2 Corinthians 10 15

2 Corinthians 10:15 kjv

Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

2 Corinthians 10:15 nkjv

not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,

2 Corinthians 10:15 niv

Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,

2 Corinthians 10:15 esv

We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged,

2 Corinthians 10:15 nlt

Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended.

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 15 Meaning

Paul articulates a principle of legitimate ministry, asserting that he does not boast about accomplishments achieved outside his divinely assigned sphere of work or take credit for the labors of others. Instead, his hope is that as the Corinthian believers' faith matures and increases, his own God-given ministry among them will be expanded considerably, allowing him to further propagate the gospel in accordance with his specific apostolic commission. This reflects a commitment to spiritual integrity and an aversion to vainglory based on another's foundation.

2 Corinthians 10 15 Context

Chapter 10 begins Paul's defense of his apostolic authority against rival teachers who boasted in their outward appearance, eloquent speech, and carnal methods, implying Paul was weak or inconsistent. These rivals likely ridiculed Paul's humble demeanor in person compared to his powerful letters. Paul asserts his spiritual warfare, reminding the Corinthians that his weapons are not carnal but divine, tearing down strongholds of human pride and opposing arguments (v. 3-5). He states his readiness to punish disobedience (v. 6), challenging them to discern true authority not by appearance, but by Christ (v. 7). Paul contrasts the "measure" (metron) and "rule" (kanon) of God's assignment to him with the rivals' boasting beyond their sphere, specifically accusing them of taking credit for his foundational work at Corinth. This verse specifically highlights his ethical boundaries and the genuine spiritual basis for any ministry expansion.

2 Corinthians 10 15 Word analysis

• not boasting (μὴ καυχώμενοι - mē kauchōmenoi): Paul makes a strong negation, emphasizing his rejection of a specific type of glory. The verb kauchaomai means "to glory," "to exult," or "to boast." In Pauline usage, it often carries a negative connotation when directed at self or human accomplishments (e.g., in the flesh), contrasting with legitimate boasting in the Lord (1 Cor 1:31). Here, it explicitly criticizes the rivals' behavior of claiming credit for what they didn't do.
• of things without our measure (εἰς τὰ ἄμετρα - eis ta ametra or εἰς τὰ μὴ μέτρα - eis ta mē metra): This phrase highlights a disregard for divinely assigned limits. Ametra means "immeasurable" or "unbounded," while mē metra means "not [within] our measure" or "beyond [our] measure." Regardless of textual variation, the core idea is acting beyond one's proper, allotted sphere. Metron signifies a defined portion, boundary, or sphere of responsibility, usually understood as divinely appointed for ministry. Paul's rivals operated outside their proper measure.
• that is, of other men's labours (ἐν ἀλλοτρίοις κόποις - en allotriois kopois): This is a direct explanation of "things without our measure." Paul specifies that "things without our measure" refers to claiming the results of someone else's "labour." Kopos implies strenuous, exhaustive effort, hard work, often to the point of fatigue and trouble. It underscores the toil and sweat put in by others, which the rivals were co-opting. Paul is highlighting their indolence and deceit.
• but having hope (ἀλλὰ ἐλπίδα ἔχοντες - alla elpida echontes): This phrase signals a positive turn and a contrast to the preceding negative behavior. Paul’s hope is rooted in God's faithfulness and the spiritual progress of the Corinthians, not in self-promotion.
• when your faith is increased (αὐξανομένης τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν - auxanomenēs tēs pisteōs hymōn): Paul links the expansion of his legitimate ministry to the spiritual growth of the Corinthian church. Auxanomenēs is a present participle, indicating a continuous or ongoing increase and maturation of their faith. Their spiritual health is the necessary precursor for Paul's further outreach.
• that we shall be enlarged (μεγαλυνθῆναι - megalynthēnai): To be magnified or made great. Here, it refers to the expansion of Paul’s gospel ministry, not in ego, but in its geographical and influential reach. It means greater scope and impact, a deeper presence among them and beyond.
• by you (ἐν ὑμῖν - en hymin): The growth and maturity of the Corinthians directly facilitate this enlargement. Their increasing faith and subsequent support will enable Paul to preach to new regions. It implies partnership and fruitfulness through mutual spiritual connection.
• according to our rule (κατὰ τὸν κανόνα ἡμῶν - kata ton kanona hēmōn): This is a pivotal term. Kanon means a "rule," "standard," "boundary," or "sphere of activity." It's Paul’s divine commission and assigned field of operation (primarily the Gentile world). The enlargement is not indiscriminate but precisely within his established and God-given sphere, emphasizing his legitimacy.
• abundantly (εἰς περισσείαν - eis perisseian): To the point of abundance, exuberance, or overflowing measure. The enlargement of his ministry will be extensive and fruitful, going far beyond minimal success, as a result of the Corinthians' spiritual growth within Paul's God-appointed domain.

• not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours: This grouping defines illegitimate boasting. It exposes those who trespass beyond their divinely appointed roles and claim credit for the hard-earned efforts and results of others. This was a direct accusation against the false apostles in Corinth who sought to diminish Paul while capitalizing on the church he founded. Paul's integrity demands a clear distinction between genuine, self-initiated ministry and parasitical appropriation of another's fruit.
• but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you: This highlights Paul's healthy perspective on ministry expansion. It's not driven by ambition but by hope anchored in the genuine spiritual growth of the believers he served. Their spiritual increase directly empowers his, revealing a symbiotic relationship. Paul's growth in ministry scope is contingent upon the church's internal growth.
• according to our rule abundantly: This phrase underscores Paul's commitment to operating within God-given boundaries. His anticipated expansion is not an opportunistic venture into unassigned territories but a profound and overflowing increase of influence and outreach within the legitimate sphere God had assigned him, most notably to the Gentiles, using Corinth as a base. The "abundance" signifies immense fruitfulness within that established framework.

2 Corinthians 10 15 Bonus section

Paul's argument implicitly condemns a common human tendency to "reap where one has not sown" or to diminish others' genuine efforts to elevate oneself. The "kanon" (rule/sphere) represents not merely a geographical boundary but a specific divine assignment and gifting, aligning with Paul's call as the apostle to the Gentiles. This highlights the importance of individual calling and working faithfully within one's entrusted capacity. The expansion Paul anticipates ("enlarged...abundantly") signifies more than just physical travel; it means deeper influence and greater effectiveness, resulting in more people coming to faith. His vision extends beyond Corinth to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named (2 Cor 10:16), making the Corinthians' growth crucial for the fulfillment of that wider mission.

2 Corinthians 10 15 Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 10:15, Paul draws a sharp contrast between his legitimate, God-appointed ministry and the practices of his rivals in Corinth. He emphatically denies boasting about work he hasn't personally accomplished or venturing beyond his God-given sphere of evangelism. His "measure" and "rule" refer to the divine boundaries of his apostolic commission, primarily focused on the unevangelized Gentile world, of which Corinth was a part. The false apostles, conversely, invaded Paul's established territory and claimed credit for the foundations he laid (i.e., "other men's labors"). Paul’s vision for enlargement is entirely dependent on the spiritual maturity of the Corinthian church. As their faith grows, they become more robust partners and a stronger base, enabling Paul to extend his specific gospel mandate even more effectively and abundantly, further afield, but still within his God-assigned domain. This verse encapsulates principles of ministerial integrity, respect for others' work, and a dependency on God and the growth of His people for true gospel expansion.