2 Corinthians 10:16 kjv
To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
2 Corinthians 10:16 nkjv
to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment.
2 Corinthians 10:16 niv
so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory.
2 Corinthians 10:16 esv
so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence.
2 Corinthians 10:16 nlt
Then we will be able to go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else's territory.
2 Corinthians 10 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 10:15 | ...so that when Christ returns, our boasting will be justified in you. | Continuation of Paul's thought |
| 2 Cor 10:14 | ...we are overextending ourselves, as you have been from your words. | Contrast with overstepping |
| Rom 15:20 | Indeed, my ambition is to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named. | Paul's missionary strategy |
| Acts 1:8 | But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you... | Commission to preach |
| Mark 16:15 | Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. | Great Commission |
| Luke 24:47 | ...and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name... | Gospel proclamation |
| Acts 26:17 | I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. | Paul's calling |
| Rom 1:14 | I am under obligation to both Greeks and non-Greeks, wise and foolish. | Paul's responsibility |
| 1 Thess 2:18 | We wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—but Satan stopped us. | Paul's desire to visit |
| Gal 1:16 | to reveal his Son in me, so that I might preach him among the Gentiles... | Paul's apostolate |
| Eph 3:8 | To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given... | Humility of Paul |
| Col 1:24 | ...the sufferings of Christ in my flesh for his body, that is, the church. | Paul's suffering for the church |
| 1 Tim 2:7 | And for this purpose I was appointed a preacher and an apostle... | Paul's appointment |
| Titus 1:3 | ...but at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching... | Gospel's manifestation |
| Heb 13:12 | So Jesus also suffered outside the gate... | Suffering outside the camp |
| Phil 1:12 | I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really advanced the gospel. | Gospel advancement |
| Phil 2:16 | ...holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may boast... | Paul's hope |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another... | Use of gifts for ministry |
| 3 John 1:6 | ...if you send them on their way in a manner worthy of God... | Supporting missionaries |
| Ps 67:2 | that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. | God's salvation known |
| Isa 49:6 | "...It is too small a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob..." | Messiah's global mission |
| Jer 1:5 | "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." | Jeremiah's calling |
2 Corinthians 10 verses
2 Corinthians 10 16 Meaning
To preach the gospel in regions beyond your own. This is presented as an honorable and righteous goal.
2 Corinthians 10 16 Context
In 2 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul defends his apostolic authority against critics within the Corinthian church who questioned his methods and power. He uses metaphors of warfare to contrast his spiritual weapons with the worldly tactics of his opponents. Verse 16 is a conclusion to this defense, explaining his rationale for his extensive missionary efforts. His ambition is to expand the reach of the gospel, not to boast in achievements already established by others, but to sow the seeds of faith in new territories.
2 Corinthians 10 16 Word Analysis
- εἰς (eis): into, to, unto. Indicates direction or destination.
- ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ (hyperekperissou): exceeding abundantly, more than exceedingly. Emphasizes the exceptional and surpassing nature of the evangelization.
- εὐαγγελίσασθαι (euangelisasthai): to evangelize, to preach the good news. The core action of spreading the gospel.
- ὑμᾶς (humas): you (plural). Referring to the Corinthians.
- εἰς (eis): into, to, unto. Reinforces the idea of moving into new areas.
- τὰ (ta): the (neuter plural definite article).
- ἐπάρχοντα (eparchonta): territories, provinces. Refers to geographical areas or jurisdictions. (From ἐπαρχία - eparchia, a province or district). This points to a territorial concept of ministry.
- ἄλλου (allou): another, of another. Denotes a territory belonging to someone else or not yet evangelized by Paul's ministry.
- ὥστε (hoste): so that, with the result that. Indicates consequence or purpose.
- καυχάσθαι (kauchastai): to boast, to glory. Refers to taking pride in one's work or accomplishments.
- ὑμῖν (humin): in you (plural). The focus of Paul's boasting is directed towards the results seen in the Corinthians.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- εἰς ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ εὐαγγελίσασθαι: To evangelize exceedingly abundantly, highlighting a prolific and expansive missionary zeal.
- εἰς τὰ ἐπάρχοντα ἄλλου: Into another's territories, signifying Paul's deliberate strategy to avoid preempting the work of other missionaries and to reach unreached areas.
- ὥστε καυχάσθαι ὑμῖν: So that I may boast in you, linking his evangelistic outreach to the growth and spiritual maturity of those he ministers to, as their success is a reflection of God's work through him.
2 Corinthians 10 16 Bonus Section
This verse reflects a principled approach to missions. Paul emphasizes spiritual legitimacy over territorial claims or the usurpation of another's labor. His mission was characterized by seeking out the unreached and planting the seed of the gospel. This outward-focused evangelism was fueled by a desire for Christ to be glorified through the salvation of many, with the evidence of his ministry in places like Corinth serving as a testament to God's power working through him. The idea of "boasting in you" (v. 16) is intrinsically linked to the effectiveness and purity of the gospel preached. It is not self-congratulation but a sharing in the spiritual harvest.
2 Corinthians 10 16 Commentary
Paul's stated aim is to extend the reach of the gospel beyond established boundaries. He desires to evangelize "other people's territories," not to compete or to take credit for what others have done, but to bring the message of Christ to those who have not yet heard it. This aligns with his mission as an apostle to the Gentiles. His motivation is to avoid boasting in areas where Christ has already been named, but rather to sow in new ground, allowing the Corinthians to benefit from and support the expansion of the gospel. His ultimate "boasting" would be in the flourishing faith of those reached through his extended efforts, including the Corinthians. This underscores a selfless, expansionist missionary ethos.