIV translated this word as "arrogance."