2 Corinthians 1:14 kjv

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus.

2 Corinthians 1:14 nkjv

(as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

2 Corinthians 1:14 niv

as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.

2 Corinthians 1:14 esv

just as you did partially understand us ? that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.

2 Corinthians 1:14 nlt

even if you don't understand us now. Then on the day when the Lord Jesus returns, you will be proud of us in the same way we are proud of you.

2 Corinthians 1 verses

2 Corinthians 1 14 Meaning

This verse explains that just as the Corinthians have partially understood Paul and his fellow ministers, they will come to fully understand them, recognizing them as their spiritual joy and cause for boasting in Christ. In return, Paul and his co-workers similarly consider the Corinthians as their spiritual joy and boast, a relationship that will culminate in mutual vindication and rejoicing on the Day of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1 14 Context

2 Corinthians 1:14 stands within Paul's fervent defense of his apostolic integrity and sincere conduct, especially in light of accusations and misunderstandings in Corinth. Preceding this verse, Paul addresses criticisms about his change of travel plans, which some interpreted as instability or insincerity. He emphasizes his trustworthiness and consistency (v. 13), stating that he writes nothing other than what they can plainly read and understand. Verse 14 builds upon this, asserting his hope that their current partial understanding of him and his motives will become full. This "full understanding" includes acknowledging that Paul and his team are a legitimate cause for the Corinthians' spiritual joy and boasting. Conversely, Paul holds the same mutual expectation, viewing the Corinthians as his own boast. This relationship of mutual spiritual pride and affirmation is anchored in the future, the "Day of our Lord Jesus," when all will be revealed and judged, thus vindicating both Paul's ministry and the Corinthians' faith. The historical context includes Paul defending his authority against detractors and aiming to restore their fractured relationship.

2 Corinthians 1 14 Word analysis

• as (καθώς - kathōs): Functions as a comparative particle, meaning "just as," "even as," or "according as." It sets up a parallel, implying that their growing understanding will align with an expected reality or previous observation.
• you (ὑμεῖς - humeis): The plural personal pronoun, directly addressing the Corinthian believers, emphasizing their role and agency in the act of understanding and future recognition.
• also (καὶ - kai): "Also" here underscores reciprocity and extension, implying a corresponding action or state for the Corinthians parallel to something else or indicating inclusion alongside others.
• have understood (ἐπέγνωτε - epegnotē): Aorist indicative of epiginosko. This word means to "know fully," "acknowledge thoroughly," or "come to a complete knowledge." It suggests a more profound, experiential, and accurate knowledge than ginosko (to know) and implies that some initial understanding already existed. It’s an active and personal recognition.
• us (ἡμᾶς - hēmas): Referring to Paul and his ministerial companions (e.g., Timothy mentioned in v.1, Silvanus and Timothy in 1 Thes 1:1, etc.). It signifies the collective apostolic witness and leadership.
• in part (ἀπὸ μέρους - apo merous): "From a part" or "partially." This crucial phrase indicates the current state of their understanding: it is incomplete, limited, or not yet fully realized. It suggests that there were aspects of Paul's ministry or character that the Corinthians still questioned or did not grasp.
• that (ὅτι - hoti): A conjunction introducing the content of what the Corinthians have understood.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Paul and his companions.
• are (ἐσμεν - esmen): Simple present indicative of "to be," affirming a state of existence or identity.
• your boast (καύχημα ὑμῶν - kauchēma hymōn): Kauchēma (boast, ground of boasting, object of boasting) here signifies a legitimate source of pride or joy. For Paul to be their "boast" means he and his ministry are a source of genuine commendation and rejoicing for the Corinthians, validated by God's work through him in their lives. It's not boasting in human strength but in divine grace manifesting through them.
• even as (καθὼς καὶ - kathōs kai): Again, a strong comparative phrase, establishing a clear parallel and mutuality. It reiterates "just as," emphasizing a reciprocal relationship.
• you (ὑμεῖς - humeis): The Corinthians, again.
• also (καὶ - kai): Again, emphasizes the reciprocal nature.
• are (ἐστέ - este): Simple present indicative of "to be," affirming their identity.
• ours (ἡμῶν - hēmōn): Possessive pronoun, indicating that the Corinthians are similarly a source of joy, pride, and commendation for Paul and his co-workers.
• in (ἐν - en): Indicates the sphere, time, or context within which this mutual boasting will fully materialize.
• the Day (τῇ ἡμέρᾳ - tē hēmera): Refers to a specific, significant future day. In biblical prophecy, this generally points to the "Day of the Lord."
• of our Lord Jesus (τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ - tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou): Qualifies "the Day," specifying it as the time of Christ's second coming, judgment, and the full revelation of His kingdom, when all truth will be unveiled and actions judged.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• as you also have understood us in part: This phrase sets the current condition of the Corinthian's comprehension. It acknowledges that they do have some understanding of Paul and his ministry, but critically, it is not complete. "In part" highlights the limitations of their present perspective, possibly due to misinformation, doubt, or immaturity.
• that we are your boast: This describes the core truth that Paul wants them to grasp fully. His hope is that the Corinthians will come to see his ministry and his very presence among them not as a source of contention or doubt, but as a genuine reason for spiritual joy and pride, recognized as God's work through him.
• even as you also are ours: This crucial reciprocal clause establishes the mutuality of the spiritual relationship. Just as Paul hopes to be their boast, they are already (and will be fully) his boast. This demonstrates the deep, parental-like affection and joy Paul derives from their faith and existence in Christ. It's a statement of relational belonging and spiritual fruit.
• in the Day of our Lord Jesus: This specifies the eschatological context and ultimate culmination of this mutual understanding and boasting. It points to Christ's return, when all hidden things will be revealed, ministries will be judged and rewarded, and true spiritual connections will be fully affirmed and celebrated in the presence of the Lord. This divine future event validates both Paul's sincerity and their genuine faith.

