2 Corinthians 1:24 kjv

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

2 Corinthians 1:24 nkjv

Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

2 Corinthians 1:24 niv

Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.

2 Corinthians 1:24 esv

Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.

2 Corinthians 1:24 nlt

But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.

2 Corinthians 1 verses

2 Corinthians 1 24 Meaning

Paul clarifies the nature of his apostolic authority and relationship with the Corinthian believers. He asserts that his role is not to control or dominate their personal faith, but rather to partner with them, contributing to their spiritual joy. This is because their stability and steadfastness in Christ are fundamentally rooted in their own individual faith, not in the external control or dictates of human leaders.

2 Corinthians 1 24 Context

This verse is found within Paul's opening defense and explanation to the Corinthian church. The preceding verses (2 Cor 1:15-23) reveal that Paul's travel plans to visit Corinth had changed, leading some in the church to accuse him of being fickle, unreliable, or not genuinely committed to them. Paul firmly defends his consistency and truthfulness, grounding it in God's faithfulness (verse 20). In 2 Corinthians 1:24, he addresses a deeper concern regarding the nature of his apostolic authority. He reassures them that his leadership is not about control over their individual faith, but about a shared pursuit of their spiritual well-being and joy. He makes it clear that their standing in Christ depends on their own faith, not on his ability to manipulate or dominate them. This clarification helps rebuild trust and affirm their spiritual autonomy under Christ.

2 Corinthians 1 24 Word analysis

• Not that we lord it over (οὐχ ὅτι κυριεύομεν hymōn):

  • οὐχ (ouch): "not," a strong negative particle.
  • ὅτι (hoti): "that," introducing the content of the disclaimer.
  • κυριεύομεν (kyrieuomen): from κυριεύω (kyrieuō), meaning "to be lord over," "to rule," "to dominate," "to exercise authority over," or "to control." Used in contexts of political rule or master-slave relationships. Paul explicitly denies this kind of autocratic control over their faith. This highlights his view of true spiritual authority as service, not dominion. He's differentiating Christian leadership from oppressive, manipulative forms seen in worldly systems or even cults of the time.

• your faith (hymōn tēs pisteōs):

  • hymōn: "your" (plural possessive). This emphasizes the Corinthians' individual and collective faith.
  • πίστις (pistis): "faith," "trust," "belief," "faithfulness." Paul clarifies that faith is a personal response and commitment to God. It is not something to be commanded or dictated by a human leader. Spiritual leadership builds up and encourages faith, it does not coerce it. Paul respects their spiritual autonomy and direct relationship with God.

• but are fellow workers (allá synergoi esmen):

  • allá (allá): "but," a strong contrast indicating Paul's true role.
  • συνεργοί (synergoi): "fellow workers," "co-laborers," "partners." From σύν (syn - with) and ἔργον (ergon - work). This term is frequently used by Paul to describe those who collaborate with him in ministry (e.g., Rom 16:3, 9, 21; Phil 2:25). It implies cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared purpose rather than a hierarchical structure of command and obedience. It stresses partnership over patronage.

• for your joy (tēs charas hymōn):

  • χάρα (chara): "joy," "delight," "gladness." A key fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) and a sign of spiritual health and God's presence. Paul's goal is to see them filled with genuine, spiritual joy, which stems from their confident standing in Christ and healthy relationship with God, not from conformity to external pressure. His ministry aims to produce and promote this internal gladness, not control their minds or beliefs. This is a nurturing role, contributing to their spiritual flourishing.

• for by faith (tē gar pistei):

  • gar (gar): "for," "because," indicating the reason or explanation for the preceding statement.
  • tē pistei: "by faith" (dative case). Reinforces that their faith is the means or instrument by which they are sustained. This refers back to the same pistis previously mentioned, underscoring its pivotal role.

• you stand firm (hestēkate):

  • ἑστήκατε (hestēkate): Perfect active indicative of ἵστημι (histēmi), "to stand," "to stand firm," "to be steadfast." The perfect tense indicates a present state resulting from a past action—they have taken their stand and continue to stand firm. This highlights their spiritual stability, endurance, and perseverance in Christ. Their secure position is due to their ongoing personal faith in God, not reliant on Paul's authority or presence. This underscores the individual responsibility and direct relationship each believer has with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 1 24 Bonus section

Paul’s distinction in 2 Corinthians 1:24 is not merely about authority; it reveals a core aspect of his theology regarding the source of the Christian's standing. He believes that standing firm (i.e., steadfastness, perseverance in the truth of the Gospel, remaining faithful to Christ) comes from within the believer through their active faith, not from external pressure or the charismatic influence of an apostle. This principle safeguards against personality cults and manipulative religious practices. Furthermore, Paul's commitment to "your joy" demonstrates that the outcome of true spiritual leadership should be a flourishing and positive emotional and spiritual state for the congregants. It implies that genuine spiritual health includes joy, and apostles serve to enhance that, not suppress it through fear or control.

2 Corinthians 1 24 Commentary

Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 1:24 offers a profound articulation of servant leadership in the Christian context, sharply contrasting with worldly power dynamics. He emphatically distances himself from any attempt to "lord it over" the faith of believers, which would imply coercion or dictatorial control over their innermost convictions. Instead, he defines his role as a "fellow worker," underscoring partnership and cooperation rather than hierarchical dominance. The ultimate aim of this collaboration is "your joy," highlighting that genuine spiritual leadership seeks to foster the spiritual flourishing and inner gladness of others, a joy that is a fruit of their personal faith and right standing with God. The concluding phrase, "for by faith you stand firm," grounds their stability directly in their individual trust in God, not in any human leader's external command. This verse powerfully champions the believer's direct relationship with God, their spiritual autonomy in matters of faith, and the nurturing, joy-centered nature of authentic Christian leadership.