Definition: But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 12:16. It's a pretty interesting and slightly complex passage about encouragement and support! Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Paul, who was deeply concerned for his church, wasn’t pushing them too hard or offering them all the help they needed. However, he did it with a bit of trickery – perhaps to keep them motivated and focused. Let's unpack it word by word: "But be it so..." : This is a way of introducing a contrast or acknowledgment. It’s like saying "It’s true that..." "...I did not burden you..." : Paul was worried about his church, and he felt he was putting them under too much pressure. He wasn't trying to force anything on them. "Nevertheless, nevertheless..." : This is the crucial part – it acknowledges that he was offering support, but in a way that was a bit strategic. "...being crafty, I caught you with guile." : This is where it gets interesting. "Crafty" means clever or skillful. “Caught you with guile” means he used a little bit of trickery to guide them towards the right path – encouraging them to persevere and not give up. What does this mean practically? It suggests that Paul wasn't forcing his way into their lives, but he was using clever strategies to keep them motivated and on track. He wanted to help them grow and stay focused, even if it meant a little bit of a challenge. In essence, the verse is about providing support, but doing it in a thoughtful and perhaps slightly persuasive way. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like perseverance or faith)?