2 Corinthians 1 14 Bonus section

The concept of "boasting" (καύχημα, kauchēma) is key here. In ancient Greek culture, boasting was often about self-exaltation. However, in Paul's letters, the true Christian "boast" is always in the Lord or in what God has done (cf. 1 Cor 1:31). Here, when Paul refers to being each other's "boast," it is not about human pride in an earthly sense, but a recognition of God's work in and through each other. Paul sees the Corinthians as living testimonies to his divinely ordained ministry, while the Corinthians, once fully discerning, will see Paul's authenticity and faithfulness as a reason for praise to God, because God's grace manifested through Paul brought them salvation. This verse underscores the deep relational bond between minister and flock, anticipating a celebratory reunion and affirmation in the eschatological future. It also speaks to Paul's pastoral heart, longing for not just the Corinthians' salvation, but their complete understanding and affirmation of his God-given role among them, leading to a glorious mutual joy before Christ.

2 Corinthians 1 14 Commentary

2 Corinthians 1:14 highlights the deep, reciprocal relationship between an apostle and the church he ministered to, centered on their mutual joy and future vindication in Christ. Paul states his confidence that the Corinthians, despite their current partial understanding and lingering doubts about his sincerity and intentions, will one day grasp the full truth of his ministry and person. When that happens, they will acknowledge him and his fellow workers as a legitimate source of boast, a joy rooted not in human performance but in God's saving work manifested through them. This spiritual boasting is reciprocated: the Corinthians are likewise Paul's boast, his crown of joy and hope. The culmination of this mutual recognition is not in this present age but on the "Day of our Lord Jesus," the ultimate day of Christ's return, judgment, and glorification. On that day, both the faithfulness of the apostle's service and the genuine salvation of the believers will be publicly affirmed and glorified. This provides an eschatological lens to present challenges, transforming present struggles into future hope and affirmation, establishing that their spiritual bond will stand the test of time and judgment.