2 Corinthians 10 13

2 Corinthians 10:13 kjv

But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

2 Corinthians 10:13 nkjv

We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us?a sphere which especially includes you.

2 Corinthians 10:13 niv

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.

2 Corinthians 10:13 esv

But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.

2 Corinthians 10:13 nlt

We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you.

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 13 Meaning

This verse is about healthy boasting and legitimate spiritual authority. It distinguishes between boasting in oneself, which is illegitimate, and boasting in the Lord, which is authorized. The apostle Paul establishes boundaries for his ministry and claims of authority, stating that their boasting should be according to the rule or standard God has appointed and that this standard extends to them, not going beyond what God has assigned as their field of service and authority.

2 Corinthians 10 13 Context

This verse is part of a larger section in 2 Corinthians (chapters 10-13) where Paul addresses false apostles and defends his own ministry against their criticisms. These adversaries were likely boasting about their own achievements, perhaps emphasizing outward appearances and human qualifications, while subtly undermining Paul's apostolic authority. Paul’s defense is characterized by a principle of “measured” or “tempered” boasting, which is to be done within the legitimate sphere God has allocated to him, and ultimately, not in himself but in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 10 13 Word analysis

• “we” (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): First-person plural pronoun, referring to Paul and his companions (Silas and Timothy in the opening of the letter). This emphasizes a collective ministry.

• “do not venture” (οὐ τολμῶμεν - ou tolmōmen): Present tense verb, indicating a continued and ongoing refusal or unwillingness. It's stronger than simply not doing something; it signifies a lack of courage or permission to act in a certain way.

• “make ourselves” (ἑαυτοὺς συνιστάνειν - heautous synistanien): Literally "to commend ourselves" or "to present ourselves." This refers to the act of endorsing or validating oneself, often through boasting.

• “of the number” (εἰς τοὺς ἴσους - eis tous isous): Literally "among the equals" or "with those who are equal." It suggests comparison with other so-called leaders or apostles, placing oneself within their rank.

• “or” (ἤ - ē): A conjunction introducing an alternative, implying either comparing oneself to others or commending oneself to oneself.

• “compare” (συνακρίνειν - synakrinein): To compare oneself, to measure oneself against others.

• “ourselves” (ἑαυτοὺς - heautous): Reflexive pronoun, reinforcing the idea of self-reference in boasting or comparison.

• “with some” (τινες - tines): Indefinite pronoun, referring to certain individuals, likely the false apostles Paul is contending with.

• “who commend” (συνιστάντων - synistanontōn): Present participle, emphasizing the ongoing action of commending themselves. This refers back to the false apostles’ behavior.

• “themselves” (ἑαυτούς - heautous): Reflexive pronoun, again pointing to self-commendation.

• “But” (δὲ - de): Adversative conjunction, signaling a shift or contrast.

• “we will not” (οὐ μὴ - ou mē): A strong double negative in the Greek, expressing a resolute prohibition or strong refusal.

• “boast” (καυχήσομεν - kauchēsōmen): Future tense verb of καυχάομαι (kauchaomai). To boast, to glory, to exult.

• “according to” (εἰς - eis): Preposition indicating measure, extent, or rule.

• “a rule” (κανόνος - kanonos): A measuring rod, a standard, a criterion, or an authoritative measure. This is the basis for legitimate boasting in ministry.

• “or” (εἰ - ei): A conditional particle, "if" or "whether."

• “measure” (μέτρον - metron): A measure, a boundary, a standard.

• “which” (οὗ - hou): Genitive relative pronoun, referring back to "measure" or "rule."

• “God” (θεὸς - theos): God.

• “has appointed” (ἔταξεν - etaxen): Aorist tense verb of τάσσω (tasso). To order, appoint, arrange, assign.

• “to us” (ἡμῖν - hēmin): Dative pronoun, indicating to whom the measure or boundary was appointed.

• “a measure” (μέτρον - metron): The appointed sphere or extent of work.

• “were extended” (ἐπετάσθη - epetasthē): Aorist passive verb of ἐπιτάσσω (epitasso). To be appointed over, extended to. This emphasizes that the sphere of their apostolic activity was assigned by God.

• Groups of Words/Phrases:

  • “venture ourselves… or compare ourselves”: This highlights the self-serving nature of the false apostles' claims. Paul contrasts this with his own integrity.
  • “boast according to a rule/measure”: This establishes a divinely sanctioned boundary for ministry and testimony. It’s not unrestrained boasting but within God’s appointed limits.
  • “which God has appointed to us a measure”: This signifies that the scope and authority of Paul’s ministry were divinely allocated and not self-conferred or overextended.

2 Corinthians 10 13 Bonus Section

The concept of a "measure" (Gk. metron) assigned by God is significant. It suggests divine delegation and specific territories for ministry, preventing the overlap or usurpation of another’s divinely appointed work. This concept is seen in other Pauline writings, like Romans 15:20 where Paul states he aimed "to preach the gospel, not where Christ had already been named, lest I build on another man's foundation." It underscores a respect for God's ordering of the spiritual economy. The false apostles were likely operating outside their assigned "measure," encroaching on Paul's territory or authority.

2 Corinthians 10 13 Commentary

Paul insists on a legitimate basis for any commendation or boasting. He and his associates do not self-aggrandize or seek to measure themselves against their detractors. Their claims are bound by a divine standard, a sphere of service and authority designated by God. This “rule” or “measure” is not about personal superiority but about fidelity to God’s specific assignment for their ministry. Boasting is only acceptable when it is within the boundaries God has set for their work and when it reflects God's accomplished work through them, not their own efforts in isolation. This upholds the principle that all spiritual authority and accomplishments originate from and are directed toward God.