2 Corinthians 10:17 kjv
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:17 nkjv
But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
2 Corinthians 10:17 niv
But, "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
2 Corinthians 10:17 esv
"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
2 Corinthians 10:17 nlt
As the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD."
2 Corinthians 10 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor. 1:31 | "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." | Echoes the primary instruction. |
| Jer. 9:23-24 | "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts, boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness on the earth." | Emphasizes boasting in knowledge of God. |
| Ps. 34:2 | "My soul will make its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad." | Connects boasting with humility. |
| Gal. 6:14 | "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." | Boasting limited to Christ's work. |
| 2 Cor. 11:30 | "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." | Demonstrates a specific way to boast in the Lord through vulnerability. |
| 2 Cor. 11:18 | "Since many boast of worldly things, I will boast of them, too." | Sets up the contrast and the core principle. |
| Ps. 44:8 | "In God we praise all day long and will continue to give thanks to your name." | Perpetual praise and boasting in God. |
| Isa. 45:24-25 | "Out of him shall come righteousness and strength; to him shall come all that contend against him. In the LORD shall all the offspring of Israel be justified and shall glory." | Justification and glory found in the Lord. |
| Rom. 2:29 | "...but a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by letters. His praise is not from man but from God." | True praise and glory are divinely recognized. |
| 1 Sam. 2:10 | "The LORD will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed." | God's exalting of His chosen. |
| 2 Chron. 32:15 | "Now therefore, let Hezekiah not deceive you or mislead you in this way, nor believe him. For no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my predecessors. How much less shall your God deliver you out of my hand?" | False gods are unable to deliver; true boasting is in the LORD. |
| Phil. 3:3 | "For we are the true circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh." | Confidence and glory are in Christ, not the flesh. |
| John 3:27 | "John answered, 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.'" | All true ability comes from above. |
| 1 Cor. 4:7 | "For who makes you different from anyone else? And what do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" | Reiteration of dependence on God for all gifts. |
| Ps. 73:25-26 | "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." | The ultimate object of desire and reliance. |
| Prov. 27:1-2 | "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips." | Wisdom against self-praise, aligning with boasting in God. |
| Hab. 3:17-18 | "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, though the produce of the olive fall short, and the fields yield no food, though the flocks be driven from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." | Boasting in God amidst adversity. |
| Ps. 105:3 | "Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice." | Exhortation to rejoice and glory in God. |
| Luke 10:20 | "Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." | True joy and basis for boasting in spiritual blessings from God. |
| 1 Peter 5:5 | "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." | Humility is closely linked to proper boasting. |
2 Corinthians 10 verses
2 Corinthians 10 17 Meaning
Those who boast should always boast in the Lord. True glory originates not from human achievements but from the Lord's work and power.
2 Corinthians 10 17 Context
This verse comes at the conclusion of a passionate defense by Paul against his critics in Corinth. These critics had questioned his authority and qualifications as an apostle, likely employing worldly standards of eloquence and personal appeal. Paul contrasts their boasting in outward appearances and achievements with his own ministry, which he grounds in God's power and divine calling. He has been setting forth a paradigm shift, where true strength is found in weakness and genuine authority is demonstrated through Christ's work. This specific verse serves as the culminating exhortation, directing the Corinthians (and all believers) to anchor their confidence and ultimate praise not in their own abilities or the accomplishments of their favored leaders, but solely in the Lord. The immediate preceding verses deal with Paul's strategy of spiritual warfare and the power of God in dismantling opposing arguments.
2 Corinthians 10 17 Word analysis
- Ὥστε (Hōste): Thus, so, therefore. A particle of consequence, connecting what follows to what has preceded.
- οἱ και (hoi kai): and those who. Connects "those who boast" as a specific group being addressed.
- καυχώμενοι (kauchomenoi): boasting, glorying (present passive participle from καυχάομαι, kauchaomai). Continual action of boasting.
- ἐν Κυρίῳ (en Kyriō): in the Lord. The preposition "en" denotes "in" or "by," indicating the sphere or source of the boasting. "Kyrio" is the dative case of Κύριος (Kyrios), meaning Lord, Master. This is the absolute sphere of true glory.
- καυχάσθωσαν (kauchastōsan): let them boast (3rd person plural present imperative from καυχάομαι, kauchaomai). A command, an exhortation directed at the plural subject. The imperative stresses that this is not a suggestion but an authoritative directive.
words-group by words-group analysis
- "Ὥστε οἱ καυχώμενοι, καυχάσθωσαν ἐν Κυρίῳ": "Therefore, let those who boast, boast in the Lord." This construction sets up a normative principle for boasting. It is not a prohibition of boasting itself, but a redirection of its object. The implied contrast is with boasting in oneself, one's accomplishments, or in human wisdom.
2 Corinthians 10 17 Bonus section
This verse powerfully summarizes the New Testament ethical teaching on humility and reliance on God. It’s the culmination of Paul’s argument for genuine apostolic authority, which he demonstrates not by self-promotion but by illustrating God's power operating through his weakness and suffering. The phrase "in the Lord" signifies that boasting finds its legitimate sphere and worthy object in God Himself – His character, His redemptive acts, His power, and His promises. It’s a theological grounding for all spiritual activities, from worship and service to testimony and praise. This emphasis directly counters any form of arrogance or self-sufficiency that would seek glory apart from God. It also stands as a critique against the pride inherent in focusing on worldly standards of success, whether intellectual, material, or oratorical, which were likely criteria employed by Paul's detractors. The instruction is not to refrain from rejoicing, but to ensure that the object of rejoicing is always God.
2 Corinthians 10 17 Commentary
Paul's instruction to boast "in the Lord" is pivotal. It redefines the very nature of spiritual strength and authority. True boasting is not a declaration of personal merit or ability, but a testimony to God's work in and through a person. This perspective liberates believers from the pressure of achieving worldly recognition, encouraging them instead to find their identity and purpose in Christ. It means acknowledging that any skill, gift, or success is ultimately from God. This principle encourages humility and dependence on God, shifting the focus from self to the divine source of all good. When difficulties arise, believers can still boast in the Lord because their standing is not based on circumstances but on God's unchanging nature and promises. It calls for a radical reorientation of values and priorities, valuing spiritual realities over earthly ones.
- When facing challenges, remember God's strength is sufficient, so "boast in the Lord."
- When achieving success, attribute it to God's grace and power, thus "boasting in the Lord."
- In weakness, boast in the Lord's sustaining power rather than your own perceived lack of ability.